by Lorraine Wilks

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I was dreading giving birth. The closer the day got, the more frightened I became like many women. In the end I am so glad I had a natural birth instead of a C-section. I was induced on my due date and in my opinion that was worse than the labour! (I would never be induced again) Once I was established in labour I went onto the gas and air. I was able to have my loving husband and my mother by my side.

I had stared using a T.E.N.S machine whilst being induced and was given gas and air when in labour and that is all I used. I was relaxing inbetween contractions and using the gas and air as shown by the midwife (the T.E.N.S machine was also on full) and although I could feel the contractions it was an unusual pain and in a werid way it was a nice pain. I will admit there was pain that really hurt but it was not unbearable.

After eight hours of labour my baby's head became stuck, but after another fourty five minutes of pushing my beautiful baby was born. The time, believe it or not, just flew by. I did not realise I had been in labour for that long, even when pushing I though it had only been five or ten minutes (that might have been the gas and air though)

I had a fantastic midwife with me (and I do think that makes all the difference)who allowed me to do things my way. I did ask for an epidural, but the midwife suggested that I try the gas and air first to see how I coped with it before trying something more invasive. I love her for suggesting this.

I think the reason I had such a postive experience when giving birth was that I was advised of different options, but left to make the decision for myself. Due to the pain relief that I had I felt that I was more in control and able to move around if I wanted.

I can honestly say I enjoyed my labour and would happily do it all over again tomorrow. I would rather do the labour bit twice and skip the pregnancy any day as my pregnancy was so bad.

After the birth I was able to hold and feed my baby, move around, shower and clean myself up. If I had gone the c-section route that would have been impossible, I would have ended up in hospital for days rather than the twelve hours I was there for and would have also needed extra help when I got home. I'm also glad I didn't have loads of drugs so I could enjoy my baby and cherish those memories of his first moments in this world with me. I think having a natural birth is a wonderful experience and I look forward to the next time.

I would definately recommend being flexible with your birth plan. I was adament that I wanted a c-section and was so glad I didn't. Different women need different pain relief and you can't plan for what your going to feel, so sit back relax and listen to your body. Use pain relief as and when you need it, don't just think I'm going to be in pain give me drugs (although that was my initial thought!) Make sure you have someone there yu want to share this amazing experience with, nd believe me when you hold your baby in your arms whether you labour was the best labour or the worst labour ever it won't matter.

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