Why do you want to share your birth story?

I am an older Mum this time around and I experienced this with such a different perspective, it felt worth sharing.

Where did you deliver your baby?

Whiston Hospital

Were you full term? Early? Overdue?

39+1

How was your pregnancy?

I genuinely enjoyed it this time around. I worried that the almost 8 year gap might mean I found it more difficult physically. Thankfully that gap allowed me to get into better shape than before and also allowed me to grow in confidence and capability as a Mummy. I enjoyed my first babies childhood to the max and it felt like something we were all ready to experience together. My previous pregnancy I was too nervous to continue exercising and worried about the endless possibilities, everything felt so overwhelming.

Did you do any special preparation for your delivery?

I maintained my exercise as long as my body felt comfortable and adjusted along the way. I took time off ahead of the birth to spend quality time with my first born and we made some amazing memories together. I also went to a debrief session on my first birth along with my husband to talk through prior birth trauma and help me understand all options to support the labour this time, it helped massively and allowed me and my husband to advocate for what we needed second time around.

Did you have a birth plan in place?

I took every tool I felt I would need, essential oils, a swimming costume for a water birth, tens machine, birthing comb you name it! I wanted to have all birthing options feel as relaxed as possible rather than be stuck on wanting something that would not be medically possible. I didn't get a water birth due to being induced (big baby) but I did have my essential oils, birth comb upto 4cm, tea light candles and a nostalgic show playing in the background keeping me grounded. I had wireless monitoring meaning I could move around and do whatever felt natural.

Where/how did you access midwife support during your pregnancy?

I accessed support via the doctor who gave the details to register the pregnancy. Once that happened I was invited to clinics at both Widnes and Runcorn clinics throughout.

Did you pay for a private scan and if so where?

I did at your baby scan Widnes

Describe how the day you gave birth began.

So I was medically induced due to the babies size. I was dilated enough to go straight for my waters being broken and then placed on a drip to encourage contractions after an hour of waiting to see if they began naturally. This was so different to my first as my water broke and I went naturally without induction.

Who supported you during your delivery?

My Husband, he was amazing. Also 2 lovely midwives as we crossed over shift patterns.

How was your recovery?

This time was a much easier recovery. I didn't need any assistance with delivery this time which meant I had a minor natural tear and it healed very quickly. I was up and walking around within an hour of birth and we came home that same day to start life as a family of four.

How did you feel when your baby arrived?

Overwhelmed by love and astonished at how much hair she had. She is her older sisters double.

What are your top tips for a hospital bag or home birth?

Take whatever you feel will comfort you during labour that's top priority. Milk for the baby even if you plan to breastfeed, you never know what will happen and you will be glad you have back up options if needed. I even hand expressed colostrum into syringes, frozen them and took them along which allowed dad to feed her during skin to skin whilst I had stitches and freshened up ready for our oldest to come and meet her baby sister. And BIG stretchy pants/adult nappies for the win 😂