Leanne - Positive Birth with Gestational Diabetes in OLOL Drogheda
My pregnancy came after a previous miscarriage at 12 weeks so it was a very anxious time for me. I didn’t allow myself to fully accept it for a long time so in ways, the fear took over the joy of pregnancy but I still had those lovely moments in between the worry.
I gave birth in Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda (OLOL). I was told due to my Gestational Diabetes that I wouldn’t have a midwife birth only consultant led and I was delighted when I realised I was getting my midwife birth! I also had midwifery students present which was so lovely and was glad to help them learn in any way!
Overall it was a straight forward birth which I am thankful for. I did receive the syntocinon drip at some point and started pushing at 14:00 and he was born at 14:19. I had second degree tears but thankfully managed well after it and was home by 5pm the next day.
I used the gas and air for a while and decided that I wouldn’t get a medal if I didn’t use the epidural. I think I panicked and thought I wouldn’t cope without it! But glad that I did get it in the end as my experience was lovely after it.
The midwife was an angel as were the students and honestly the students even after the birth and in the ward were just brilliant! Amazing empathy and so kind.
Challenges I encountered included:
Getting diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes was something I didn’t foresee and thankfully it didn’t remain after the birth. But I did find the clinics tough and caused a lot of anxiety! Was glad to see the back of them.
After the catheter was removed I wasn’t aware if I didn’t pee in four hours I’d have to have it inserted again so I was adamant to get it going!
I had some issues with a night midwife being rude to me in relation to bottle feeding and was made feel very belittled as I had chosen this option over breastfeeding.
Things I would do differently if giving birth again include:
I would try to push further without the epidural after since learning more about labour and birth itself
I would also bring a fan because I was SWEATING
For some reason I thought the hospital supplied the peri bottle and they didn’t but once I had this brought in to me by my partner it made a huge difference.
Ask to try different positions if I didn’t get the epidural. I just thought on your back was a given.
Worry less and trust in my body to guide me.
I was also lucky enough to have a brilliant midwife for a friend in the postpartum phase which was a HUGE HELP
Leanne’s beautiful baby boy shortly after his birth at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda
