Choosing induction of labour can be a very difficult decision for mothers who are planning a natural birth. Lizzy's induced birth story shows that with the right level of preparation and support, it can still be a very positive experience. Thank you, Lizzy, for sharing it with us.
"After a rather long fertility journey and uncomfortable start to my pregnancy; by 37 weeks I was feeling very ready to meet my rainbow baby. At 38 weeks I had a feeling she was getting ready to come, and after some scans showed a slowing of growth and reduction in fluid; consultants were keen for her to be out rather than in. However, they respected my decision to wait a bit longer. At 39 weeks a VE confirmed my feeling she was nearly ready - she was very low and they could feel her head. I had a sweep and waited...
A few days later, with not much progression and lots of advice for her to come sooner rather than later; I made the difficult decision to go ahead with an induced labour to reduce any further risks. Something I had always been against up until this point. My vision for a vaginal birth on the midwife-led ward, preferably in a pool, was not to be. I knew I would have restricted movement and be constantly monitored, but I was keen to have as many of my birth preferences as possible and was so pleased that this was respected.
An exam on the Friday showed my cervix was "favourable" and on Saturday evening around 4.30pm I had the cooks balloon inserted and was hooked up to be monitored overnight. I began having mild contractions and dilating. Although I had been told to expect the balloon to be in 24 hours; 12 hours later it came out by itself and had done its job of progressing dilation. I was moved to the Central Delivery Suite and had my waters broken.
I requested to have a couple of hours to see how I progressed without any further intervention, which was supported by my midwives. A couple of hours later, I followed advice to have the hormone drip and continued my labour. They started it slowly and I used hypnobirthing breathing techniques and a TENS machine for the first 5 hours and then added some gas and air for a few more. I was lucky to have a supportive partner by my side and the midwives helped us create the best environment we could in CDS. I had low light from some soothing/moving projection, the arrival playlist my husband had made me and my birthing ball to bounce on. I actually felt very calm. But by 1.30pm I hit the transition phase and wanted to give up and get the baby out. The team and my husband stayed calm and suggested an epidural to help me get through the final stage. It gave me time to rest and progress.
At 6pm I was ready to start pushing. I had amazing support from my husband and the midwives, who once again followed some of my birth plan requests. This included encouraging and guiding my pushing (particularly helpful as I had the epidural), and a warm compress. By 6.31pm on Sunday, my beautiful baby girl arrived and was placed on my chest. I was exhausted but my heart was full. Despite no tearing, I had a minor bleed, which meant they needed to get the placenta out quickly and stop the bleeding. She went to her dad for some skin to skin and shortly after all was well.
We had a number of hurdles to get over after the birth, including a difficult breastfeeding journey. But acknowledging this and my original fears of an induced labour, I still look back and feel immensely proud that I was able to have the vaginal birth I wanted. I felt completely empowered and respected bringing a new life into this world and for that I will be eternally grateful."
