My 'birth story' by Dewbien

My first pregnancy was difficult though I hoped for a relaxed water birth. I ended up with pre-eclampsia, loads of interventions and an emergency c-section. My experience in hospital was traumatising and put me off going back for number two.

When I fell pregnant a year later I was determined to enjoy it and ignored the birth until the 35th week. At that point I realised I still had lots of anxieties about hospitals and even found it difficult to sleep. I started reading around and decided I wanted a home birth. When I approached the consultant at our local hospital at 37 weeks, she said that I would be risking my life and my baby's and that no-one would support me in having a home birth. Furthermore I was to come in to the hospital at the first sign of labour, to be strapped to the monitoring machine and be prepared for IV access. I was devastated as I really couldn't face all of that unnecessary intervention. Whilst I was at my appointment with the consultant, my husband watched 'Home Birth Diaries' on TV. Before I got home he had already made phone calls to a number of independent midwives. We settled on Virginia as soon as we met her at 38 weeks. She is experienced and has an obvious passion for helping women to have the best possible birthing experience. She believes that women instinctively know how to give birth which I agree with. She also gave us a copy of Sadie's birth which was beautiful. Even though I was near the end of my pregnancy, I had lots of appointments over the next two weeks to help us get to know each other.

I was convinced that I would go over 40 weeks but the day before I was due (midnight) I started feeling mild labour pains. I dismissed them thinking they were yet more Braxton Hicks. But by 3.30am they were getting uncomfortable and I knew it was finally happening. Under 7 hours later I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in a water pool at home. I had a little gas and air but that was all. It was a beautiful experience with my family around me. My husband cut the cord and I was able to sleep in my own bed shortly afterwards.

My older son saw his brother being born & I believe that is why we have never had any trouble with jealousy. We even ended up being stars of our own Home Birth Diary!

I would definitely recommend anyone to make the investment of time and money into the birth of your child as there is nothing more important.