Birth story: Second time water birth
Birth Story
If you would like to share your birth story—get in touch
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Two weeks before my due date I was truly ready to give birth. My body had had enough: I had severe Pelvic
Girdle Pain and sciatica down both sides. I ached and creaked and could not play with my two year old on the
floor as she wanted. I had to sit up in bed in order to turn over at night.
I hurt so much. I wished baby number two would arrive early. But it wasn't to be. My due date came and
went. Three days later I woke up at 7am with period pains. I had never been so pleased to find my body in
pain! I carried on with my day in the normal way, only stopping every ten or so minutes to breathe through the
shooting pains that lasted about 30 seconds.
By 6pm the pains were severe and lasting 40 seconds but they were not regular. I knew if I went into the hospital assessment unit they would just send me home as they had done two years before. My first labour lasted
3 days so I didn't feel I needed to be in any rush at all!
We ate our dinner and I put my little one to bed, trying to disguise the contractions so as not to worry her.
When I came downstairs my husband said he thought we had better go to the hospital; I reminded him that my
contractions weren't regular and told him I would ring up once I had sat down and watched X Factor!! 9.10pm arrived and as I had been sitting down my contractions had regulated.
At this point I was 4 to 5 minutes apart lasting 50 seconds. I was managing to control them using my breathing
techniques that I had been learning at my Daisy Birthing yoga classes. I was definitely ready and sure I wouldn't be sent home this time, so I rang the assessment unit and they told me to come in immediately.
We gathered our things together, gave Granny a shout to babysit and went to the JR. We arrived at
10.20pm and went into the assessment unit. A midwife met us and immediately rang upstairs to the Spires unit
to ensure they were ready for me. No check for me, I was definitely in full on labour!
We were met at the door by a lovely midwife who informed me that the birthing pool I had wanted was being
used and the other rooms were being upgraded. My heart sank. Mid contraction I lost it and panicked. I had a
water birth last time and really wanted one this time! The midwife in charge heard me and came to the rescue
saying the lady in the pool needed to go downstairs so the pool would be free shortly. I calmed down and went
into a side room to wait for the pool to be cleaned. They promised me they would rush! Once in the room I was
examined I was told I was 7 to 8cm dilated and so I got in the water at 11pm. As soon as my bump went into
the water I felt a huge surge of relief as the water helped to support my bump.
My husband joined me in the water and rubbed my back whilst I breathed through each contraction. It really
helped. At 11.35pm I started to feel pressure and at 11.39pm my waters went. 7 minutes later I had given birth
to a gorgeous little boy! My body went into shock due to the quick delivery but I recovered quickly thanks to the
amazing midwives. I cannot thank them enough for all they did for me. We were discharged and home
by 5.30am after a casual shower and tea and toast! We got home and went to bed. Our little girl got up and
found us in bed with a new baby brother for her. She knew nothing of my labour. We were only out of the
house 7 and a half hours after all!
I really enjoyed my second labour after my long, three day first labour! I didn't want any pain relief and managed to use my breathing coupled with the water and my husband's back rubs to get me through. I thoroughly
recommend the Spires unit at the JR. Both of my babies were born in the same birthing pool. It was fab.
If you would like to share your birth story—get in touch
[email protected]
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