My birth story

Before I had my baby, I had this idea that I wanted a natural water birth and I had been researching hypnobirthing. I never thought for one minute that I wouldn't have this ideal birth I had created in my head. Thinking about epidural and C-sections was something I didn't do as it was not part of my birth plan.

On Tuesday last week and they decided to induce me. He was growing above the 90th centile due to gestational diabetes. I was happy with the induction as I stupidly thought I would still get the 'ideal' birth I had created.

Fast forward 2 days and I am finally sent to delivery. They couldn't break my waters so I had to have the hormone drip (not part of my birth plan!) But at this point, I was starting to realise that this birth I wanted was going out of the

window and I was at peace with that.

When they did break my waters, the contractions were horrendous. To make it worse, he was back to back too. After trying the gas and air, I decided to go for the epidural. Although it wasn't what I wanted, I knew I couldn't take the pain anymore and was strangely ok with it. In the moment, it was the best decision I made.

After 18 1/2 hours in labour, I was only 5cm. It was then that they mentioned a C-section. Again, not part of my plan, but throughout my labour, I had a feeling it would end this way.

On 2nd March at 3.07 in the afternoon, my baby boy James (or Jimbo as his daddy calls him!), was born, weighing 7lbs 9.

I have since realised that I did get the perfect birth I wanted. It may not have been how I imagined it, but it was beautiful none the less and seeing my boy was worth everything.

I know so many people struggle and feel guilty at the way their child came in to the world, however, regardless of how your child gets there, every birth is amazing and you should be proud of what you have done.