Has anybody had a natural birth that went perfect?

[Colleen1988]

So ive been spending my first few days of maternity leave reading through this forum, reading all the labor stories and it seems like there are no stories where things just went as expected...

It's made me feel really panicky, I'm a first time mum so I have no idea what to expect! I completely understand that you can't plan labor and you have to go with the flow but I just want to hear some stories off people who had the labour they wanted without to many complications??

Due date is 1 week and 4 days away and ive scared myself now

Xxx

 

[KHTW]

I will be following this thread!

 

[Birdo]

Hi Colleen ,

My daughter is 9 now and I had a pretty much straight forward pregnancy and a natural birth with no complications or no pain relief , I did plan a water birth but it all happened too quickly , the midwives said it was a text book birth and wished their students were there to see...

So relax and trust in yourself and your body , it will guide you ..... And there are professionals around if things don't go quite to plan ....

Here's hoping for a positive birth for you and lots of happiness.

 

[becky85]

Hi Colleen,

I’m a FTM too so also no idea what to expect but from hearing stories from friends and families, the most positive reports seem to be from people who didn’t have a really fixed plan and kept an open mind (as well as some of the other things you can do if you go into natural labour such as keeping active, relaxation etc). As you say I don’t think that you can plan it completely as you don’t know what to expect but if you can retain some control over the situation and feel like you understand and are happy with the decisions that are being made then that can help. Some of my friends seem to have had more difficult first births and ‘nicer’ second births and put that down to being more relaxed and not panicking as much about things second time round. They felt that this meant they had a more straightforward experience than when they were anxious.

I understand what you’re saying, I also know a lot of people who have had to be induced over a number of days, ended up with emergency/planned C sections, instrumental deliveries etc and it is worrying. My personal strategy is to get clued up on every horrendous eventuality so that whatever happens on the day won’t seem so bad – I realise this is a strategy that may not work for other people and I too may regret it but I think if you’re prepared then it’s easier to deal with. Also don’t feel scared to ask questions and understand why things are happening if it doesn’t go ‘to plan’. There are actually very few things that they can do to you without your consent so try and get into a position where you are confident to weigh up the pro’s and con’s of things the doctors/midwives are suggesting. Obviously if it’s an emergency then it’s an easy decision but often it isn’t and sometime waiting a bit or thinking of other options can be possible and just retaining that bit of control over the situation and slowing things down may help if it comes down to it.

Try not to worry too much and just listen to your body (says me, voice of zero experience – in a couple of weeks I’ll probably be freaking out)

XX

 

[Emerald rose]

I have had 2 natural birth with no complications and no tearing.
My 3rd i was induced but was pretty much the same as the others apart from being on a drip but the induction worked straight away and had my Lb 6 hours after having drip put in.

I've never had a birth plan apart from not wanting an epidural.

 

[Colleen1988]

I've been reading up about all things that can go wrong, not to scare myself but like you say it's just so i understand what's happening if it does happen!

I feel like im just spending my days worrying about labour, but I can't help it =/

All that really matters is that my baby is safe and I'm safe but it's all that can happen in between that that scares the life out of me!

I've been so lucky that the only thing I've had to put up with is very bad morning sickness and an abscess 2 week ago that I had to be operated on! Never had a problem with baby thanks God (touch wood)

I read other people's horrendous stories and wonder how they were so brave and how they got through it because I'm not sure I could!

The one thing I refuse to have is an epidural, if I need an emergency c section I want to be put to sleep! I have a massive phobia of needles and I know all the complications to do with epidurals because I'm a nurse and I really do not want one!

I just want my baby to come so I can stop worrying myself And enjoy being a mummy xxx

 

[Bubbles22]

My sister has had 4 natural births. 1st baby, minor tear, no stitches, the rest was fine. All with just gas and air and pethodine. ... I have a lot to live up too

 

[Colleen1988]

My sister has had 4 natural births. 1st baby, minor tear, no stitches, the rest was fine. All with just gas and air and pethodine. ... I have a lot to live up too

Haha let's hope you take after her... xxx

 

[xjdx]

This is my 4th pregnancy.

