Community Posts, Tips & Support on Labor & Birth

How long did you wait until you had a bath after section? Can’t remember with my first when it’s safe to do so. I’ve googled some say 1-2weeks and others longer! Thank you xx

I have a c section booked for 25th October! How long do you normally stay in hospital for? Also I bought everything I would need for a vaginal birth. Is there anything extra I need for a c section instead?

Hello lovelies So I’ve been told that since I’m having my C section when the twins are 36+3 days they might need steroid injections just before that to help them breathe a bit better once they are out. But I would like to know if anyone’s had it done and what the outcome was or if anyone has refused it and asked ...

I’m trying to pack my hospital bag for me and baby but I feel like I’m over packing. It’s my first baby and I have no idea where to start. How much of everything do I need? Nappies? Maternity pads? Breast pads? Clothes and muslins? I’m getting so overwhelmed. Can anyone help? What do I put in my bag and how many of ...

Hello ladies, I’ve been prescribed inhixa injections into the belly after my c section.. I was given 52 days! I keep forgetting to do them! Is anyone else in the same boat or did anyone not complete the course? My belly is so bloody sore and bruised from them it makes me not want to do them anymore.

Has anyone planned to give birth at the stepping hill birth centre and then when they’ve gone into labour there isn’t room / a midwife available and it’s caused issues? I don’t want to set my heart on it if there is a high chance they’ll cancel me! 🫣

Does anyone else feel like they get lots of different advice and opinions at triage? I've just spent 24 hours at triage and came out feeling more anxious. I tested positive for preterm labour and was told by the doctor that I will more than likely go into labour in the next couple of weeks (I am 35 weeks). A midwife...

I’m based in North LDN and looking for a good hospital to self refer, any recommendations?

I’m due to be induced today, will the hospital call this morning and let me know when to come in or can they call any time in the day? I’ve been forgotten about a few times the past few weeks for sweeps and things and have had to chase the appointments up myself, I ended up missing out on one. Anxious to just wait...

Hello! Anyone in or around Plymouth planning a home birth, how are you doing it? Are you having to hire a private midwife or trusting in the day there will be enough available midwives to come to your house? I'm not sure what approach to take, this is my first pregnancy and I'm new to the area I was told by the comm...

Well events have changed, the little lad been engaged all the way through pregnancy with head down and now at 35 weeks he’s decided to move and lie breech! I wondered if anyone has had a similar experience? I’m due to go back for another presentation scan next week to see if he’s still breech and and a consultant ap...

currently at home right now, my waters broke at 11:30ish last night and the pain of my contractions is actually unbearable but they aren’t frequent enough to call triage and i’m waiting to be booked in to be seen. but what do i do to help the pain because it’s actually horrible😭😭

Trigger warning - I had to have an emergency section at 9cm in 2022 due to baby being bradycardic as her head was stuck pressed against the cord and cutting off the oxygen source with every contraction. This time I have been given a choice of a VBAC or elective as I have been able to labour myself first time r...

Anyone get a wax after a c section??? I’m 4 months pp but I’m SCARED okay! Idk why i feel like I’m going to be ripped in half if i get a wax down there now.. How were your experiences?

Hey. Are there any ladies who had 3rd/4th degree tears with a previous pregnancy? What are your plans for this birth? I have been booked a consultants appointment in December to discuss more but speaking to my midwife I think I’ll be steered towards a c section. Not sure how i feel or what’s best!

My 38.5 week appointment is coming up and my DR is willing to schedule me for induction.. for several reasons I am considering doing it. My first born came naturally at exactly 40 weeks. But for a combination of convenience and anxiety I’m considering getting induced… anyone else doing voluntary induction? Also ar...

I attempted a VBAC almost a week ago. I went in Thursday tobe induced do to hypertension and showing similar signs that preclamsia may be developing like last pregnancy so as a precaution OB wanted to induce. I was already a little over 1cm dilated and the used the balloon to get me to 4cm. My body then took over ...

Contractions started at 2 am this morning. I had an on apt scheduled today and ob said I'm 1cm dilated and 50%effaced. So I still have a ways to go. These contractions are killing me though. So much pain. What did you all do for the pain? I want to go as natural as I can but idk if that's possible. 😕

We left a wedding (post vows) early to pick up baby and drop mum home and didn't go back. Some family are miffed but it was right for baby. Originally in-laws were going to have baby after nursery but they caught covid so we had to pick baby up by 6pm. Mum also is unwell and was my responsibility today and had to ...

Hey all! I’m 38 weeks and started expressing colostrum 5 days ago. It was going pretty well, got some drops almost immediately after first attempt, and ended up with half a syringe the day after! But now I’ve got nothing? The last two days it’s like I’ve completely dried up, and can spend an hour trying and failin...