Second in the series of birth stories, we speak to Lucy about the birth of her baby Martha. I loved reading this one, thank you for sharing Lucy!
Where was your birth?– my birth was in hospital which for my first baby was what I wanted, as I had such a good experience I may go for a home birth next time.
What type of birth did you have? – I was very open minded about my birth but equally I had a very good mindset towards it. I was hoping for a natural birth but having had a few friends who had previously had terrible births and both ended in a C-section I didn’t want to put pressure on myself. When it actually happened I arrived at hospital and was 9cm, I sucked on the gas and air and threw it on the floor, just good breathing and a little shouting worked.
Strongest memory?– I will never forget arriving in the room, I was very with it so remember how it was starting to turn daylight, the radio was on and it was so calm, my midwife was amazing and so calm. She really empowered me, when I was shouting that I couldn’t do it then apologising, she kept telling me I was allowed to shout, I was doing amazing. The atmosphere was just beautiful for my daughter to enter.
Best thing in the hospital bag? – for me it was lucozade, I was sipping it throughout my labour and once she was born I was desperate for some, that little sugar got me through the night of labour. My birth was so quick so I didn’t use half the items I packed, however a baggy buttoned up night shirt was perfect for after the birth. I could unbutton to feed my baby and still preserve some dignity. Big pants are a must, and take pants and pads into the shower after birth to quickly put on. And also my mama designs bamboo breast pads, they were so soft ready for my milk coming in.
Anything else you would like to share? – take a photograph of your notes and write your birth story down after, some people may want to erase it from their memory but little things happened that I don’t ever want to forget. I watched films the day I started, whenever I hear the songs from those movies, I cry. Such amazing memories I associate with my daughter’s birth over the pain.
Leaving the hospital was the most surreal albeit amazing experience of my life, you walk in as a couple and leave as a family. Seeing my partner carrying my daughter was simply perfect. I’ve never felt such happiness, relief, euphoria, excitement and yet sheer panic. This little baby is now our responsibility, it’s our job to bring her up to the best of our ability.
If you would like to share your birth story with us, please email info@mamadesigns.co.uk
Keira xx