My Grandmothers births, UK, 1947 and 1949

[Bun]

OMG what a story. Your poor Gran. I have never thought much about how birth was in the past, but after reading that I am pretty glad to be having my babies in this day and age! I would love to ask my grandma about her births but I don't think she would remember.

[Traveller]

What awful stories, please thank your gran so much for sharing.

I have spoken to my gran about her births. She had four homebirths because she was not high risk, and therefore not allowed to deliver in hospital. She had a PPH after her first baby and was terrified each birth that she would die at home but they would not let her have a room in hospital. It's a bit of a shame because if she had gone to hospital it would have been the big new one that was just built, which is where my twins were born 50 years later . Her fourth child was in distress during birth but (in her words) the midwife just ignored it and her baby was deprived of oxygen and has suffered lifelong problems as a result. She is very opposed to homebirth and midwives as a result, and is not overjoyed on my career choice.

She never wanted to breastfeed, and the midwives said that formula was probably better for them anyway so she just did that.

[appletree]

Wow that is shocking! Maybe a warning would be good, your poor nan! How absolutely appalling!

[BlackRose]

Amazing story thank you for posting

[Rosey]

I have just read your Gran's birth stories and they made me shiver, to think of the pain your poor Gran would have endured. Thank you for sharing.

I wish that I had of asked my Grandma about her births, its too late now.

[Kazzo]

Wow, what a horrible way to be treated at what is meant to be a really special time in a womens life. Heartbreaking that it happened so much.