Shilpa first birthed at a small hospital in her hometown, and unfortunately her experience was a disappointing one. She went into labour spontaneously but was not treated empathetically by the hospital staff. She was left alone to labour and was not offered any comfort measures or pain relief options. She found it difficult to cope and due to the lack of adequate support facilities, ultimately gave up. She was wheeled into the operation theatre and a caesarean was performed. For several years she lived with the feeling that if only she was supported better, she could have had a positive and empowering birth experience.
When Shilpa conceived again, she decided to seek a hospital and a care provider who would offer her respectful care and support her decision for a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). The couple registered with us. Through her pregnancy, she did everything right from focusing on her diet, exercising, reading a lot about how she could achieve the birth she wanted and attended the childbirth classes, all this while continuing to take care of her older son, managing her home and work.
Shilpa was under collaborative midwifery and obstetric care. She was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and was advised diet control with oral medication. At term, her blood glucose levels began fluctuating and Shilpa was counselled for an induction if she did not set into spontaneous labour.
At 38 weeks, Shilpa went into labour spontaneously. She managed her early labour at home with comfort measures. By the time she reached the hospital she was exhausted and requested pain relief. She received an injectable preparation and managed to catch up on some rest. Her birth team ensured Shilpa was eating, drinking fluids and changed her positions frequently. All through labour, Shilpa and her baby were carefully monitored. Later that night, Shilpa’s waves became more intense. Her bag of waters released spontaneously. The midwife performed a gentle examination and found she was 3 cms dilated. Shilpa wished to use the Entonox gas and chose the pool for hydrotherapy and once in there, she felt relaxed. She was soon in sync with her instincts. The Midwife used underwater probes to monitor the baby. Within half an hour Shilpa began bearing down. She wanted to birth outside the pool and was helped by her birth team. Shilpa followed her body’s natural urges and soon gave birth to her beautiful daughter. She was well supported by her husband, Rajender who was closely involved in the whole process. He held her hand and assured her of his constant active presence till the birth of their baby.
Shilpa had the birth she had wanted, with labour starting on its own and letting her body get on with its rhythm. She did not require any intravenous drips with medication to augment labour, no epidural, and no C-Section. Voila! Shilpa enjoyed the birth experience she wanted. Congratulations Shilpa for believing in yourself and achieving the birth you had envisioned.
Women in labour often give up because the supporting team gives up on them and Shilpa’s birth team stood by her right through it all, offering her the care that every woman deserves during childbirth.
Congratulations Shilpa and Rajender for achieving the birth you wanted.
