GOOD (and not graphic) birth stories wanted!

[cindyc]

All these babies on the board these days! It occured to me with all of these babies being born, some expectant Moms might benefit from hearing about our NORMAL birth experiences. It seems all anybody ever tells you is the bad ones. (Why do we do that to pregnant women anyway?)

So ladies who have "been there", let's step up and set these new mom's minds at ease (as much as possible) by sharing (within reason) our GOOD birth experiences with them. Birth is an amazing part of life. It is not to be feared. It should be treated as more than just a medical proceedure!

I worry that in our honest attempt to give good information, or passionate opinions to ladies who are having babies, we forget to share the joy of the moment when that is what they want the most!

Please if you choose to share, remember that this is a public board, and share your GENERAL experience, OK?

I will share some of mine in another post since this one is long.
Cindyc.

[sullen]

I have 3 good ones.......I had water break the night before, late, then I went to the hospital, in the early morning the doc came by and she caught them. No drugs...Whoo hoooo!
Now another story is the fight to try to get out of there......I hate hospital beds! Should be outlawed.

[A'sta at Hofstead]

I only have one bilogical son who will be 14 this January. I woke up on my due date, went to the loo, lo and behold my water broke! I had my ex husband, my mother my oldest sister and my father (yikes! but he was there for my mom with all six of his kids, even in the old days! what a wonderful man he was!) in the birthing room. I gave birth at 4:30 that afternoon, no epidural, just a little bit of darvocet or something to calm me down so the contractions would level off) Easy Peasee!

[Cheryl in SD]

I carried twins to 38 weeks. They were born beautifully at 7 pounds and 7 pounds 3 oz. We did have a c-section for the twins, but we planned that. I was glad to have the option. I think it is amazing to be able to safely deliver babies that 100 years ago wouldn't have made it. (one was sideways & they weren't coming out that way. The c-sec was great. Recovery smooth and dh got to be right there. He fed both girls there first meal, got them bathed & spent time with them while I was in recovery. They roomed in and dh spent most of those 3 days and nights with us. Everything about them was a miracle, from their conception (after 8 years of infertility) to their birth.

The next one was born late but fine at 42 week. I did have an epidural. She was ready to eat right away & was my easiest baby. I always wondered if the extra time made her extra content. I did have 24 hours of labor but only the last 2-3 was bad.

Julie was induced at 37 weeks & the easiest labor I had! I went in on Friday at 5:00 in the evening. My mom took me and it felt a little odd to plan it out. DH was headed in from Las Vegas. He arrived in town at 10:00, I went into hard labor at 10:30 and she was born at 12:06 after 2 pushes. The doctor looked at dh and asked him if he wanted to do the delivery. He did! The doctor coached him and dh was so excited. Then the doctor (did I mention I loved this doc!) asked my mom to cut the chord. Healing time was good and we went home Sunday.

[cindyc]

My first baby was a breach who was delivered by c-section. This was a great fear of mine. But, he was fine and so was I. So, we were all very happy. Still, it made me realize that I wanted a different experience the next time around.

Second baby... I planned to have her at home, but decided not to for reasons that had nothing to do with the birth! If I were having her now, I would probably have her at home. Still, it was probably one of the BEST experiences it could be in a hospital environment. I was informed and had a birth plan that I had discussed in advance with both the doc and the hospital staff. It was really rather beautiful. I had her without any medication at all. I had her naturally even though she weighed 10 pounds and was posterior! (backwards, sort of). My doctor discussed all of my options with me, and I made decisions. I had my husband there, and two of my friends who had had several babies naturally before me. They knew better than the hospital staff how to help me move, apply heat etc... for my comfort during the experience. It was a longer labor, but really wonderful! Doing it without meds made me feel that I had done what was in the best interest of my child, and that I was strong and could do anything. (No judgement on those who did not feel that was right for them, but it was right for me.) It had a significance for me that I never would have thought it would have. Since the baby was not medicated in any way, or sleepy, feeding her was really easy, too. She knew just what to do!

Third baby... MUCH shorter labor. After having a large posterior baby, I didn't believe that things were progressing because it was so easy. The nurses caught the baby because it happened so fast! Again, very minimal interventions, no medication, and my choices were respected. A very good V-Bac (and becuase of better nutrition, a MUCH smaller baby - 8 lbs -4 oz).

Fourth child was adopted at age 3 which was a wonderful experience in a different way.

Fifth child, there were complications, so it was a planned early C-section. Again, we were both healthy after the birth and he was 6 lbs 8 oz. That is a very good size for a preemie, and so he did very well. He never even needed oxygen. We went home in just a few days after the surgery.

