These are the birth stories of the real mothers and fathers who have
chosen a ParentLink labour supporter (doula). Each has his or her own
unique story about the joys and challenges, the laughter and tears along
the way to giving birth. Some
stories are moving, some
are lighthearted ... each one is unique! Get
inspired!
Want to read a story? Choose from the
drop down list or select a category below.
Stories about Labour Support
A labour supporter (doula) is
a professional who offers you and your partner reassurance, practical
assistance, and information during pregnancy and birth.
The stories here highlight how much these women and their partners felt
cared for and supported during labour with their doula with them!
Stories about Posterior Labour If your baby is turned around
with his or her back towards your spine, that's called a "posterior"
position. This positioning of the baby can cause labour to take longer
than usual as the baby usually must turn around before moving down. It
can also cause back pain ("back labour"). Read about how women have
coped with this situation, and how a trained labour supporter can help
with special techniques to help the baby to turn faster.
Stories about Challenging Labour 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.
Stories about Long Labour
Labour is unpredictable! Sometimes labour takes a while if the baby is taking some time to get into a good position for birth,
but this can tire you out! Read about how women and their partners have coped with long labours and the things they have done to
ensure they are rested and ready for when labour really gets going towards the end!
Stories about Fast Labour
Many women say they want a
quick labour, but sometimes they are also concerned about what might
happen if the birth is too quick. Read the stories of women who
have had a fast labour and how they coped with the intensity and
surprise!
Stories about Induced Labour
Induced labours usually have
a different pattern from labours that start spontaneously.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared and confident. Read
the stories of women who have had their labours induced, including the
choices they have made for pain relief with drugs or natural means.
Stories about Using Water for Pain Relief
Using water for comfort is a
time-honoured method of making labour easier! Immersion in water is
particularly helpful, although sitting in a hot shower can also do
wonders. Read the birth stories of women who have used water for pain
relief.
Stories about Using TENs for Pain Relief
TENS stands for
"transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation" and is used often in
physical therapy as well as for pain relief. A
small electrical unit sends a signal to electrodes on the lower back. It
feels like a tingly tap. These signals block pain messages to the brain.
And no side-effects! Read what women who've used it think.
Stories about Using Epidurals
Epidurals are very often a
highly effective form of pain relief, although there are a number of
potential side-effects. Read the stories of women who have chosen
epidural anesthesia for pain relief.
Stories about Using Gas and Air for Pain Relief
Nitrous oxide ("laughing
gas") is a pain relieving drug you might have had at the dentist. It is
mixed with oxygen (so, "gas-and-air"), and provides good pain relief
especially for shorter periods of time. Used properly, there are few or
no side effects on the mother, and there are no known risks to the baby
in using this drug. The effects clear the system in minutes.
Stories about Home Birth Having a baby at home can be
a wonderfully special experience. Read about parents in Singapore who
have chosen to give birth in the privacy and familiarity of their own
home.
Stories about VBAC (Vaginal birth After Caesarean) For most women, having a
vaginal birth after a previous caesarean is not only possible, it is
safer than a repeat caesarean! You may have many questions, however.
Find support and insight in these stories of women who have planned a
vaginal birth after caesarean.
Stories about Caesarean Birth Whether a caesarean is
planned or unplanned, the idea of surgery can be scary. With planning
and support, however, many of those fears can be eased and parents can
find that their caesarean birth becomes a warm and positive experience.
Stories about Complications Before Birth Complications during
pregnancy or during your labour can be tough to deal with when you are
already handling so many new experiences and choices. Read the stories
of parents who have coped with complications during their own
pregnancies or birth, and how they found ways to ensure they made the
choices that were right for them, even when things did not go to plan.
Stories about Complications After Birth Dealing with breastfeeding
problems or ill health in the baby or mother can be especially hard when
you've have always imagined a lovely peaceful time of getting to know
your new baby after the birth. Read the stories of families who have
coped with challenges and complications after the birth, and how they
maintained a sense of control over what was happening and the choices
they made.
Stories about Choosing a Doctor One of the most important
decisions you will make is choosing your doctor. Different doctors have
different approaches to birth, and these can have an enormous impact on
your experience of birth. Read the stories of women who have grappled
with the decision of which doctor to choose.
Stories from a Dad's perspective It probably goes almost
without saying that men have a very different perspective on birth from
women! Becoming a father is different from becoming a mother. Read about
birth from the dad's perspective.
Stories about HypnoBirthing HypnoBirthing is a technique used by women to help them during labour. Focusing on self hypnosis techniques
and using positive images during pregnancy, many women find it helps them have a positive experience. ParentLink can provide
HypnoBirthing childbirth classes and doulas who are experienced in working with women using HypnoBirthing
