A positive labour with gas and air: Ozzie’s birth story
Three weeks before my C section date I went into labour. I thought that I’d have a lot of time when the contractions started but things progressed really quickly and by the time I got to hospital I was 5cm dilated. A midwife checked me over and said everything was fine so I could have a vaginal delivery if I wanted, which I decided to do. Because my labour was so quick (3 hours!) there weren’t really that many choices - I had gas and air and had to have an episiotomy because they were a little concerned about the baby and needed to get him out quickly.
Before going into labour we’d been told the hospital didn’t allow partners to stay overnight. However, Ozzie was born at 5pm and we remained in the delivery suite until 5am (as they needed to check his blood sugar levels a few times). When we finally moved up to the labour ward, my partner Wain was allowed to come too.
It felt really positive being able to have him stay, he was able to cut the cord, help me express milk and able to start bonding with our son. We were in hospital for just over 24 hours, then we were allowed home - it felt so nice being able to leave together.
Ozzie had one good feed soon after birth but then wouldn't latch on, so I spent hours trying to express colostrum which was quite difficult. Having my partner there to help was really important, as I was tired and anxious. I saw a lot of different midwives and asked each of them for help with breastfeeding/expressing. It felt worthwhile to ask again and again for help.
We managed to have two midwife appointments and see the health visitor before lockdown, and were also able to register Ozzie’s birth. All of which we were really pleased about.
Ozzie lost weight between coming home from hospital and his first midwife appointment (which is usual) but had gained weight by the second visit, which was really reassuring to know - especially when contact became more limited.
He developed oral thrush from breastfeeding during lockdown and I was lucky enough to register him over the phone with our doctor, who then took video calls with us and was really responsive.
Overall, both me and Wain found the course useful. I really appreciated the sessions with the obstetrician and paediatrician, and the opportunity to ask them questions (particularly about what to expect due to my gestational diabetes).
As I was planning for a Caesarean, the video of a C-section was really helpful - showing what it might look like, which helped me think about how to prepare for labour. Although planning for a C-section, on the suggestion from Happy Parents. Happy Baby. I also considered alternative scenarios in case plans changed (which ended up being useful). I was really concerned by the idea of tearing/cutting before labour and found the frank discussions about this interesting, though they didn’t alleviate my worries. Having had an episiotomy and stitches - I feel the worry I had was way overstated (it was in no way as bad as I’d expected).
I really enjoyed the hypnobirthing session, while it was a term I’d heard, I hadn't really known what it was before. And to be honest I felt quite sceptical of it. However both me and Wain came away feeling it was something we could usefully do. We felt the overall principle of breathing techniques aiding relaxation was pretty simple, but presented in a structured way.
I’m exclusively breastfeeding which has been challenging. Ozzie has taken to it well but I’ve had issues with engorgement and blocked ducts - leading to very sore boobs. On top of this, Ozzie has also had thrush so it’s not been the most straightforward or pleasant experience.
I went into this wanting to breastfeed and was aware it might be difficult so am persevering…
Top Tips
I would reiterate the advice I was given which was to try to stay as relaxed as possible. This helped me both during labour (through focusing on breathing) and when starting breastfeeding (when I had to remind myself/be reminded to wait until both me and Ozzie were calm).
I’m very pleased we did the course. I feel it was money well spent and now it feels like the course has been a lifeline, considering what we are going through with the pandemic.
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.
