"Birth of my baby"

We attended an appointment at Bunbury hospital which we thought was to talk about my BMI and the potential of being able to birth at Manjimup hospital even with a higher BMI, however once we were seen by the consultant we were told that actually our baby was too small and we were to be induced that very evening.

Being 2 hours from home, with no bags packed and 3 weeks before my due date, we were shocked and a bit alarmed, but decided to push back and asked for more time. A plan was eventually made to allow us to go home and come back for a planned induction 5 days later, with 2 checks at the local hospital over the weekend to make sure bub's vitals were good.

On the day of the induction, we arrived at the maternity ward, got checked out and a foleys catheter was attempted to be inserted. After 3 attempts it was decided that my cervix was too slippery and after consultation with the registrar, it was agreed I could have prostaglandin gel even though previously it had been not advised due to the expected size of my baby. I had the first dose in the evening and then my husband had to leave (visiting hours were over) but we were under the impression nothing more would happen till the late morning. 4 hours later, I was woken for a second dose… and an hour later I called the nurse as I felt cramps and pretty awful… they didn’t think I could be in labour. So I downloaded a contraction tracking app and timed my surges… after 45 mins I called the nurse back and showed them, and they agreed I could be in labour, they just weren't able to feel my contractions with their hands.

I think I was left for a while (I focused on breathing and staying calm so can’t say for sure) but at 4.30am I messaged my husband for help. Once he arrived we asked to be moved into a birth suite. 6 hours later our baby was born!

Thank goodness for the positive birth program- it gave me the tools to stay calm and to focus on breathing and staying positive for my baby, and I was able to birth them without any drugs or interventions (other than the initial prostaglandin gel)

It also made us feel informed and strong enough to advocate for ourselves.