Lydia's Birth Experience at Hospital Doce de Octubre
This week's birth experience comes to us from *Lydia who is originally from England and gave birth in 2017 at Hospital Doce de Octubre.
She explains she chose this hospital because it was the closest to where she lived and she had given birth there a few years earlier to her first child.
Lydia's Story:
My fist child was born in 2015 and it wasn't quite the birth I had imagined. So this time I did things differently. My waters broke around 2am but no contractions. I slept a little more then got up. I felt relaxed and confident about the birth experience I wanted this time round. I walked up and down our kitchen as I wanted to be on the move. I made myself some food as I didn't want to be hungry later.
I started to get some contractions but just kept on the move. They weren't that strong. At 6am I woke my husband up. He got ready and took our son to nursery. I had a shower and continued to feel relaxed and calm. My husband called a taxi and at that point the contractions got very painful and I had to get on all fours in our living room. I wasn't sure I could wait for the taxi!
We went to the street and waited for the taxi a passer by offered encouragement. The 10 minute drive to the hospital seemed to take a lifetime, I had my eyes closed concentrating on breathing, I felt like I needed to push but didn't want to. Apparently every traffic light turned red on us. Arrived at the hospital and the taxi driver got a wheelchair.
I got taken straight into an examination room. They said I was 10 cm dilated. Quickly moved to the delivery room. Husband was told to stop the admission paperwork and come straight to delivery room. I actually had to push for around an hour! It was hard and painful!
I was laying in the bed and I think looking back I'd have preferred to be in a different position. No epidural or other pain relief. I tore during delivery and needed three stitches. Recovery was much better than with my first child. A better birthing experience than with my first also. All staff treated me well.
Did you feel supported in your chosen method of feeding your child?
Yes. I breast fed and had experience from my first child already. The hospital staff were supportive."
Did you have a doula? If yes, how was the experience? If no, how do you think having a doula may have changed your experience?
No. As it was my second I think I felt more confident in my choices. With a doula I perhaps would have previously told them about wanting to try different positions and they might have been able to tell the medical staff about that. I also regret not asking to have a mirror available to see the birth or to hold the baby as it was coming out. Perhaps if I had previously spoken with a doula about those wishes they would have helped me express them to the medical team.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience Lydia! *Name changed for privacy
If you'd like to share your birth story in Madrid (hospital or home birth!), please do so here.
If you're not sure what your own birth preferences are or would like additional information about preparing for giving birth here in Madrid, schedule a free discovery call with me! And be sure to check out the Madoula homepage. If you're looking for doula support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum please be sure to contact me for a free consultation!
Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable moments in a person's life. There are many factors to consider at all times. The support of a doula from home to hospital adds an additional layer of support for both the birthing person and partner. Continuous care and individualized support increase the likelihood of satisfaction with one's birth experience, regardless of the birth outcome (C-section, instrumental birth, etc).