Recently, Rachel kindly took some time to share her positive unplanned C-section birth story with you. A C-section birth wasn’t what she had hoped for and Rachel explains beautifully why her birth changed. I strongly believe that in order to achieve a positive birth one must feel well supported, well informed and completely involved in the decision making process.
Rachel, her partner Nathan and the Maternity team caring for them achieved a positive birth together. It is wonderful to know that Rachel will always look back on Robinson’s birth with a smile on her face, feeling incredibly proud of herself.
Their positive birth experience will stay with them forever.
‘Hi Emily,
I hope you are well.
I thought you might like to know that Robinson Nathan was welcomed on Thursday at 13:47 weighing 8lb 9oz. The only boy from our antenatal group I believe!
Unfortunately, it was not the most straight forward labour but he arrived safely in the end which is the main thing.
My waters broke in bed at 5:15 on Wednesday. Contractions came quite strong and fast.
We spent most of the day at home with TENS machine (This is a link to the one I show in class) but after a couple of trips to the hospital, things were not progressing – despite the strong contractions every 4 mins – I was not dilating as liked – only 3cm! Just before midnight I was checked over again – I was dehydrated as I’d not been able to eat or drink all day as I suffered quite a lot of vomiting. An anti sickness injection and fluids were administered and we decided to put up a hormone drip to help things along. 
By 4am I was 8cm – hoorah!! However that joy was short lived. At 6am I was still 8cm – gas and air was introduced at this point. I’d gone 24 hours with just the TENS machine – I highly recommend the TENS machine.
The decision was made to increase the hormone drip and at 8am when the Consultants were doing rounds, I was still 8cm. With my consent the surgeons decided to monitor me even more closely. I should have dilated more by now. It was agreed that if no progress was made by 10am another plan would need to be discussed. They increased the hormone drip yet again – this made the contractions almost unbearable and baby was really kicking hard – I did not want an epidural so opted for Remifentanil.
At 10am I was at 9cm but it wasn’t enough. The surgeon tried to see if she could move the last bit of cervix but couldn’t. She also said she thought babies head was stuck and intervention was needed. We were still going for a vaginal birth but it would now need to be in theatre with instrumental assistance.
At midday I was prepped for theatre and given a spinal. I was examined more thoroughly and it was confirmed baby was stuck and there was no way he was coming out vaginally – the birth canal with instruments would be too dangerous, so in the end it was an emergency C-section. Once the decision was made, Robinson was born within minutes – he was healthy and strong, albeit with a funny shaped head from where he was stuck!
C-section was not the birth we hoped for but Robinson and I are healthy and safe. All the team at the maternity unit were absolutely incredible!! I am so very grateful to all of them!
We only spent Thursday night in hospital and were able to bring Robinson home on Friday evening.
I strongly believe that my cervix not dilating fully was my bodies way of protecting myself and Robinson. If we had got to 10cm and pushed I think it would have been very traumatic with how Robinson’s head was stuck.
Everything happens for the right reasons in the end.
I want to thank you again for your classes and for preparing us for all outcomes.
All the best
Rachel, Nathan and Robinson’
I’m sure Rachel would love to know in the comments if her positive C-section birth has help another.
If you would like to prepare properly for your birth like Rachel and Nathan it would be lovely to have you join one of the 5 * Antenatal or Hypnobirthing courses. Click here.
If you have enjoyed reading this real, positive birth story please head over to the Talking Babies Blog where you will find positive births ones with intervention and ones without. Click here.
