Birth. It is the most incredible, indescribable, unpredictable and miraculous occurrence. Bringing life into the world is an experience that is personal and precious beyond belief. Each delivery is different to the next, and yet I feel that despite the varying differences it is something so special it can actually bring us altogether. I’m pulling together a range of real birth stories to share in the hope of expanding our knowledge and expectations of birth, and to dwell in the wonder that is the gift of life, in the countless forms it may arrive in!
Name & age at birth:
Claire, 25
Due date:
18/02/2020
Cravings during pregnancy:
Mandarins & soda water.
Worst symptom/s:
Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
Biggest concern about birth was:
That she would come out sick like Oscar – my first child.
Ideal birth plan was:
Birthing a healthy baby.
How we went from wombmate to roommate:
I had a very complicated pregnancy; Hyperemesis Gravidarum, ovarian cysts, complete placenta previa and she had heart issues too. Due to all this, plus previous birth trauma, we needed to birth her via c-section at Sydney which is 2.5 hours from our home. I was most nervous about getting the spinal block, and this actually took them three attempts. Turns out I have some form of scoliosis which I never knew about. Once that was in, it was all very quick and straight forward. She was a little stuck in my pelvis so they also needed to use the forceps to get her out. She came out crying and healthy.
Most vivid memory during labour:
Being able to wiggle my toes, but not feeling anything to do with the C-section.
Most amusing/interesting moment during labour/birth:
Being nearly one hour late to our C-section..
During labour/birth, I definitely did not expect:
The C-section to be as quick as it was.
Baby’s name, birth weight and date:
Ellery Bloom, 3.89kg, 13/02/2020
Time spent in hospital post birth:
5 days.
Best tip/trick you received for those early days:
Take it easy after a C-section and don’t try to do too much.
Top 3 lifesaving items for a newborn:
Love To Dream Swaddles, good rocking chair and a baby wrap carrier.
If you could go back and speak with your pregnant self, what would you say?
Everything will turn out just fine.
If you could speak with yourself during labour, what would you say?
Just relax.
If you could speak with yourself on day 3 of having a newborn, what would you say?
How amazing are you!
If you have a birth story you’d like to share, then please get in touch and let’s start the conversation and continue celebrating this incredible life changing event!
The Mummalogue 