Lynsey & Phil's baby Lucas

Hospital birth, UK - 2017

Lynsey was booked in for an induction but at 41.3 weeks, birth started.  Read how Lynsey found ways to stay focused and relaxed even with challenges like a retained placenta:

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"I thought I would let you know our birth story, I really do think your course really benefitted us and made a huge difference. We were 10 days over our expected due and and booked in for an induction on the 22nd.

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I woke up on Saturday with back ache and an ache like a period pain, it was a little uncomfortable but no worse then a badish period so I just get on. I decided I could not sit around so we walked along the River, went out for lunch and attended my best friend little boys birthday party.

During the day the ache had turned to twinges or surges as I now know. I was still out and just managing them as they weren't that frequent. Got home about 5pm and they were becoming more regular and stronger. Bounced on my ball, moved around, took paracetamol, had a bath did all the norm in till about 10 when I felt I needed some gas and air to take the worse off.

Although they were as frequent as 3-4 minutes some were still very short ranging from 20-50 seconds so not over the recommended 60 seconds. 

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My show didn't come till about 8.30-9pm so quite late and my waters were still intact right up till just before he was born. I was bleeding a fair bit so they said to go into hospital. We got to hospital at 11 pm, I was 9 cm dilated some how which was amazing to hear.

Got in the pool about 11.30 and had him less then two hours later with the help of gas and air, in the birth pool. Found I panicked a little at times but Phil was great reminding me to breath and doing a lot of light touch massage. I really didn't feel the need to push and went with what my body was telling me, the down breathing you taught me was very successful.

Having the relaxation music on in the background and the multi coloured led lights changing made the room so lovely and tranquil. 

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Tried to delivery the placenta in the pool with no luck, back on the bed for further attempts with assistance from the midwife and then a doctor. I had had the injection also to help it come out but no joy.

The only option we had was to go to theatre for a manual evacuation which meant I had to have a spinal injection, not the end I wanted. The whole experience was fine, theatre staff great and I was calm, it was just such a shame it ended that way but it couldn't be helped and we were all ok which was the main thing.

Felt sorry for a Phil really as I was missing over two hours and he was left with a hungry new born, however they got great skin to skin bonding time in that period.

We had to stay in a couple of nights whilst I regained sensation in my legs etc, had the catheter removed but am so glad and loving being home. 

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Miranda, thanks so much for all your help, advise and guidance. I really do feel the course helped me have a great birthing experience, remain calm especially when we came across special circumstances and theatre. I also believe it gave Phil a role and allowed him to remain calm and in control.