A positive forceps delivery: Olivia’s birth story
Catherine’s Experience…
My labour turned out to be a very quick one - 8 hours in total! When I woke up in the morning I had contractions every 4 minutes. An hour or two later I had a slight bleed and the hospital advised that I should go to the hospital right away. On arrival, I was then admitted, so I didn't end up having the amazing natural water birth that I wanted! Due to a stomach pain that wouldn't go away (which was much worse than the contractions believe it or not!) I decided to have an epidural. Our daughter, Olivia Grace entered our world a few hours later via a forceps delivery.
Coming on the Happy Parents. Happy Baby. antenatal course was a really positive experience. I found Will's obstetrics session really helpful and reassuring. Prior to this I was a bit worried about the labour however Will explained the whole birthing process, the importance of having an open mind when putting together your birthing plan and also why doctors use certain techniques i.e. suction caps, forceps delivery.
I also found the hypnobirthing session really helpful as well and I was able to use the techniques we learnt when I was having contractions (before the epidural).
I am in contact with the girls from the HPHB course via our WhatsApp group. Hopefully once the restrictions are over we will be able to organise a reunion
Enrique’s Experience…
Attending the labour was a whole new experience for me. I was very excited but at the same time a bit scared as I did not know if anything could go wrong. Nevertheless, as you suggested over your course, both of us kept a positive and an optimistic mindset.
Staff at the hospital were extremely professional, very reassuring as well as supportive and kept regular communication with us at all times, enabling us to make the best decisions during those delicate moments.
I would say the best moment was when I saw the baby and looked at Cath. At that moment I felt really special and happy and also at how amazing this experience can be.
The time that followed at the hospital was also very special as we enjoyed the baby together. It was hard not being able to sleep but it was definitely worth it. (We stayed at the hospital for 3 nights)
Top Tips
1. Do the HPHB course!
2. Don't pack too much in your hospital bag as the cubicles are tiny
3. Have an open mind when putting together your birth plan and be prepared if your birth plan doesn't go according to plan
4. If you are unable to have a birthing partner present, rest assured that you won't be alone and you will be in safe, supportive hands. Even though my partner was present, all the staff that I encountered were absolutely amazing and so supportive. My midwife on the day gave me so much support and she barely ever left my side.
5. Take a big bottle of water with you that you can refill as the gas and air dries out your mouth
6. Make sure you pack ear plugs in case you have to stay at the hospital - There is a lot of noise and you won't sleep much otherwise
7. Do you pelvic floor muscle exercises whilst pregnant
8. As well as having baby nappies for after the birth, also have nappies for yourself as you will go through quite a lot of them
9. Don't go overboard on purchasing your babies clothes - They grow out of them super quick... Olivia is already wearing 3-6 month sized clothes and she is just about to turn 2
You can read lots more Positive Birth Stories here. We have positive birth stories from all types of births, including homebirths, water births, induction of labour, instrumental deliveries and Caesarean section births.
Download our free birth plan template and other resources for your pregnancy here.
Find out more about our antenatal and hypnobirthing classes in London, Essex and online and book your place here.
Access free hypnobirthing relaxations and videos to support you through your pregnancy on our Instagram TV page here.
