Lovely Lauren has done our whole collection of baby classes with her gorgeous little one. She had a wonderful first birthing experience when she gave birth to her daughter O:

"My waters broke at 3pm but I wasn’t experiencing any contractions so I was advised to go to RSCH to have baby monitored. I was seen quickly and they confirmed that baby was fine but because of the risk of infection I should be booked in for an induction the following day at 4pm in case I hadn’t gone into labour by then.

I was sent home at around 8pm and I started to feel very uncomfortable with a lot of back pain (which I had suffered with quite a bit during pregnancy anyway). I tried to eat a bit of dinner, had a bath and got into bed in the hope that I could get a bit of sleep.

At about 10 the pain ramped up and I realised the back pain was probably actually contractions. So my partner started to record these and spoke to the midwife hotline. At about 11:30 I was in such discomfort I asked to be admitted to RSCH and they agreed I should make my way. 

I was fortunate to have an uncomplicated pregnancy and therefore was midwife led. On arriving at the maternity wing I was assessed and told I was fully dilated! I requested that they fill the birthing pool which they did fairly quickly and once I was in I was offered gas and air - the best! I was in the pool for about 25 mins in active labour when O arrived just before 2am! They told me I could pull her out myself but I was absolutely not feeling that, but if I’m lucky enough to have the same birth experience next time then I will. 

The only thing I would say is that I don’t seem to remember being asked whether to give O the vitamin k injection, it was just done. This is something I would have said yes to so it didn’t bother me but I remember thinking I wish I had been asked regardless. Other than that the midwives were wonderful and listened to my asks, they were especially great with helping me feed. 

A water birth was great for me, the feeling of the pain easing on getting in was amazing, it completely calmed me down and helped regulate my breathing. Would really recommend to anyone!"