Hi Fionas,

I'll try to keep it brief, I tend to go on a bit!

DD7 was an obstructed labour resulting in an episiotomy, failed ventouse and forceps delivery. I believe she was wedged into the left side of my pelvis. I pushed for about 2 hours, until she became distressed and it became apparent that I would require 'assistance' as the mw so gently put it!

With DS4 I initially pretended to push - I was terrified I was going to end up with the same interventions as last time! The MW cottoned on pretty quickly and when I started to push properly it was probably... hmmm... maybe 20 mins to delivery?? The MW's were telling me NOT to push because my OB was not there yet... bugger that!! Anyway, the OB arrived just in time to catch my beautiful boy.

I think I have read around the place that you have SPD?? (please correct me if I'm wrong!) I have also suffered SPD in both of my pregnancies. I was induced with my DD as I could no longer care for myself - I couldn't even roll out of bed! I had an epidural with both of my deliveries as I couldn't even part my knees due to the pain. My carers' were aware of my condition and were very gentle and thoughtful in their physical management of me in the delivery suite. I found my recovery far easier after my sons' birth than I did with my DD's, I believe this was because I was more aware and educated regarding my SPD.

Good luck!