Premature & Full Term Birth
Premature Birth can make people feel quite uneasy. There are challenges that can arise if a baby is born early. So it is wonderful to hear and share positive premature birth story’s too.
When you book in with your GP or midwife, you get given booking notes, sent for ultrasounds and given an Estimated Due Date (EDD). This is the date that baby is considered to be full term. In the UK this date is set when baby is thought to be 40 weeks.
There is a LOT of focus on this date. Before this 40 week date baby is considered to be ‘early’ and after this baby is considered ‘late’. Even though the World Health Organisation states that baby’s can be considered full-term anywhere between 37-42 weeks.
Most first baby’s arrive about 41.5 weeks along, but of course there will always be people whose births fall either side of this. If baby arrives before 37 weeks they are considered premature or preterm and may need additional care.
This wonderful birth story was sent to me by Anita’s daddy, who was obviously incredibly proud of his partner Rini and baby girl. Here is Anita’s premature hospital birth story:
Anita’s Premature Hospital Birth
You may be surprised to hear that our little girl, Anita, made an appearance last week, a month ahead of schedule!
Rini’s waters broke early that morning and Anita was born after an 8 hour labour weighing 6lb 5oz.
Our birthing experience has been a very positive one.
Birth Plans Change
Due to the fact that Anita was premature, the option of using the birthing pool, as per our birth plan, was not feasible.
Nevertheless, the midwife had read the plan and was very considerate of elements that could be implemented; a yoga ball, a monitor with longer cables to enable Rini to move around, different positioning to keep her active were all offered.
Rini managed to give birth using gas and air only and some Hypnobirthing breathing and visualisation techniques throughout.
During the transition phase she did ask for an epidural. Our midwife reminded her that that was not something that she really wanted, according to our birth plan! Rini didn’t appreciate that fully at the time!
Anita’s Birth
Rini spent most of the birth with her eyes closed, although put her glasses on in time to see the little sausage arrive (an endearing term that the midwife used to refer to baby).
Rini and baby Anita stayed in hospital for several days of monitoring after the birth, since Anita was jaundiced. However, I am pleased to say they are now doing well at home.
Thank You
It was great meeting you and thank you for your thorough Hypnobirthing course, which we found very beneficial. We are more than happy to share our story to spread a bit more positivity surrounding premature birth and expressing preferences.