Maria‘s Birth story

I was induced for gestational diabetes & a large baby on the 93rd centile at 38 weeks (maternal anxiety a week early with the big baby) and just assumed I would labour from myhaving my waters broken and this being my second baby. Things didn’t really happen so I started the syntocinon around 3pm. I was very nervous as I didn’t have this last time but still struggled with the contractions to the point I was vomitting with each and requested the epidural at 2cm. 

Things seemed to pick up gradually from there. I was on the highest level of hormone drip so expected things to hit me fast but it was nice and gradual. At 8pm following the staff handover I asked for an examination and was around 4-5cm but baby’s head was very low. I really wanted morphine but went for gas & air instead knowing how quickly things may change this time. Almost immediately, I started to feel pressure and around 20:30 started to involuntary push with contractions. 

At 20:49 I gave birth in an upright position, supported by the two midwives, my partner & his mum followed by a quick physiological 3rd stage. Luckily I didn’t need any stitches following and was able to shower & enjoy my little bubble. 

I never thought I’d be able to have a baby without an epidural but my labour midwife really helped me through my breathing (god send) & made me feel so safe, capable & in control. My two delivery midwives were also incredible and assured me that I absolutely was not going to die.

Following such an anxious pregnancy and losing the opportunity for my ideal low risk birth, I never thought I’d be able to have such a positive experience of induction on only entonox, breathing & a comb! I owe that to the amazing midwives. They were real life heroes and could never thank them enough for coaching me through it.