My daughter was born at 43+1 weeks in Holles Street on December 15th. I had politely declined induction at 42 weeks and opted for daily monitoring instead as I felt happy to let my baby decide when her birthday would be as long as she was happy in there and there were no signs of anything wrong. She scored 8/8 every day on her Biophysical Profiles so I was happy to continue with the pregnancy. It would be an understatement to say I came under severe pressure to induce labour every time I attended for a scan. But I held my nerve, did my research and made an informed decision not to interfere with the birth/labour process.

I felt happy to let my baby decide when her birthday would be as long as she was happy in there and there were no signs of anything wrong

My waters spontaneously ruptured at home on Monday 13th Dec at 4.45am. I began having mild contractions but was managing very well with a TENS and a hot water bottle. I went in to be examined later that day but wasn’t even 1cm so returned home to labour away peacefully. After 36 hours, I got a rather rude phone call summoning me to hospital for antibiotics. I reasoned I had less chance of infection at home but then the Master called and starting scaring me with talk of fistulas etc so I reluctantly agreed to come in. Needless to say, once I crossed the threshold, my labour stalled. After nearly 3 days of early labour contractions and no sleep, I still wasn’t 1cm!! I was put on a 14 bed ward to labour, which was very difficult as I felt I couldn’t be at all vocal during contractions for fear of waking someone in the bed next to me. Finally, I agreed due to sheer exhaustion to augment the labour and was promptly moved to delivery. When I requested augmentation at approximately 2.30am, the doctor on duty told me I was being unfair to him asking for this at this time of the morning and he wanted to wait til 6am for day staff in case “anything went wrong”!! I was deeply distressed by his attitude and treatment; another oxytocin killer. (I later complained in writing about his treatment of me).

I arrived in delivery and got the epidural and syntocinon drip administered. It only took 2 hours and I was fully dilated! So we switched epi and drip off, I pushed for 22 minutes and out our beautiful girl came, all 7lbs 5ozs of her. No stitches, a perfect placenta…she really didn’t look post-dates but she was as my dates were bang on. It was a surreal moment seeing her for the first time but it was a calm, peaceful entry into the world considering all the fighting I’d had to do prior to her arrival. Just me, my husband and one midwife, who was a lovely, reassuring presence.

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