I have had the same doc. for all but the first birth. He is a really wonderful older doc. A good doc really makes a wonderful day better!

So, there you have it. Now, in 35 to 40 births that I have done as a doula or midwife's assistant or friend, there has been only one true emergency. The baby was never at risk. The mom had an undiagnosed medical condition, so this was rare. Still the medical staff was informed, educated, and knew just what to do.

That is my story. I think I am done with having babies now, and I only do births for friends now because of the needs of my own family. But that season of life in which I was having babies, or helping others do so will always be cherished.

[Pony]

Well, I was very kind to my mother, I was told, so here's a positive birth story, though I was the one being birthed.

My mother woke up a little after 1:00 in the morning, thinking she had to use the bathroom. She and dad noticed that there was some regularity to her frequent trips, they got to the hospital by 2, and I was out by 2:30. No episiotomy, no drugs, nuthin'. Also, I remember that she told me that mine was a "birth in the caul" (I think that's the term she used) -- her water never broke, and I was born sac and all in one fell swoop! They got me out of my "special packaging," and I was big and healthy as could be.

Pony!

wrong term. Straightened it out. Blame the snow. LOL!

[Anita in NC]

I had an unmedicated totally natural child birth with both #2 and #3.

With number #2 I went into labor in the early hours of the morning. Went to the hospital at 11 AM, settled into my room, walked around, went and sat in the bath tub and at 1 PM the baby was born. He weighed 9 lbs 14 oz.

With #3 again I went into labor in the early hours of the morning, got to the hospital at 8 AM, again, walked around, showered and had the baby at noon. He weighed 8 lbs 12 oz.

Both births were just what I had hoped for. I wouldn't even describe the contractions as really hurting although in the last few minutes I went really quiet and serious. The pushing was just an over whelming feeling, your body just does it naturally, you really have no control over it. Just go with it.

[Trevilians]

I had two great deliveries. When my son was born (37 yrs. ago), I went to the doctor for a check up and found out I had dilated to 7cm without even a twinge of pain. I was sent to the hospital and 45 minutes later he was born.

My second delivery was even easier. My daughter (now 31) was delivered in less than 30 minutes (while my husband was parking the car, actually). The doctor didn't even have time to get completely gowned. Just kinda caught DD when she slipped out. I swear she was born with a smile on her face.

I loved being pregnant. Looked great, no swollen ankles, no morning sickness. I think I was born to deliver children. Unfortunately, I only had two.

P.S. Both children were born (six years apart) at exactly the same minute. 8:57 a.m. Didn't realize that until DD was 5 and I applied for passports for both children.

[LisaInN.Idaho]

6 hour labors with both of my girls (8 lbs plus for both) and since I don't like pain if I can possibly avoid it, I had epidurals that were wonderful. Second daughter was induced, no more painful than the first even before the epidural.
Lots of laughing and joking in the labor/delivery room.
The thing that did throw me for a loop with the first baby was the mood change (baby blues) that hit a couple of days afterward. I've always been an upbeat kind of person so it took me by surprise. It only lasted a few days and I was prepared with the second baby so it wasn't such a shock. Hormones are powerful things.

[myheaven]

Well after a very long and scary first labor and emergency c-section deliver with my 1st child whom was 2 weeks over due and was as small as could be 4 lb 10 oz. I swore I would have no more kids. well child # 2 was easyer 18 hour labor finally went with an epidural. 20 min later she was out almost with out the dr. I got to deliver her. # 3-4 were twins with shared placenta and a discordance in blood flow. 2 hr labor and baby a was out baby b loved the room and tryed to stay in, the placenta was coming so he had to come out. 2 pushes and my biggest baby (at the time)was out. He sure didnot like being out of the womb. Midwife never made it went to fast#5 was easy peasy. layed down for a nap after church and woke up with non hurting contractions they were just diffrent. I couldnt talk threw them they didnt hurt but just couldnt talk threw them called my midwife she said head to the hospital. I was at 0-0 the 2 days before. Got to the hospital and in 1 hr I was 90E-4d 40 min later i was suffering from a small lip on the cervex. But not long after baby 5 came out.
With each one I cryed when they came out for the sheer joy of hearing my baby for the first time for the one I got to play with for the last 6 mts in my belly to finally hold kiss and yes even change their diapers. I cant wait to have baby 6 in the next few years if it is gods will. Baby 5 is now 17 mts old and is so smart and wonderful. In time we will add another to the mix.

[BeckyW]

Here's my counsel: Don't believe all those "war stories" about how painful childbirth is! I was waiting for the foretold horrid pain THAT NEVER CAME and I nearly delivered at home instead of the hospital.

