Kirsty, did your mum and your sister also stop at 9cms? What was the circumstances surrounding that?

There is the possibility that it is in fact as you have been told, but also, having stopped at 9cms, the possibility of something else. Perhaps position, perhaps a psychological block - what do I mean by that? Something going on conciously or unconsiously that is stopping things from going any further. Be it the thought in your mind that you wont be able to birth this baby because your mum and sister couldn't, or perhaps you didn't feel safe where you were birthing or perhaps baby was being born into a difficult emotional situation. These sort of blocks often happen where (for example) the couple who conceived the child are having issues - I have heard many times of mums not being able to get past this to push where the pregnancy wasn't planned, the woman thought by having this baby it would bring them closer together then when the crunch came to the birth - she couldn't push - because it was decision time. I am not saying this happened with you, but birth is soooo deep and complex, perhaps there was some sort of block you can think of which didn't allow baby to come without doubt or hesitation.

At the end of the day, giving it a go and giving your baby and yourself a chance to labour is great, unless strictly advised otherwise of course. Perhaps find yourself a second opinon or a doctor / midwife who will help you.

My labour with Marisa stopped at 5cms so I was augmented. But once Elijah's labour got going, it never stopped - I needed no intervention.

Another idea is to see an Osteo - they are brilliant if you can find a good one and they will help you maximise and understand your pelvic capacity for birth. As I have mentioned squatting is the optimal position for birthing as it gives you up to 30% more pelvic space. The Pink Kit also helps with this. So some great options / ideas there for you to try.