Lillian’s Unplanned Gentle Cesarean

Love reading positive birth stories? You’re in the right place! This birth story is with Lillian following conception via IVF. Lillian had a scheduled induction and used EBRAN throughout her labour and felt in control. Lillian developed a fever during birth and there was some concern over how baby was fairing, so again Lillian used EBRAN and chose to have an unplanned gentle cesarean birth.

I can’t express how the Bump Chapter Course was such a huge help leading up to and through our Labour. All Beth’s Q&A boxes and reading the similar worries or queries other people have had really helped my husband and I to feel like we were not alone.

Induction

Our Midwife also commented on how positive our Birth Plan was! We went through IVF to help us have our little bundle of joy, so our Obstetrician advised our baby would be delivered before the due date. To be honest I was happy about this because we were told baby could be on the larger size for my pelvis. We were booked in to be induced on Sun 25th July. I had the first Propress and within 5 hours early contractions started. My contractions were irregular but coupled. The breathing technique from the course really helped me to stay calm and focused even through the long ones.

I was in a ward with other women who were being induced and hearing them not using any breathing techniques made me realise how glad I was the course was making my experience more positive. The midwives noticed I was over-stimulating with the Propress and there was some concern over how baby was fairing. So after 24 hours the first Propress it was removed.

I did have a moment while being tired that I felt continuing the induction was something I didn’t want to carry on. However, the midwife and doctors were fab and sat down with me to go through EBRAN on my other options. They gave me time off the Propress to rest and then with a clear mind I decided to restart the induction. The Propress was reinserted on the Tuesday and the contractions started as before. By Thursday 29th I was 3cm dilated and the midwife managed to do a good stretch & sweep during the examination.

Waters Breaking

My waters broke on their own (hurrah!).

During those four days even through coupled contractions and only on paracetamol and codeine my mind was focused on breathing, being upright (the birthing ball was a godsend) & going on walks around the hospital. Everyone commented on how calm I was given how long early labour was lasting. On Friday I was given the syntocinon drip, and at this point I made the decision to have an epidural to allow myself to rest. I continued to use the bed to sit upright with extra pillows propping me up.

Change of Birth Plans

We had a moment when babies heart rate dropped and a large team of people came into the room. Our Midwife pre-warned us this could happen. Remembering what was explained in the course helped us again to remain calm. Even to the point we had a little laugh with the team. Everything was fine, and the monitoring continued. By Saturday 31st July I spiked a temperature. At the final examination I was 7cm, but baby’s head was obstructing. We had the conversation with the midwife and the team again using EBRAN to work out what to do next. We agreed on an unplanned Gentle Cesarean section. 

Unplanned Gentle Cesarean

Our little baby girl was safely delivered at 10:08pm on Sat night & weighed 7lbs 4oz. Which turns out is a large baby for my body size!

***Had I read or been told I’d have a week of labour I would never have thought we could get through it, but it was the most amazing experience. I’m still amazed at how calm we remained through the different scenarios we came across. It’s all down to you and your course!!! So Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Especially for the time you take out of your day to answer our Q&As while being a mother and Midwife yourself.***

We are now working our way though the Baby Chapter Course and LOVING IT!

Click the link for more information about The Bump to Baby Chapter’s Hypnobirthing and Antenatal Online Course. Know what you can do to stack the odds in your favour for the birth that you want. Videos, checklists, audios & a support group all created by a midwife to get you feeling excited, prepared and confident for birth.