No waterbirth but finally here!

Our little girl Helena was born at 41+2 on the 19th, 7lbs 11oz, 55cm, healthy and well🥰 Literally nothing went according to plans, but the midwifes and doctors at Queen Elizabeth Woolwich was excellent, and I never once felt out of control. My water broke on 18th 00:30 AM when I already had strong irregular contractions but every 10-5-3 minutes, only a bit of redish water so went in, they confirmed it was my waters. Sent me home as I was only 1cm dialated and told to come back when they get regular. During the day my contractions almost stopped, only ramped up before midnight but only every 10-13min, but was asked to go in for antibiotics as I passed 24 hours. I haven’t progressed at all, contractions got very painful but still 10min apart, so at noon they put me on hormone drip. The pain was insane so I asked for epidural, which failed the first time, they had to re-do, but finally worked. After 4 hours I’m still only 3cm, but went to 8 in the next 4 hours, then quickly to 10. She really didn’t want to come out after an hour pushing, then she showed distress, pooed in the water. They tried suction cup, no success. My contractions were insane at this point. They told me we can try forceps in 2 pushing rounds, if that doesn’t work, c-section. They pushed me to the theatre and fortunately forceps-with an episiotomy- worked in the end. Sorry for the long post but I had to write it out, it was very challenging , but overall not a negative experience.

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I planned water birth too!!! I second what you said that sometimes nothing goes according to plan But that disappointment goes away when we finally get to meet our little ones. 🥹

Oh btw, congratulations mama!!! Well done! Wishing you a speedy recovery xx

Soooo similar to me!! Forceps with episiotomy yesterday morning after she wouldn't come out, let me know how your episiotomy recovery journey goes as I'm on it too! Advice so far has been laxatives and not being too scared to poo because can make it worse. Good luck with recovery and congrats on your birth, we got this!

@Georgie I had an episiotomy 12 days ago. TMI but I ate lots of grapes as they’re a natural laxative and help soften stools and it definitely helped with that first poo. I wish I’d have kept up to it as the second one did not go as well 😅

Congratulations!! It doesn’t sound easy but we are real fighters! What a beautiful girl! 😍

@Georgie I just taken laxative today, and also passed first stool, and it really wasn’t bad at all! Also my haemorrhoids are far worse than my episiotomy, I was really dreading the moment…My midwife also said to stay away from spritz the bits or anything that can keep the stitches wet, as it can cause them to dissolve too early, causing potential infections. Based on her work at the day assessment unit, and how many women came back with same problems.

@Lauren didn’t know about the grapes! I’ll definitely add that to my diet long term, thanks for the tip!

sending love to you, she’s beautiful! ❤️ i also was the same (just had mine 4 days ago) - poo in water, baby in distress, moved away from gas and air and onto epidural for ventouse, which didn’t work for me either and then episiotomy and forceps. it’s all quite traumatic when you go back and and think of it all, and hugely mentally challenging like you said. sending you positive vibes for your recovery xxx

Oh wow! My doctor doesn't do episiotomies!! 👀 glad all is well now! Helena is precious!

@Hannah @Bernadett @Lauren so comforting to read other women's similar experiences and share advice, makes me feel far less alone ❤️ my fave thing about this site. I'm really struggling to sit down and get up and mve very far but hoping thst just gets easier with each day xx

@Georgie I 100% agree, also crazy how similar our experiences… Thank you @Hannah , hope your recovery is going well too!

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