Last updated on November 16th, 2023 at 05:18 pm
When I was about to give birth with my first baby, two weeks overdue, you wouldn’t believe the horror stories people kept telling me about birth. If it wasn’t bad enough that I was a first timer and had no clue what to expect, the images of 36 hours of birth and c-sections going wrong were stuck in my mind. I just kept telling myself, don’t worry it’s one day of pain for a life time of joy!
I never understood why people never shared the nice and easy birth stories maybe for fear they would get bunched by those that had it tough. I sympathyze with those but we should share our good and bad stories alike. It might set someone like me who is anxious person anyways at easy before they go into labor which in return might help them have a better experience, I don’t know but it couldn’t hurt. So I am flashing back to Buba’s birth story…
The Birth of Buba:
I was at 42 weeks, feeling very full and uncomfortable by this point but I knew come the following Monday I was being induced. I wasn’t happy about it. I have never heard a good thing about being induced nor have I ever heard it ever goes quickly. I didn’t mind being late, for some reason I knew all along he wasn’t going to be joining us on his due date. I had in my mind a week late at least so I was frustrated when daily I got the grunts from people, “you still here?” Clearly I am, at 42 pounds (3 stone) heavier than my usual self you couldn’t really miss me! I had had two sweeps which did nothing where I was told I was at 2 cm already but there I still was, with nothing happening.
The night I went into labor, was a Saturday, we had been at a friend’s funeral. It was a day full of emotion and Mr P had the honor to speak at the funeral, and what a great speech he made too. I remember a few days leading up to the funeral I kept thinking please just stay in there little buddy so Daddy can do his speech for his friend. I was more worried about Mr P watching his son be born and then having to leave us to go mourn a friend then come back to a new baby. That would have been an extreme roller coaster on the heart. Not that anyway it happened it wouldn’t be but my usual kicker stayed comfortably quiet all day. We went to the funeral reception afterwards, gathering with friends to celebrate the life of our friend before he passed. There was food, music and dancing. I felt completely fine so I told Mr P I would drive home if he wanted to have a few drinks with his friends. Long story short by 9 pm he was quite tipsy and I felt like the food I ate wasn’t settling right and I had been on my feet all day so I was tired. It was time for home.
We got home and both went straight to bed. Mr P in the spare room because my million and one get ups in the night to pee towards the end were driving him crazy.
4:02 AM: I woke with a sudden stabbing pain in my abdomen, it was sharp, quick, and painful. It quickly faded so I went pee, and had a drink of water. My back felt sore and I didn’t feel like sleeping so I ran a hot bath. I still felt like I ate something bad that evening.
4:12 The pain was much harder this time and longer. I looked at my watch and it was happening every five minutes. I screaming for Mr P, hoping he wasn’t too drunk and passed out to hear me because I couldn’t move by this time.
4:20 My contractions were three minutes a part and we were on the phone to the hospital. The midwife on the phone said since it was my first it would be awhile and to go back to bed with two paracetamol. I told Mr P to get my bag and the car ready NOW! I ignored her and crawled to the car.
The car ride was the worse experience of my life. Holding in a baby that wants to come out right NOW is not easy. Every bump, corner and red light on the brakes was like a knife twisting down there. I could feel his head wanted to come out but knew that a most likely still intoxicated husband delivering this baby wasn’t an option, him driving the car was bad enough. Lucky we don’t live far from the hospital.
As soon as I arrived at the hospital, this amazing midwife who looked about ten with pigtails I kid you not, wheeled me into the delivery room on my knees because by now it was impossible to sit as I was still holding him in. I got on the bed and she said he was crowning. Three pushes, four cups of ice cold water later and I heard a cry. I have no idea why I was so thirsty I just remember between each push I was gulping water from the side table. Mr P I think was in la-la-land in the corner not sure if he was possibly dreaming still.
