Eli’s Waterbirth
My pregnancy with Eli was a rough ride. I had bleeding early in pregnancy, an ‘irritable uterus’ meaning I had regular, sometimes painful tightenings from 20 weeks – but thankfully, no changes to my cervix. I had hyperemesis and gestational diabetes. We moved house at 33 weeks pregnant and I had a very active toddler to care for. But, thankfully my baby was very healthy and once everything settled I was able to be in the Low Risk unit with the midwives for this pregnancy too. Having done The Positive Birth Program™. I practiced my relaxation breathing and listened to my relaxation tracks regularly duiring my toddlers naps. (usually falling asleep for nap myself).
My surges did start up again, mildly through this time. The midwives were happy for us to return home if we wanted but were also happy to allow some time to see how my surges progressed. We waited a little while to see how teh surges went. I sat on the birth ball and every few minutes my husband would suggest I walk around – every time I stood up a surge would start! We played the Affirmations for Beautiful Birthing. My surges did slowly become more regular in timing, but I still felt that some were super mild, while others were more intense. I definitely didn’t think I was in active labour. But I really didn’t enjoy the car trip, so we decided to stay in the birth centre. I felt really comfortable here and the midwives were very much just leaving us to do our thing. We played the Prompts for Birthing track and I breathed through my surges comfortably.
I got out of the bath and onto the bed and awaited my placenta, had lots of skin to skin and breastfed him. My perineum was intact, no tears! After a shower and time together, our 2 year old joined us to meet his little brother, who had brought him a gift of a Duplo Bin truck. We all sat on the bed and played while waiting for all the checks to be completed and we went home in the afternoon.
My birth felt so beautiful and calm. I didn’t even thing I was in ‘established labour’ for most of it. I never had any examinations or intervention, only listening to his heart rate by doppler. It didn’t feel painful or even that difficult. It was so instinctual, no-one had to tell me what to do, everything just happened, so smoothly. The midwife told my husband it was the most beautiful birth she had seen in her 20 year career! What a compliment! And most importantly, it was a wonderful experience that I truly loved - birthing my baby.