I was four days overdue when labour finally started at 3am on the 19th Jan. I woke up with terrible backache and period pain. I had been having these pains since December so did not think anything of it. I continued the day as normal and had a lovely soak in the bath. By lunchtime I had noticed that the pain was getting worse but I was not having contractions so I just thought the baby was being a bit of a pain. By this point I was permanently on my birthing ball or on all fours with my husband rubbing my back. I concentrated on my breathing techniques and found the ‘bumble bee’ breathing technique really good – although I must have looked and sounded very strange.
By 2pm, I still did not think I was in labour due to the lack of contractions but telephoned the labour ward for their opinion. They said I should call to the hospital when I was ready and they would check me over although the liklihood was that I was not in labour.
At 3.30pm I begrudginly got off my birthing ball and set off for Arrowe Park. I explained that I had not had contractions but had backache and the pain was getting stronger. They told me that I was actually having really strong contractions and they could not believe I could not feel them. I was already 4cm dialated and they took me to the Midwifery led unit. I got into the birthing pool just after 5pm and using only gas and air and my breathing techniques I gave birth to Olivia just two hours later.
I really believe that the yoga helped my delivery. Send my love to all of the girls still waiting to meet their babies.”