Giving birth in the snow

[ryedalema]

I remember this time last year, giving birth in the snow being among my worst fears. As it turned out our planned home birth turned into a last minute ambulance dash through the icy roads to Kings.

The ambulance men were absolutely brilliant - they helped me (bare foot) across the ice and the ride was really quick and not scary at all (I should say not weather-related scary anyway).

I just wanted to allay any fears that any expectant winter Mums might have - you will be in very very good hands if/when your time comes.

[BEANIE1]

Thank you ryedalema for your post. Am a couple of weeks away from my due date and the idea of labour and snow has been a niggle in the back of my mind all the way through this pregnancy. It was really thoughtful of you to reassure all us heavily pregnant ladies.

[GinaG3]

I gave birth in the snow Feb 2009!! She literally was born as the first snow fell. After being born at 6am I never thought we would get out of the place. But at 9pm I was able to get a cab. It took about 30 minutes to get home to East Dulwich Grove from Kings but was nowhere near the hassle I was expecting. Had to pay double for a cab to come out in the snow though. Dammit! It was a lovely snow birth and since being born she has coincidently brought snow with her twice a year..

If your giving birth in the snow this winter, not to worry. Its not as bad as people think, just have your money ready for taxis etc. oh and another thing you could birth yourself your own snow queen or king :-)

[buggie]

Remember seeing you on your way thru Ryedalema!! :))

Can't believe it was only a year ago (I've been a busy bunny!!)

[melbourne groover]

I had a home birth on the snow day in Feb 2009, and was most concerned that the midwives wouldn't make it. They were absolutely amazimg, and after being in and out all day were back in no time when we really needed them.

[Keef]

Re: Giving birth in the snow

Well at least lying down in the cold snow should take your mind off some of the pain.

[duchessofdulwich]

Gave birth looked out of the window and the first flurries of snow came down (xmas 2009!!). didnt give birth at Kings. The ward appeared a bit thin on the ground with staff but everything was fine overall.

[Ruth_Baldock]

When I was in labour, I remember a midwife coming into the room to swap with the poor lady who had been subjected to my screaming and swearing for 8 hours, and she said 'The snows not so bad, only a few inches...'. I remember thinking 'SNOW?! WHAT?!'. It was dry as a bone when I went in, when we left (with baby in tow 3 days later) it was snowy and icy underfoot. (This was December 2009)

[sunbob]

Our LO was born at the very end of Jan 09 and had to go straight to hospital. Then, and for the next week, my hubby stuck to the very wise advice of his father

"Take your time and go quick".

We 'rushed' along to Kings at approx ten MPH (taking all the bus lanes and going through red lights) and a similar speed (without the law breaking) kept him safe at least twice a day for the next 7 days when the place was truly at a standstill.

[KristinH]

if you want to feel really relaxed about your birth, snowy or not, then get some mp3 downloads from www.positive-birth.com to listen to. You'll feel fantastic with these.

You're also welcome to call me for some hypnobirthing ... private, group, shorter or longer courses, in Herne Hill, Clapham or your home. The techniques are life skills which I'm sure you'll love.:) Kristin tel 07963 046 456 www.kristinhayward.com

[Gubodge]

Very good luck to all of you expecting winter babies. I have to say that having had both of mine on the hottest weekends of their respective years, there's something very appealing about the thought of snuggling up under the duvet with a newborn when there's snow and ice outside.

[sillywoman]

This thread has recalled me to the birth of my eldest. I well remember driving to Kings as the snow started. Sensibleman insisted on parking practically at Loughborough junction & made me walk to the hospital. I remember clinging to the railings growling "just wait" at him as he complained at me to hurry up 'cos the snow was falling!

After she was born, as I was being attended to by Midwives, he took her the window of the labour ward room. It overlooked Ruskin Park and he showed her the snow & the beautiful park and talked to her about how he would take her there to play in the park of his childhood when she got bigger.

When we left Kings the world was white, & I remember thinking (in that post birth crazy endorphin haze) that the world was all clean & new in preparation to welcome my beautiful little daughter.

She's a grumpy teenager now, sigh.

[Belle]

Here's a nice snow baby story (Warning: this will make you emotional!) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11926993