Community Posts, Tips & Support on Labor & Birth

Hi, So I had emergency c section 2 years ago and was put to sleep for it. This was quite scary for both husband and I. I'm now pregnant again. I could try for natural birth. But neither me or husband want to try. We have so many scars from the emergency c section. We are both pretty scared, happy,but scared that ...

Hey! There are a few different contraction timers. Does anyone recommend a specific one? And what’s the difference between them all? Most you need to pay so I want to buy one that’s most recommended.

Hey! I’m a first time mum planning to give birth at Basildon Hospital but I’m seeing negative stories/articles… has anyone had a positive birth experience there?

Is anyone else still breech or had any experience of ECV I’m currently 36+4 baby has always been breech, booked in for a c section in 3 weeks time and offered an ECV for next week…however not sure I want this they told me to book it and I can decide on the day of. Was dead against it but the consultant was lovely a...

I’ve been really looking forward to going into labour naturally and having a VBAC birth. So today we went to the birth centre for a first sweep at 41+2 days but it led to bleeding. Being a bit cautious the midwife sent us to triage where they did a speculum examination and found there was bleeding but they seem to n...

Hi ladies when did y’all start packing your hospital bag? I’m 27weeks now and still haven’t got anything ready. Also what are the main requirements to pack please? Any help would be much appreciated thank you

40+2 today with two sweeps so far, have another booked for Thursday and then if nothing the midwife said we can go for induction on at 41 weeks. Is it possible then on my Thursday appointment to opt for a planned c-section instead and does anyone know what the drawbacks of this would be? Really don’t want to be indu...

Midwife tried a sweep today said baby’s head was very low and my cervix was behind it so she couldn’t reach as it was too painful and I asked her to stop. She did say it was lowish and the edge felt soft she just couldn’t get close enough to feel if I was dilated without pulling it forwards a bit 🤢 It’s been 4…

I've had my hospital bags packed for weeks now but it's looking very likely that I'll end up being induced on Thursday as little man's made himself a little too comfy in there. Originally I'd packed enough for both of us for 2 days but I could potentially be in there for a couple of days before he even arrives, mayb...

Hello! I am due to have my second baby in six weeks. However, unlike my first pregnancy, I am not really thinking too much about the labour because I’ve been so busy with life and my toddler! Is this “relaxed” approach ideal? I am hoping to have a birth plan but not have expectations, relax and breathe properly, a...

Being induced tomorrow at 40+4 starting with a pessary at frimley park hospital. So scared since baby’s head not engaged at all and not dilated just soft and well effaced cervix managed to have half a sweep today. Very emotional and overwhelmed.

Having a c section today as baby is on the big size I’m a but nervous and a bit scared as this is my first baby it would help how others got on after how was there recovery

How soon after your c section were you comfortable driving? My doctor doesn't have a specific week, it's just based on our pain levels. Last time I think I started driving around 4-6 weeks but I had a slow recovery. This time (second c section) my pain levels are much more manageable so I am hoping it will be sooner!

I’m 32 weeks is now a good time to start packing my hospital bag ?

What are people’s thoughts on visitors in the hospital post birth? I personally feel that moment is so special and intimate between myself and my birthing partner (whoever that may be). Also feels a bit unnatural to have extra people touching my baby when I need that time to bond/ establish breastfeeding etc. I know...

Please please does anyone have any positive stories? Ones that also don't end in c section. That's my worst fear for many reason.

I’ve been booked for folley ballon induction on Thursday morning I will be 41+5. I’m currently 2-3cm dilated - was informed folley will be inserted and I’ll be sent back home but if I’m more dilated they might decide to go via different route such as breaking my waters. What are your stories with folley balloon indu...

Hi all - They gave me a date of between 39-39+3 to have the C section, just wondering would they bring it forward at all? Or only on medical/emergency grounds would they do this? Thanks

I’m not sure what is even normal at this point I’m 3 almost 4 weeks pp and my incision started off looking good most doctors said it looks great and they could barely see anything. Since I’ve been home it’s been healing but it feels so bumpy and hard when I touch it. Not flat like I’ve heard other ppl say. Hoping th...

I think I have lost my mucus plug this morning, it was quite a large blob but was fully clear with no blood, my belly feels quite tight but I wouldn’t say it hurts, just slightly uncomfortable. I’ve put a pad on and nothing else has come out, am I supposed to phone triage?? I don’t know what to do😂