My Birth Preferences - Labour For The Second Time

21.7.15


Now I'm classed as full-term I've been thinking more and more about the birth, and how I want it to be. Being a second time mum I know that plans don't always go the way you want or expect them to. If you've read Indiana's labour story you'll know I had a pretty rough time; 32 hours, not progressing, ventouse delivery followed by high levels of blood loss - not exactly the 'perfect' birth.

This time instead of writing a birth plan I've just told Jack the things I DO want to happen, and written preferences instead of a structured plan.

Water Birth - I really want to try a water birth this time instead of being laid on the hospital bed. When I was in labour with Indiana I remember laying in my mums bath whilst people were talking to me. Although the pain didn't disappear completely, it did help. I also loved how weightless and relaxed it made me recently at the Spa, which has made me want to try it even more. After reading other people's water birth stories I'm even more excited to try, so fingers crossed this can happen!

Jack To Cut The Cord - With having a ventouse delivery it meant there was a doctor in the room helping me out. Once Indiana was born he cut the cord himself, and no one even asked us who we wanted to do it. This time I really want Jack to be the one to do it; it's such a special moment that I feel was taken away from us last time.

Immediate Skin-To-Skin - I actually got this with Indiana, she was born straight onto my chest. It was such a special moment and one I want to experience again. I'm wanting to try breastfeeding this time as well and I know this really helps towards it.

No Hospital Visitors - I know this is technically after the birth, but it's something I feel really strongly about this time. I felt really unwell after Indiana was born, but felt as if it was our duty to let people into visit us. I was unable to really move, in my PJS and looking horrible - not exactly how I want people to see me! This time we're hoping to be in and out as quickly as possible anyway, but the only person I want to visit us at the hospital is of course Indiana. I think this will also be a lovely time for Jack and I to spend some quality time with baby boy, before we're thrown into life as a family of 4!

That's about it for the main things I really want. From previous experience I know I have to go with how I'm feeling at the time. I'm not dismissing any pain relief apart from pethidine (personal preference) and I will accept help if it's necessary. Most people have said that second labours are quicker - anything less than 2 days will be good with me haha - but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

10 comments :

  1. I cannot believe your at full term, quickest pregnancy ever! I think it's a lot more realistic to have idea of things you want to happen as then you won't be as disappointed if things don't go your way. What a shame jack didn't get to cut the cord, my mum was able to even with a cesarean so I really hope he's able to this time. Can't wait to hear how it all goes and hopefully you won't be waiting to much longer xx

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  2. I can't wait to do it second time around even though I will no doubt have to have another c section but I will be so much more prepared. Totally agree about hospital visitors, I had loads and it was stressful especially because I was breast feeding and you need to really see what your doing which is not easy with a room full of people. Plus people took pictures of me looking horrific and put them on Facebook! Boobs everywhere, paler than pale and looking so drugged up haha. Not ideal! Lovely for you to have special time with you baby boy too. I cannot believe your full term! The social media stalking will be upping the anti on the lookout for baby news!! Xx

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  3. I had a similar time with you when I had eva so hopefully it'll be better for us both 2nd time around. Totally agree on the visitors x

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  4. I've basically got the same birth plan as you, simple and still open minded about pain relief as I'm not sure how I'll cope but as for the cord and pool birth, definitely what I plan for anyway. Fingers crossed! Hope all goes well and I'll keep watching for your little one's arrival! :)

    Paula ♥ | http://www.la-vida-fresa.com xo

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  5. Great attitude! Yes skin on skin can be a lovely way to start off a breastfeeding relationship...good luck. Such a good idea about no hospital visitors...I will be copying that if I ever have another baby. And I really admire the way you don't have a birth plan as such but instead have some clear preferences. Seems a really good way of putting you and jack in control. All the very best! #maternitymondays Lucy at occupation:(m)other

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  6. If I ever have another by I'd love to try have a water birth. Aww I can't believe Jack didn't get the cut the cord, or that you weren't even asked :( how exciting that you're now full term! I can't wait to see the little man's photos and hear how everything goes! Xxx

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  7. I don't really want people to visit me at the hospital either. But being the first grandchild on both sides of the family I think I will have to have immediate family members visit and then other people can come and visit when we get home. I'm just really stressed out that I might not get that alone time to just take in my very first baby alone.

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  8. Great preferences and I hope Jack gets to cut the cord this time xx

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  9. Laura taylor22/7/15

    Hey I totally agree on the no hospital visitors we did this first off until I was in for three days and desperate first time grandparents on both sides wanted cuddles which was fine plus new faces cheered me up but the first twos was just us x

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  10. These are great preferences to have!! I have to say that I feel some envy when I read about this kind of thing as things like this are just not a possibility here!! I really hope you get everything you want this time!! Ps totally get the visitors thing, it would be lovely if you can get it so it's just you jack Indiana and baby boy :) xx

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