Birth is unpredictable! Sometimes parents find themselves facing a labour that is different from the one they imagined. Read the stories of parents who have coped with all kinds of challenges on the way to meeting their baby and how they made sure that all the way along, they made the choices that were right for them.

Joo Hymn's story
Joo Hymn found her labour quite painful, but arrived at the hospital pushing, and her baby was born just minutes later. Afterward, she struggled with breastfeeding for some time. In a letter to her baby, Joo Hymn describes how proud she feels of the strength she found within herself to cope with labour in the way she wanted, and how glad she was that she persevered with breastfeeding.

Lynette's story
Following a very long labour, Lynette had a caesarean for the birth of her first baby. Lynette and her husband found their experience was a very positive one despite the unplanned outcome, because of the quality of information they received from their doula and doctor, and because they had a complete understanding all the options available to them.

Harlinah's story
After a very long posterior labour, Harlinah had her first child with the support of her husband and two doulas.

Liz's story
Liz had the labour she always imagined - she used several comfort measures and had wonderful support from her husband and doula. She coped beautifully and felt strong and in control. But after many hours with no progress, Liz and her husband Jimmy chose to have a caesarean. They found their entire experience positive and affirming.

Kara's story (Ryan's birth)
Expecting their third child, Kara and her husband Alex planned a vaginal birth after two caesareans (VBA2C). After deciding to have an induction one week past her due date, Kara went into labour spontaneously the night before the induction was scheduled, but after labouring all day, Kara and Alex chose a caesarean when the baby was not moving from an unfavourable position. Kara felt happy to have planned a VBAC, even if it did not come to pass. She was glad that her baby had the benefit of labour before the caesarean, and she again made the choices to ensure she would have a positive experience for her caesarean birth.

Kara's story (Avery's birth)
Kara was planning a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC) for her second baby, but experienced complications during labour and had a repeat caesarean birth. This time, however, her caesarean was a far more positive experience.