I remember in the mist of it all Mr P saying can’t she have an epidural because he knew I wanted one or try in a birthing pool. The midwife laughed at him and just said there is no time for that. They had handed him gas and air to hold for me but I think it would have been better use on him. I tried it once then twice and I thought I would puke. It was an awful taste and smell. I threaten his life if he brought it near me again, not to mention it hurt my mouth. Absolutely horrible stuff.
5:16 AM: They handed me this skinny, scrawny little baby for skin to skin contact and I was instantly in love. I felt strong and powerful, is the only way I can describe it now. I couldn’t believe I gave birth to this little baby in my arms, a life. I always thought I would have tons of drugs and would hate it but it was the most amazing experience ever. I was truly blown away.
I had heard the lady next door screaming when I arrived and bless her she was still screaming. The midwife said she had been there for hours trying to push. I started thanking the heavens above for blessing me with a quick labor. I even joked to the midwife she could cancel my appointment the next day for my induction downstairs.
While they got everything cleaned up, I attempted to breastfeed, Buba was a pro and latched right away even though he made me work at it later for the next year. Again, I surprised myself because I never thought I wanted to breastfeed or even try it until I got pregnant. Now, I am ever so grateful that I did it.
Even though it was nothing like my birth plan of birthing pools, soft music playing, a calm, relaxed environment, epidural and drugs I wouldn’t have had it any other way then I did, rushing in, screaming my head off and Buba arriving very fast. I was told birthing plans never go to plan. How right they are!
Happy Birth Day Buba: August 6, 2011 5:16 AM 7.6 lbs / 21 inches long 
Wow, that was quick. Mine was quite quick too and funnily enough I’ve just written about my caesarean experience which will be on the blog tomorrow. I had a good experience although I’ve been a bit nervous of sharing that for some reason. I enjoyed reading this and I think you’re right-we should have more ‘good’ stories too. Thank you for sharing.
I think we tend to be hesitant because we don’t want the ones that had a tough experience to hate us or want to punch us. lol I wasn’t going to share both of mine and if you think buba’s was fast wait till you hear MM’s but I didn’t want to miss documenting all the moments down before baby brain took over completely and I forgot the little things. I look forward to reading yours tomorrow! Glad you had a good story too. More people should really help spread the word that there can be easy fast births might not scared prego people so much. lol Thanks for linking up and commenting.
Oh, wow! Very fast and glad you didn’t need that induction you were dreading. That is a gorgeous photo, too x
Gorgeous ? Are you sure you are looking at my post. hahahaa Just gave birth lady. Gorgeous moment maybe. hahaha I am soooooo glad I didn’t have to have the induction that wouldn’t have been fun and it takes the whole going into labor part away.
Aww Jenny, such a sweet story and , wow, what an amazingly quick birth! It’s as well you jumped in the car when you did! Xx
Thank you hunny I know can you imagine if I would have listened to the midwife on the phone and went back to bed. My slightly drunk hubby would have been delivering. EEEK Always go with our gut feeling for sure. I did and thank god I did. Wait till you read Missy Moo’s birth story coming soon, it was faster if you would believe. I definitely sneeze my kids out is what I am told. 😉
Such a lovely photo of you both 🙂 A great post x
Thank you. Eek no makeup and middle of the night wouldn’t say lovely but it was definitely a lovely moment for sure. Thanks for commenting. 😉
WOW WOW WOW! How quick was that! Amazing xx
Wait until you read Missy Moo’s birth story. She was even faster! If I had a third I am sure I would sneeze him or her out. lol All my friends and family say I sneeze my babies out. I know not fair but someone has to share the good stories too! 😉
What a lovely story, Jenny! It is lovely to hear about a positive birth experience. I was the same as you with gas and air: hated it! Funny how some people love it and others hate it! x Mel
I know everyone said how great it was. No thank you. Thanks hunny yes someone should share the good stories as no one ever does! It was so magical in every way I am really lucky. Missy Moo was even faster. lol
I my experience, birth isn’t as bad as a lot of people might think. It’s great that you’ve shared this positive birth experience. x
Thank you Alexandra, I wish more would share their good stories as much as the ones that share their tough stories. I am glad birth wasn’t bad for you too. 🙂
