Real mums' and dads' birth stories

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Bringing your baby into the world is an extraordinary experience and one that’s different for every parent.

As well as a sense of excitement and anticipation, you might also be feeling a little nervous, even worried, about going into labour and giving birth to your baby.

It’s only natural for you to have questions about what will happen during your labour and birth. That’s why we’re sharing some real birth stories from parents just like you so that you can start to prepare for your own journey as you get ready to meet your baby.

Parents, it’s over to you.

Was labour what they expected?

"I was exhausted but my body took over and did it for me"

- Simran, 38 weeks

When my waters broke I was two weeks early, so it was totally unexpected. I called my midwife and went to hospital. The contractions and pain got stronger quickly and five hours later, my baby’s head was in sight! I had a powerful urge to push. I was exhausted but my body took over and did it for me. 15 minutes later Ace was born! The pain wasn’t as bad as I expected – and next time I’d like a home birth.

Read tips on how to get through labour

"I had to have an emergency caesarean"

- Janey, 40 weeks

Arabella was two weeks late so I had to be induced. I wanted a natural birth but after 20 hours of labour I had to have an emergency caesarean because my labour wasn’t progressing. The midwives were fantastic and I knew I was in safe hands. The most memorable bit was in the theatre afterwards, when my husband did skin-to-skin with her. The smile on his face was incredible.

Find out more about C-sections

"Labour was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding"

- Lydia, 37 weeks

It’s all a bit of a blur now but giving birth took longer than we thought! I had a few ups and downs with pain relief not working. Then I needed an episiotomy to help get her out. Labour was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. As soon as I saw Amelie’s face all the pain disappeared. During labour I said I’d never do it again – but now I would!

Find out more about stitches after birth