Four babies, all over nine pounds, no medications for any, all deliveries fast and simple.
BW

[kidsngarden]

My second and third deliveries were the very best. But I'll just tell about #3 since it was the ultimate for me.

Scheduled induction one week early. Mom and flown in already since everything was all schedule and helped with the older two kids. Hubby and I went in at seven am, I was at a 4 centimeters already. Broke my water and started the pit drip, epidural at 5 centimeters. Watched some TV, slept. Laughed, joked. Around noon I began to have some pain on one side and being the big boob head I am I requested the epi be fixed up. They checked me and said I was 10 centimeters with a bit of a lip. So I said, "well if it's nearly time to push than I'm good to go." So I could just feel a slight discomfort in the contractions and was able to push him out in three pushes. So easy, so pleasant. I loved it. He was 8 lbs 3 oz. I know it wasn't natural - but I did it that way with #1 (while being induced no less!) and an epidural just was so much nicer for #2 and #3.

kids

[heather]

Originally Posted by Cheryl in SD

Everything about them was a miracle, from their conceptionto their birth.

Isn't that the truth?!

After 2 miscarriages, I have a 5 1/2 year old & a 3 3/4 year old.
Every minute of reading, wondering, hoping, praying, going to classes, puking, pigging out, getting nervous, pushing, yelling, etc......was worth it a million times over!
I'd do it ALL over again in a heartbeat -

The love you will feel for your baby is immeasurable -
And I find the love I feel for my husband (as their father) has intensified too.

ENJOY the process

[Quiver0f10]

1st baby 42 weeks 3 days and my water broke. Had a normal uneventuful labor for 28 hours and then got a shot of demerol. Pushed 30 minutes later and 2 hours later our first and first daughter was born. 9# 2 OZ

2nd 42 weeks 1 day and had off and on labor for a day or so. Nothing painful, just annoying to not do anything real. Started real labor at 3, got s shot of something at 4 PM and knocked me right out. Woke up a bit before 6 PM and 1st son was born at 6:05 PM. 7@ 11 OZ

3rd baby 41 weeks 2 days and had cramps but nothing real all day. Still not real labor but decided to head to hospital at 7 PM to be checked and at 8:04 I was holding my 2nd son LOL. 9# 8 OZ-unmedicated birth

4th baby 42 weeks 1 day and I had off and on contractions all evening. Started shaking uncontrolaby and DH gently suggested maybe it was time to head to hospital? ( I tend to get shaky after I deliver, so he knew it was almost time, but I wasn't at all uncomfortable so I had no clue) LOL Got there at 1 AM and at 2 AM son # 3 was born. 10# 12 OZ and 24 inches long-unmedicated birth

5th baby 41 weeks 2 days and I had been sick for days. Couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. No real contractions, just felt like crud. Went to hospital to be monitored because I was dehydrated. Decided to leave and come home, sat up and my water broke. About 15 minutes later labor started and I lost it. It was one big contraction on top of another. I was so used to easy labors that I couldn't get a handle on it. I pushed when I was only 8 CM and so the DR had to hold back the cervix. Ouch. About 45 minutes after labor started our 2nd daughter was born. 9# 8 OZ I hemmoraged terribly from not being fully dialated-unmedicated birth

6th baby 41 weeks 2 days. I was now terrorfield of labor due to my last baby. I went to hospital as soon as I felt a pain LOL. Got an epidural ASAP. Labor was uneventful. Started pushing and nothing was working. I am used to a quick, painless pushing stage so I kept asking if there was a problem? Finally he arrived; brow first! SO, as I am pushing in comes nurses, other Dr's etc. Its a rare presentation I was told and the Dr told me after if he had known, he'd have done a C section. So, 1 1/2 hours after starting to push, son # 4 was born weighing 9# 8 OZ.

7th baby 42 weeks 1 day. Uneventful labor. Arrived at hospital early again to get an EPI. As soon as the epi was in, labor stopped. So I waited there, inbed, hooked up to all kind sof machines. After 6 hours or so, the Dr came in to tell me if I didn't progress soon he would break my water and wham, boy # 5 was born 20 minutes later LOL 10# 15 OZ

8th baby 41 weeks 2 days-another uneventful pregnancy and off/on labor. Got to the hospital @ 4 PM on Labor Day! Got an epi again and labor once again stopped. Waited for things to start back up on their own and son # 6 arrived weighing 9# 8 OZ