wow, that seems like a completely different story from others and from OBEM, i would love to have something like this, but i really dont want to be overdue
My little L http://my-little-l.blogspot.co.uk/
Haha Well stay tune then my lovely because Missy Moo’s birth story is coming up next and she was three weeks early and even faster if you can believe that. lol Best of luck to you and thank you ever so much for stopping by. I look forward to reading yours on your blog!. 😉
It’s great to share this positive birthing story. I had to do hypnobirthing as I was so pertrified. It helped, but I ended up having an emergency C-section anyways! It never happens the way you think/intend. Hope next time will be more like yours. Aahh-choo! 🙂
HAHAHA Ting you just made me belly laugh so hard with your Ahhh-chooo! I can’t stop giggling so true this is what I have been labeled by friends and family. lol Thank you glad you liked it and sorry to hear you had to do hypnobirthing I didn’t know there was such a thing that’s great though I hope it helped you. I hope next time you have it easier. Wait until you hear Missy Moo’s birth story easier, and faster you wouldn’t believe it. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting. 😉
Wow, that was fast, but good for you! Mine were both horrendous, actually the second was much worse, so you can’t believe any theories!
Really? I am so sorry to hear that. I was always told the second was faster and easier. I guess the theories are wrong afterall. You would hate me to tell you Missy Moo’s was even faster then I really always thought the theory was true. Sorry hun. Maybe your third will be fast and easy they say third’s a charm! 😉 Thanks for not hating on me then for this post. hahaha So glad you introduced your blog to me I am loving it.
Awww!!
Lovely linky 🙂 Thank you for hosting. x
Thank you Sarah. Anytime! Glad you like it.
I never had a birth plan and I’m quite glad I didn’t as my labour went so crazily wrong I would have been a bit disappointed! I love the depth of your story 🙂
Thank you Beth, so sorry to hear you had a tough time. Yes, I think birth plans should be thrown out the window and just make a list of in the case of this do you want this or this and so forth. They never seen to go as planned. 😉
Mine is a story few people would want to read but, no matter, they are hear and gloriously perfect- as all our babies are.
Thanks so much for hosting this fab linky and, once again MASSIVE congrats on the MAD’s. you get my vote. x
Oh thank you so much for the congrats. I think I have cried each day since with the amount of love and support I am receiving it’s so amazing. I feel very honored. To me just making the list feels like winning something massive. 😉 I love birthing stories. I am sorry yours was an easy one. That’s hard. But like you said doesn’t matter how they got here it’s that they are here and so amazing to witness growing and learning in front of our very eyes. Thanks again for the support my lovely. I am in awe of the blogosphere’s sense of community and support. So addictive and amazing.
Wow – that was quick! I’m so glad you didn’t have to go in for an induction in the end. Having said that though, a friend was induced and said it wasn’t as bad as she thought it was going to be, She said she had nothing to compare it to, so it was fine. You look amazing in this picture – not like someone who has just given birth at all!
Katie you are so sweet. I sure felt it. hahahaha Yes it was quick I couldn’t believe it. My mom had all her kids fast too so I was told it could be the same for me. Didn’t expect that tho or how fast MM was too. Even faster if you would believe. lol Glad your friend’s induction went well I always heard they take forever and almost always a whole day to get going. Thanks for commenting my lovely.
That was so quick! Amazing. And I will never tire of seeing birth photos, that is so beautiful and seeing them makes me really emotional. I want to do it all over again. Not sure if my husband will let me though. 😉 Massive congrats on the Mads again. x
Thank you so much Katie. I still can’t believe it I find it hard being up against my favorites too feels weird to ask people to vote again too and for the Bibs I keep thinking these people are going to tell me where to shove it soon. Eeek I know it was surprisingly quick for all of us. By the time our text messages hit america that I was in labor our text that he was born was right after. haha I am the same!!! I want another one so badly but Mr P said no way. Boo everytime I see a pregnant lady or a new baby I want to do it all over again and again. I always saw myself with four kids and told Mr P that when I met him but financially we just can’t and flying back home would be too hard.