1st- I went to a consultant appointment on my due date, he went to give me a sweep and my back waters had already gone. I was 17 and didnt even know you have two sets of waters lol. I was induced, it took 12 hours and I had an epidural. That was my worst. He was 8lb 1.5oz

2nd- I was 40+4 had a sweep. Went to bed, woke up with constipation. Went to the toilet trying to have a number 2 and my waters exploded on the toilet. I ended up ringing an ambulance because he was coming that fast. Made it to hospital, wouldn't let them examine me. Jumped in the bath and had him with no gas and air. He was 8lb 2oz really easy.

3rd- 40+3- I was a bit naughty. I was fed up bouncing on my gym ball watching the 10pm repeat of eastenders with half a lager shandy. I got up to go to the toilet and my back waters went. I wasn't in pain. I went into hospital about 1.30am, with my husband and friend. I got in the pool at 4cm, which was fantastic. My waters went in the pool, I had her an hour later in the pool and she was 9lb 6.5oz, I occasionally had gas and air but the water really helped my back. It was very relaxing.
Great birth and really want a pool birth this time to xx

I've never had stitches just a couple of minor grazes xx

 

[Bubbles22]

I wish Colleen, all her babies have been between 6-6.7 pounds. Mine is already estimated at 6.9 last week with 3 weeks to go ����... So looks like different genes lol...

Labour for me... I'm not doing a birth plan. Im starting at the bottom of pain relief and working my way up. Like you, I don't want an epidural but I will see what happens. I just keep telling myself that it's going to hurt... A lot... But baby has to come out and I will get over it. Saying that, when I was contracting last Monday and rang the hospital, they told me to come over to get checked. I started shaking, like the shaking you get when in shock. Just goes to show that all the emotions are bubbling underneath the surface.

Have you tried and relaxation techniques?

 

[Louise2013]

I wanted to give you a slightly different perspective, which may read horribly at first, but I hope helps - I was massively 'prepared' (ha!) for labour and delivery; I'd been taking all the supplements, doing all the hypnobirthing and breathing techniques; I'd practised daily for months beforehand, perennial massaged several times a day to reduce the risk of tearing etc, got my TENS ready, even had aromatherapy massage oils ready for hubby to use on my back in labour...... I was 100% ready.

And then I went into labour, the sh*t hit the fan and NOTHING went as I had a) planned or b) hoped. But you know what??? It was all absolutely, 100% completely and utterly fine. I felt the same as you about the epidural beforehand, and have to say for me, it was the best thing that happened to me on the day; it was FAB! I couldn't feel it going in at all, and was totally in control of my pain for the rest of the day; I could move my legs etc and it was bliss. The complications I had with the actual delivery part were not related to the epidural; they were just the way things were; I was terrified of forceps and tearing and did literally everything I could do in advance to prevent (perennial massage, EPO supplements, even used an EPI NO trainer! Google it!) and I ended up with forceps, episiotomy and 3rd degree tearing. Again, it was all, 100%, absolutely fine; when I was in theatre being poked, prodded etc. despite things on paper sounding hairy, there was so much calm, control and just amazing support from all the midwives, obstetricians etc. Any 'trauma' from delivery was swiftly healed (I cannot emphasise enough the importance of doing your pelvic floor exercises!!) and it's only now as I approach delivery again I am scared of risking longer term damage if I had the same tearing; however, the prospect of birth/delivery itself isn't what frightens me in the slightest; having had an on-paper tough time of it first time round, I can honestly, hand on heart look back on it and say 'well, it might not have gone to plan but there was nothing to fear after all!!'

At the end of your day hun, I am a believer that when it comes to labour, like many things to do with Mummyhood, it's all down to total, and utter, luck. Things will happen the way are meant to, and my only advice would be put no pressure on yourself AT ALL about what you will/won't do. Keep an open mind. Assume nothing and remember there are no medals for doing it 'au naturel' if you feel like you're dying! No one is going to pretend that it's fun; it's not, and you must remember to be kind to yourself first and foremost rather than insist on sticking to pre-conceived ideas you may have had before you were in the throes of labour Listen to your midwife; I may have been super lucky but mine was incredible.......I will never ever forget that lady for as long as I live.