9th baby-I was planning a home birth and hit the magical 42 weeks, so my MW had to turn my care over to an OB. The OB recommended an induction. I have always fought against this, but went with the OB. 42 weeks 4days and still no baby. Nothing worked, gel, pitocin, breaking water etc. Gave in and had a C-section and daughter # 3 was born 10# 4 OZ

10th baby- Planned another home birth after being told I would HAVE to have a repeat C-section. Uneventiful pregnancy and supportive MW. Labor started normally and on its own at 42 weeks 4 days. Labor was very easy. Contractions were there but almost painless until 6:30 AM when I got in the hot tub hoping to speed things up. Son # 7 arrived at 7:45 AM born in the water. 12# and 24 inches long! He came so fast that DH missed the birth (He had gone to the kitchen to refill his coffee mug and I felt the urge to push and the 2nd MW kept saying " Do you want to wait for R" And I don't know if I said it out loud or thought it, but I said I don't care! and in 3 quick pushes he was out and in my arms.)

[Quiver0f10]

Originally Posted by BeckyW

Here's my counsel: Don't believe all those "war stories" about how painful childbirth is! I was waiting for the foretold horrid pain THAT NEVER CAME and I nearly delivered at home instead of the hospital.

Four babies, all over nine pounds, no medications for any, all deliveries fast and simple.
BW

I had a few babies like this, including my last. I was 9 CM and still laughing joking and walking @ like normal. But, I have also had 2 horrible ones, especially my 5th. I screamed, cried and begged for drugs LOL.

I think alot has to do with the babies position too. I think my 5th was posterior and thats why the pain was so unbearable.

[sewsilly]

I, too, waited on the pain that never came. My first labor was 8 hours. I had picked the green beans all morning, and when I got them into the house, my water broke. We got to the hospital sometimes after noon, and the child was born at 7:45. The only ridiculous part was they had me push, once I was fully dilated, so I pushed for two hours of that 8 hours, to no avail, then suddenly the 'urge to push' kicked in and two pushes later, there she was. No pain killers, and the only significant pain was during the 7 to 10 cm dilation part, and frankly, I've had menstrual cramps that were comparable. 8 lb baby girl, calm and alert, no crying at all.

Second child was placenta previa, so I spent most of 9 months on my left side, teaching the three year old to read. I went for my regular check up, at 42 weeks, and the doctor wanted to know how long had I been in labor.. . tehehe, I was a full 10 cm dialated. He was born about 15 minutes after we blasted across the road from the dr office to the hospital. 9 1/2 lbs, hungry at birth! A goofy looking kid, at 24 inches long, green (from meconium staining) and with a club foot, but the calmest easiest baby of my three. All the above cleared right up with no problems. Club foot was corrected through constant 'therapy' while I nursed him, based on the orthapedists suggestions.

Third baby, active healthy pregnancy, DH went to the appt at 41 weeks and pitched a fit, as he did not want to have to deliver the baby at home... tehehe. Dr agreed to an induction the following morning, Induced at 10;30 am, 1 cm dialated. At 12:01 had a nearly 10 pound baby boy. Cord wrapped three times around the neck, he spent a few hours in the NICU, though we were assured he was fine. Boy was he silly looking in there with the tiny little ones. Looked like someone has misplaced a linebacker.

Each time, we had a 'birth day' party in the room, as soon as everyone was cleaned up and settled in. DD brought her 'blue blanky' to give to her first brother, and then 4 years later, he brought it to share with the new brother. We would have balloons and cupcakes and have a party! The nurses always thought it was fun~! and we have sweet photos of our other kids on their brothers birthdays!

[RedTartan]

I've had four sons.

1st Birth: Home Birth

I was about a week overdue and terribly miserable. I got up early and was whining and griping at God. I told Him that He had to make the baby come out soon or it would be too big... I didn't tell him nicely either. At that very moment my water broke. Really. I was in labor on and off for three days after that. I had to push for four hours at the end. I was so exhausted that I was falling asleep between contractions during the pushing stage. My son was born. I felt invincible and energized. He was 8 lbs. 14 oz. and I didn't tear at all.

2nd Birth: Home Birth

This pregnancy was a complete surprise to us. We had just started trying to get pregnant, but because I had trouble conceiving the first time, I wasn't expecting it to happen so fast. I didn't know when I got pregnant. I didn't know when I was due. My midwife and I figured I was due around Christmas because I measured so large. Wrong. I didn't give birth until late January. I was huge and miserable again, and, after having waited so long after when I thought I was due, I became very impatient. My water broke and I had almost no contractions for days. My midwife actually asked me if I had done something to break my water to hasten labor. I hadn't. Suddenly on the fourth day, my contractions started fiercely and we started watching "Little Women." By the end of the movie I was in such pain that I asked the midwife to stretch my cervix so that I could get it over with. She was about to and was surprised to find the baby crowning! He was born 20 minutes later at 9 lbs. 4 oz.