Wow that is an amazing birth story, and lovely to hear all went so well, thank goodness you trusted your instincts and went to the hospital rather than back to bed! xx #sharewithme
I know can you imagine if I ignored my body screaming he is coming and went to bed. Mr Drunk P would have had to deliver him. Or pass out leaving me all alone. I dread to think of it. Both my kids came in the middle of the night, so weird to wake up and just be in full labor both times. Thanks. I am so glad it went good too makes me want more so bad.
Well I see why you never shared until now as you would be lynched ha. I was in labour for about two days with my first but then my second was just two hours. Lovely post and lovely pic at end. xxx
Wow two days I am so sorry I did mention I figure why people don’t share good stories because lynching would happen. Instead I waited two and half years later to share let’s me off only a little. right? please? haha So happy that your second went ALOT quicker and better. 2 hours is great. Do you think you would have anymore?
Oh what a wonderful birth story! I love how you felt empowered afterwards- and so you should! My first two babies were emergency sections (the second leading to PTSD after his birth, and the reason why I started my blog) and my third was an elective, and I still wonder how giving birth this way would be. I’ve heard women say they felt empowered before and I think thats fantastic.
x x x
Thank you. I bet it was hard not to have control over how you wanted things to go in your birth plan. I am glad you started your blog though and used it to help support and share your story. It’s a great blog btw I love it. Thank you so much for linking up again with Share With Me I love reading your posts. It truly is an empowering feeling. It definitely makes me want more. Three wow you are super mom. Is it hard to have a third?
For just giving birth you look fantastic! Us ladies with horror stories don’t want to punch you all with easy deliveries…even the quick and easy deliveries can be horror stories lol.
True things can go so wrong in the fastest of deliveries. Actually they kept telling me to stop pushing and hold him in because if you give birth too fast things can go very wrong very fast! It’s not good for the baby either it can lead to water on the brain or bad tearing on the mother. The midwife said fast births are more painful because the pain is there and never stops until its done whereas having contractions then stopping and starting gives the body time to adjust. Not sure if there is truth to that? Hope you had good birth stories with all yours.
What a lovely birth story. I agree, people LOVE to tell you horror stories when you are pregnant. I’m not sure if it’s an initiation rite or just, plain mean.
I had a good one too so I think it is good for other mums to hear good experiences.
x
That’s fantastic I love hearing that someone had a good story. I think you are right it might be an initiation thing but I still think it’s mean it frightens the first timers. lol More people should share their stories. I love hearing them. Makes me want more… hahaha
Thanks for sharing your beautiful birth story. We really do need more positive birth stories out here to calm down first time moms!
I think so too. Glad you like my post. When you have it easy and fast you get a few haters… but I wish someone would have shared amazing good stories with me instead of scaring the day lights out of me right before it with their tough stories. 😉
Lets face it, however our babies arrive into this world- if we are blessed that they turn up healthy & happy, what more could we wish for? People who have issue with you having an ‘easy’ birth are probably just unhappy with their experience. I wish i had the same birth as you…i kept active (in the pool & gym up until the day before my due date), i did natal hypnotherapy & remained as positive as i could about a natural water birth (all be it realistic that i’d have anything i needed) But after 50 odd hours of labor and emergency c section required. Not ideal, but bah! My baby boy was here!
Thanks for sharing such a tender & beautiful story.
#teamletstalkmummy!!
