"Wonderful support to deliver by VBAC"

For my second baby, I was hoping to have a VBAC, but as with my first born I reached 42 weeks and still no sign of baby. I was booked in for a c-section and on the morning of the planned c-section We asked if it was possible to have my waters broken. This was the only intervention that the team felt was appropriate to try and induce labour and I had a wonderful consultant who I had met previously for some sweeps and who was fully behind me trying to deliver vaginally.

There was very little movement initially and we planned to go for a csection again, but by the time an anaesthetist had prepared my contractions had started and I'd reached active labour. The delivery then took about 6 hours and was intense but I was supported throughout to deliver my baby vaginally, as per my wishes. At one point I asked for an epidural, but it was really too late for that and I'm glad I didn't have it in the end!

The team of midwives did change whilst I was in labour, but the handover was smooth between professionals and I was encouraged to try different positions. I eventually delivered my baby boy lying on my left side. I thought the team who supported me in the final stages were excellent - the midwife and their student midwife. Both were brilliant in supporting me in my aftercare and stitches as well as in getting into the shower and onto the recovery ward.

I know I made the midwives job harder, especially as I was keen to move around and this made it more difficult to monitor baby's heart rate, but I was offered a wireless monitor, although we didn't take this up in the end. I know how hard your job must be and I doubt someone swearing at you is helpful! You all did a brilliant job!