It will all be absolutely fine xxxxxxxxx

 

[xjdx]

I totally agree with Louise.

Something's are completely out of our control. But once you've been through whatever you have had to, then you have that baby's in your arms. You couldn't care less and would probably do it 10 times over because it's completely worth it xx

 

[Colleen1988]

Thanks for your replies... I think it's the waiting and wondering what's going to happen that is annoying me more... I'm an impatient person anyway so this waiting is killing me. I don't particulary have a birth plan im doing the same as you bubbles, starting at the bottom and working my way up (not to epidural though haha)

I hate not feeling in control and this is the one time in life where you have to accept that your not really in control :/

it's all so scary eeeek xxx

 

[Pin badge]

Hi lovely!

You are reaching the top of that roller coaster so are bound to feel a little anxious. Whatever happens you will be ok!
For me, I was surprised at how I coped with labour. It wasn't as bad as I had feared! I had a natural labour with no pain relief and the water birth I had hoped for. My waters broke at 6.20am and DD was born at 12.21pm so 6 hours start to finish. I laboured at home until about 10.45 and got to hospital just after 11am-I was 8cm. (Lucky I didn't stay at home much longer as I had called the labour ward 3 times and they recommended I stayed at home being a first time mum...baba didn't want to wait!)

I had hoped for a water birth as I'm allergic to codeine, diamorphine, morphine etc. It was brilliant, natural pain relief and I loved it!

I did end up with a 2nd degree tear and some stitches but it's not so bad and was healed in 3 weeks.

I'm hoping if all goes well with this pregnancy I can have a water birth at home.

I would say you have to get your head in the right place...I looked into hypnobirthing but my husband and I fell about laughing when the cd said to "breathe deep into your vagina" it just wasn't for us! (No offence to any one who swears by it...we must be immature!) Instead I decided to focus on breathing and blow the pain away with each contraction, it helped me focus and keep in control which was really important to me.

Hope a positive story helps you relax. Look forward to your birth story.Xxx

 

[Colleen1988]

Thank you hun, that's a lovely story to read... I must also be slightly immature because I don't think I know how to breathe deep in to my vagina =\ lol! I'm also hoping to be in the water! Fingers crossed! I'm going to keep reading all the positive stories and try to relax rather than reading all the horror stories! I'll leave them til after baby is here I think lol xxx

 

[Rooster30]

My natural labour was ever so so so close to a 'perfect' birth. Infact the birth was perfect (I guess, it flipping hurt )... I just had a minor issue afterwards.

Don't worry they aren't all bad

 

[Natalie_reid]

Im a first time mum also. I know things id like but my only plan really is to stay in control and take guidence and support from doctors and midwife. Since last week when I saw 2 ladies labouring in daycare I have started to over think and panick also. Ive decided to compose myself and take it as it comes and occupy my mind with cute baby things like what nappies to get etc haha. Try not to worry and take each day as it coms and try and take guidance from the professionals rather than listen to other ppl as all labours are different. Best of luck xx

 

[Pin badge]

I must also be slightly immature because I don't think I know how to breathe deep in to my vagina =\ lol!

Lol..imagine the trouble my hubby was having breathing deep into his!

 

[Colleen1988]

I must also be slightly immature because I don't think I know how to breathe deep in to my vagina =\ lol!

Lol..imagine the trouble my hubby was having breathing deep into his!

Hahaha your poor husband.... I might try this with the oh (just for the laughs)

Thanks for your replies everyone xxx

 

[Kelly450]

My birth was very straight forward.
Waters broke 3.45am. Contractions started 6am. Hospital at 12ish. 7cm and into birthing pool at 3.50pm. Baby born 4.42pm. No tears, barely any blood loss, discharged at 8.45pm and home by 10pm x