Community Posts, Tips & Support on Labor & Birth

Midwife tried a sweep today said baby’s head was very low and my cervix was behind it so she couldn’t reach as it was too painful and I asked her to stop. She did say it was lowish and the edge felt soft she just couldn’t get close enough to feel if I was dilated without pulling it forwards a bit 🤢 It’s been 4…

I've had my hospital bags packed for weeks now but it's looking very likely that I'll end up being induced on Thursday as little man's made himself a little too comfy in there. Originally I'd packed enough for both of us for 2 days but I could potentially be in there for a couple of days before he even arrives, mayb...

Hello! I am due to have my second baby in six weeks. However, unlike my first pregnancy, I am not really thinking too much about the labour because I’ve been so busy with life and my toddler! Is this “relaxed” approach ideal? I am hoping to have a birth plan but not have expectations, relax and breathe properly, a...

Being induced tomorrow at 40+4 starting with a pessary at frimley park hospital. So scared since baby’s head not engaged at all and not dilated just soft and well effaced cervix managed to have half a sweep today. Very emotional and overwhelmed.

Having a c section today as baby is on the big size I’m a but nervous and a bit scared as this is my first baby it would help how others got on after how was there recovery

How soon after your c section were you comfortable driving? My doctor doesn't have a specific week, it's just based on our pain levels. Last time I think I started driving around 4-6 weeks but I had a slow recovery. This time (second c section) my pain levels are much more manageable so I am hoping it will be sooner!

I’m 32 weeks is now a good time to start packing my hospital bag ?

What are people’s thoughts on visitors in the hospital post birth? I personally feel that moment is so special and intimate between myself and my birthing partner (whoever that may be). Also feels a bit unnatural to have extra people touching my baby when I need that time to bond/ establish breastfeeding etc. I know...

Please please does anyone have any positive stories? Ones that also don't end in c section. That's my worst fear for many reason.

I’ve been booked for folley ballon induction on Thursday morning I will be 41+5. I’m currently 2-3cm dilated - was informed folley will be inserted and I’ll be sent back home but if I’m more dilated they might decide to go via different route such as breaking my waters. What are your stories with folley balloon indu...

Hi all - They gave me a date of between 39-39+3 to have the C section, just wondering would they bring it forward at all? Or only on medical/emergency grounds would they do this? Thanks

I’m not sure what is even normal at this point I’m 3 almost 4 weeks pp and my incision started off looking good most doctors said it looks great and they could barely see anything. Since I’ve been home it’s been healing but it feels so bumpy and hard when I touch it. Not flat like I’ve heard other ppl say. Hoping th...

I think I have lost my mucus plug this morning, it was quite a large blob but was fully clear with no blood, my belly feels quite tight but I wouldn’t say it hurts, just slightly uncomfortable. I’ve put a pad on and nothing else has come out, am I supposed to phone triage?? I don’t know what to do😂

But I’ve honestly fuckinh had enough. My contractions have started full on at night for 3 days now and they are really intense and I try not to get excited over it because every fucking time they just stop and amount to nothing. I am SO SICK OF THIS SHIT OMG

Our gorgeous girl Penelope born at home yesterday morning! I said all through my pregnancy that I wanted a home birth which often raised eyebrows with others.. so glad I stuck to what I wanted. Born at 40+4 and she’s absolutely perfect! 💕 Good luck everyone ❤️❤️

Called triage and they asked me to come in so waited for partner to get back from Everton game and went in and confirmed it was my waters and due to risk of infection I need to be induced in next 24 hours if I don’t go into active labour naturally… so I got sent home and hoped things would progress my contractions s...

My baby has just turned two months now and my scar on the outside has healed up nicely but my lower bit of my stomach (internally) feels tender and a bit numb, does anyone have any suggestions or know of any oils or lotions that might help with the abdominal muscles or any non strenuous exercise that are easy to do....

I found out at 36w2d that baby is breech. Anyone have an ECV success story or did your baby flip on their own at this stage or later?

C section mamas When was the soonest you got pregnant again after a c section? I plan to wait at least the recommended time (not in a crazy rush, and want to get a bigger home first etc) but just curious. What was the pros / cons? Did you experience any trauma / any bad effects from getting pregnant more soon than ...

My elective c section is in the morning and I’ve all of a sudden gone into a panic! Please tell me your happy and healthy stories…