Katrina you are amazing! Can I virtual hug you right now. #teamletstalkmommy I love it. Two others put this on twitter yesterday it made me cry happy tears. Thank you for the love and support. Wow 50 hours I am so sorry. Like you said doesn’t matter how they came it’s what we get to have enjoy and love for the rest of our lives that matter. Big hugs! xoxo
What a great birth story, I really enjoyed reading it 🙂 I had a horrendous birth with my first baby and an amazing birth with my second so I’ve experienced it from both sides. My husband says no more babies for us too 🙁 xxx
Oh no I hate when the MR cuts us off. lol But it does take two. haha So glad you had a good second experience sometimes the first bad one can put people off having more. I heard second is always better is was for me anyways. MM was super fast, no drugs, stitches or anything. Felt like someone handed me a baby in the grocery store and I was home cooking dinner the same day. weird. Stay tuned for a post about her. 😉
Wow, that was a quickie! I was induced and 3 days and an emergency c-section later O arrived in the world!
My bestie had 2 very quick births, she is the envy of all of us! xx
Oh no so sorry to hear that, at least you both are ok and have each other now right? 3 days I want to hug you right now. Will you have another do you think? Glad your bestie had two quick ones. You will hate me when I say MM was even faster.
As unfunny as it was at the time, we now joke that it was a lot worse for hubby than for me. I had the drugs and was completely out of it for the last 18 hours!
I’d love another more than anything in the world but it’s just not happening for us. We’ve just started fertility drugs so really hoping they have the desired effect. I’d love to give O a brother or sister xx
It’s lovely to hear a positive story, and I’m very impressed that your recollections of it are so clear! My first is all a bit of a blur, but that would be the 21hr labour on no sleep as I went into labour just after I went to bed the night before, that ended in an emergency section 🙂 The second two were electives, much more pleasant experiences!
Oh dear sorry to hear your first was so long. Glad the next two were good experiences. I made a little journal for Buba when he was first born so I had written times and details done, baby brain would have prevented these details otherwise. hahaha
What a fab story and so pleased you got to say your Goodbyes first ^ Mr P did his speech. One day I may just tell the tale of Lucas’s birth – it’s definitely not for the faint hearted!!!! #sharewithme
I think you should. Each experience we share can teach us all something, prepare us all for something or even make us get to know each parent more. All positives from sharing. Would love to read it. Thanks for stopping by. Yes I was so glad we got to go to the funeral and say goodbye. It was surreal to be at a funeral saying goodbye then having a baby. Life and death all in one day.
Lucas says – Awesome story. I have the Mother a few ‘issues’ when I decided it was time to make an appearance. That’s just the way I roll,,,,,,,,,,,,,, #sharewithme
Hahaha you just made me laugh so hard Lucas because my eldest brother always says that’s just the way I roll… and I just got off the phone with him in america. Too funny. Thanks as always for stopping by.
OMG Don’t you look fresh faced! Secondly what a lovely, well written birth story. I thought I was quick, but you’ve got fast and furious sewn up:)
Hahah Zena you just made me laugh so hard. Fast and furious haven’t heard that one yet. Mostly get the hawwwchoo jokes. lol Glad you had a fast and easy birth experience too. Have you written about it? I would love to read it.
I love a good birth story, my first birth was an induction, really quick and quite pain free really but i’ve never really told anyone about it. it is true you tend to hear the tough drawn out ones!
Oh you should share your great experience my lovely. I wasn’t going to either but I am so glad I did and I will be sharing Missy Moo’s soon too. I would love to read yours.
Blimey, that was quick! I thought you would like the very English expression on your blog 😉 Lovely picture too.
Yes I love it. Blimey hahahaha Thanks hun. If you would believe MM was even faster. Maybe my third will just be there when I wake up. hahah a third? eek Mr P would kill me if he saw that. He doesn’t want anymore.
What a lovely story and definitely sounds like the best way to do it!
Thank you. Glad I had the good luck charm for both of the births of my children. I have heard some scary stories and even witnessed my sisters horrible birth of my nephew for 36 hours and I was 18! It was the best birth control ever! Took me ten years to have my own after that. hahahaha