Birthing partner?

My mum and sister! And I would have them again, although my mum was quite over baring in trying to make sure I was ok. She meant well bless her but I was like pls stop touching me. My sister knew what I was asking for when I couldn’t speak so that was ideal. My mum cut my boys cord. It was an amazing experience and very grateful to have them there 🤍

@Bethany that’s lovely :-) my Mum worries a lot, assumes she knows what I want and then gets offended when I correct her, has a habit of telling me her horror stories, touching my belly uninvited and saying things like ‘well it’s too late now’ rather than anything positive or supportive like ‘you got this’. We are very close and she means well but I’m just not sure it’s the right fit!

Did you consider a doula?

@Federica I thought it might not be a personal match, and I’m already 35 weeks so not much time to build a relationship?

I wanted to do it alone, I didn’t feel comfortable having someone els there but I ended up having a planned C section with my mum present

I did it alone but I went private. I had a great team of midwives and my obstetrician came in at the end to deliver. Not once did I feel alone or like I was missing out. I really didn’t want anyone else to be there other than the experienced medical team. It was very personal and you’re so vulnerable, I felt so empowered having no one influence me. That set me up to feel confident to start my motherhood journey. Trust your intuition 🫶🏼

@Hollie were you happy with your choice in the end?

@Jess I’m thinking it might be quite empowering too. Although it might be a planned c-section, but still a moment just for me and my daughter ☺️

My best friend was my planned birthing partner as i was living 2 hours away from family. However i ended up being induced ( took 5 days) so my mum, sisters and best friend all rotated who visited. I ended up having an emergency c section. My sister and friend were in the room as i got rushed to theatre and i chose for my sister to come in with me x

@vicky oh wow it sounds like you had an ordeal, and nice you had people with you for that.

@Dani it wasn’t great but all worth it. It’s the main reason i think you might want someone close to you there, just incase things don’t go to plan. If you’re having a planned c section there will be no need though. You’ll have a midwife there to hold your hand xx

My birthing partner was due to be a close friend that I went to Uni with. But she caught covid. I would've been on my own, but a doula offered to support me and I am so grateful that she was there to advocate for me. Especially as after an emergency c-section she could go with my son, while I was stitched up. If I had another baby I would want a doula and a close friend with me ideally.

@Anna thank you, am thinking if I have a planned c-section my best friend might be able to come but also I like the idea of being on my own as well. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Sharing the moment is really special. Two things I remember vividly... I wish I'd worn my gown backwards for my c-section for easy access skin-to-skin with baby. And I'm really glad I paid to subscribe to Spotify so I could listen to my birthing playlist (not ads!) when my son was born!

I had my daughters father and my Mum there. It was a long long labour and I was just think g a couple of days ago, I kind of wish I’d have taken a second to consider removing the dad and maybe even my mum.. it may have been a reason things were delayed…