3rd Birth: Hospital Birth

I had to find a new midwife for this birth as we had moved from OH to TX. She seemed very confident and experienced. I only learned during my birth that she would disregard all of my wishes and refuse to rely on my past experiences. She didn't think it should take days to have babies even though I told her it would. She wouldn't let me rest and forced me to walk all night to stimulate contractions. By morning I was exhausted and my contractions had lost all their strength. I needed to rest. She said we should go to the hospital. That I was going to need a C-section. I cried, but we went. They gave me an epidural and pitocin and I rested. I told my midwife that I progress rapidly from 4 to 10 centimeters. She didn't believe me. She decided to go home and take a shower since I was only at 3 cm. She almost missed the birth. Two hours later I pushed my third son into the world with 3 pushes. My midwife stood there like an idiot. She was so sure any birth that took longer than a day would require a C-section. He was 9 lbs. 14 oz. Two hours later, even though I'd had an epidural, I walked out of the hospital and went home. I hate hospitals.

4th Birth: Home Birth

We had moved back to OH at this point, so I was able to team up with my original midwife again. Same story different baby. Four days of sporadic labor with water breaking early on. Two hours of intensity at the end. My fourth son was born as I crouched on our livingroom floor. He weighed 10 lbs. 4 oz. I didn't tear at all.

That was probably much more than you wanted. Sorry. Once I started, I found it difficult to stop the telling. My home births were difficult, but they were mine. I did it myself. I was in control. The pain was worth the power and pride they gave me. My children were all strong and robust. They nursed with very little effort. It was natural and beautiful.

Thanks for asking,

RedTartan

[Lizza]

Here's my birth story from my homebirth with #3 that I wrote down on my blog (that I never seem to update. I guess it's a bit long and in detail but I certainly don't think it would scare any first time moms.

http://www.homesteadblogger.com/morningstar/

[ginnie5]

I had three wonderful homebirths and 2 of them were breech. Labors of less than 2 hours each. Babies were fine and I was fine. Had 2 hospital births that weren't too bad either.....at the time I was happy with them.

[BarbG]

My 1st ds was 5 days late and induced because of pre-eclampsia, 16 hours, 2 of pushing with only laughing gas and a shot of p something. Even being 16 hours it was a easy birth and the only reason I got the pain shot was because I was in transition and didn't know how to deal with it. It was a hospital birth and very rewarding. I pushed in a squating position which I found very hard to maintain as I have less then perfect knees.

My 2nd ds was 9 days late and I was suppost to be induced the morning after I went into labour His labour was 8 hours with the same Doctor and I also pushed in a squating position.. long pushing (2 hours again) and he had the cord around his neck and was rushed off... He had to be kept in a incubator in my room for the 1st 24 hours of his life. I got to nurse him and that was pretty much it. I also only had laughing gas and a shot of something with him.

With our 3rd child who was also 9 days late, a girl, we switched doctors because of something that happened with ds #2's birth and we are very pleased with our new doctor. Dd labour was 10 hours but for the first 7.5 I only had easy mild contrax, but we brought the boys to my mom's anyway and we went to go get her heartrate checked (as it had been up before that) while we were at the er I got the nurse to check me 'just in case' and I was at 3. Within minutes of checking me the contrax worsened. Dh and I were going to go walk and see if we could get things moving we didn't even make it to the car and turned around and went back.. An hour and 15 minutes later she was born!! I showered thru most of the hour and only got out to have her. No pain meds. And I did not squat as I knew that did not work well for me.. (with my sons the doc insisted on this and didn't give me options).I only pushed 7 times, and it only took 3 to push her out. This time we had done our homework and I read 5 or 6 midwifing books and was much better prepared!! The biggest thing for me was to learn to relax thru the contrax and not fight it. I found when I did this I progressed MUCH faster. I strongly suggest anyone who is having a baby read up on birth, not just hospital or just midwife births BUT all births. The more info the better. With my 1st two I only read up on hospital births and missed out on a lot of knowlege. The best book I read was "Birthing from Within" Pam England is one of the authors. I told dh that if I knew all my births would be like Emmaline's, dd's, we'd have all the kids we want Dh would like 12 but we'll see. We are taking them one at a time.

With both ds's I was in the hospital for 5 days, with dd I was in for less then 30 hours total. Minutes, about 20, after birth I showered and walked to the bathroom The nurses had not seen anything like it. The one was in AWE she didn't know birth could be like that. Though neither did I