I went to see the writer David Sedaris this weekend on his latest book tour. Amongst the memories he recalled were of people who had stood out at after-show signings. Two days ago, he remembered, he met a lovely Japanese woman. As his latest book is a collection of diary entries, he asked whether she… Continue reading Together for change
With Birth Trauma Awareness Week having taken place a few weeks ago and a bit of a hoo-ha about the pushing or not pushing (excuse the pun) of ‘normal’ births in the news recently (there is a great piece about it here), it seems apt that after another difficult birth experience for me second time… Continue reading Getting caught up in process, not progress
I was debating posting this but in the end decided it helps to share, even if sometimes you feel you are shouting into an empty room.In the early days after having a baby, any mention of having down days immediately means people think you might have PND, and this discourages any talk of the times… Continue reading It’s ok not to feel ok
Once I was transferred to the post natal ward, I was put into bay ‘B4’. That was what was written on my notes, and my name was not even noted down above my bed. The experience on the ward with my first son had been noisy and stressful so another request of mine had been… Continue reading When birth doesn’t go to plan…again (Part 2)
He’s finally here. Gus Neil Whittle born at 7.27am on Saturday 10th June. After quite a traumatic birth with my first son, I had hoped that this birth experience could be more positive. Here’s what happened (it’s quite a long story so this is Part 1): LABOUR AND DELIVERY I had always planned to try… Continue reading When birth doesn’t go to plan…again (Part 1)
This week, I’m on countdown to the birth and I’m hoping that baby has turned as he was slightly back to back at my last midwife appointment. My firstborn was back to back, and it’s safe to say labour was absolutely excruciating with him pressing on my spine, but no-one had really discussed that position… Continue reading A waiting game
I’ve finished reading The Positive Birth Book this week by Milli Hill. I’ve found it very useful in getting to know what I can ask for during labour and birth, and how to plan for different scenarios. I feel much better prepared now and am learning to understand that whatever happens, it’s not what but… Continue reading Good vibes
I had a small bleed last week, which freaked me out a bit. This was at the same time as having a hacking cough that kept me awake all night and ended up with me coughing up blood as well as having a four-year-old with gastroenteritis. Yeah! I rang the maternity unit and they asked… Continue reading Checks and keeping measured
I had a second obstetrician appointment recently to decide whether to try for a VBAC or have another c-section. I decided that I would go for a vaginal birth unless I go very overdue as I’m really not keen to be induced. I had a very prolonged first labour that never really got going. I… Continue reading Considering birth
First off, it’s nice to start with my positive news. I had my 28-week midwife appointment this week, which went well. Everything was good with the baby and me, and I left feeling not too anxious. I’ve been using the Kicks Count app to monitor the baby’s movements, which is a great resource to help… Continue reading Banging your head against a brick wall (or pavement)
My Beautiful Diary of the Amazingly Mundane 