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Real mums' and dads' birth stories
Bringing your baby into the world is an extraordinary experience and one that’s different for every parent.
As well as a sense of excitement and anticipation, you might also be feeling a little nervous, even worried, about going into labour and giving birth to your baby.
It’s only natural for you to have questions about what will happen during your labour and birth. That’s why we’re sharing some real birth stories from parents just like you so that you can start to prepare for your own journey as you get ready to meet your baby.
Parents, it’s over to you.
Was labour what they expected?
When my waters broke I was two weeks early, so it was totally unexpected. I called my midwife and went to hospital. The contractions and pain got stronger quickly and five hours later, my baby’s head was in sight! I had a powerful urge to push. I was exhausted but my body took over and did it for me. 15 minutes later Ace was born! The pain wasn’t as bad as I expected – and next time I’d like a home birth.
Arabella was two weeks late so I had to be induced. I wanted a natural birth but after 20 hours of labour I had to have an emergency caesarean because my labour wasn’t progressing. The midwives were fantastic and I knew I was in safe hands. The most memorable bit was in the theatre afterwards, when my husband did skin-to-skin with her. The smile on his face was incredible.
After five hours of contractions, I went into hospital hoping for the water birth I’d planned. But Jada’s heart rate was too high, so it didn’t happen. The breathing I’d learned at hypnobirthing really helped. And I had lots of support from my husband, Ibrahim, and my mum, so I didn’t need any pain relief. The biggest surprise for me was her weight – 8lbs 3oz!
Jenna was really strong and kept her cool. I did what I could to help her through labour but I think the hypnobirthing really helped, especially when the baby’s heartbeat was too fast and we thought she might need an emergency caesarean. The best bit was how quickly she was born. Once things got started it took just three pushes and Jada was there!
It’s all a bit of a blur now but giving birth took longer than we thought! I had a few ups and downs with pain relief not working. Then I needed an episiotomy to help get her out. Labour was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. As soon as I saw Amelie’s face all the pain disappeared. During labour I said I’d never do it again – but now I would!
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