One Born Every Minute

This week, three unconventional couples arrive to deliver their babies. One dad does all he can to support his wife through her carefully planned natal hypnotherapy birth; while another dad doesn’t even know labour has begun for his first born, as he’s locked behind bars. We also meet a young couple who defy those who tell them they’re too young to be starting a family. Sarah (21) wants a natural birth after a traumatic long labour and emergency c-section with her first baby, when she was just 17. This time she’s hoping for an easier time, but knows her partner Mark won’t be there to hold her hand. He’s in prison and still has a four months to serve. Sarah’s not sure how she’ll cope and as she frets that Mark doesn’t even know she’s in labour, the staff do all they can to get a message to him in prison. Meanwhile, Sarah’s mum and good friend Hayley do all they can to keep Sarah’s spirits up, and Hayley gets a liking for gas and air herself, especially when the midwives aren’t looking. In another birthing room Jennine (20) and her husband Tony (20) are keen to dispel preconceptions about young parents and share a vision for a happy family. “People say we’re too young” says Jennine, “but I’ve always felt something was missing – a baby. Now we’re married, once the baby’s here everything will be complete.” Tony adds, “So many people get divorced these days. We know what it feels like, it’s horrible. We want it to be a good family – like in the movies.” Also expecting their first baby is 25-year-old Sammy and 44-year old Paul. There may be a 19 year age gap “but you’d think it was the other way round” says Sammy. “I’m the mature one.” Sammy has opted for natal hypnotherapy birthing and her mum is leading the relaxation and talks her through the contractions. Paul needs to sort low lighting and mood music. “Labour should be the most natural thing in the world”, says Sammy, “if my body can make a baby, it can give birth to that baby.” But she does concede that while she wants to be as relaxed as possible, things might not go to plan. “I don’t know what I’m going to be like, I’m not naïve – it might not be perfect.” Husband Paul has been given his instructions to make it as perfect as possible. “Close the curtains; put the CD on; give me something to smell; offer me small snacks and drinks; don’t talk about anything else unless I encourage it.” “It makes me sound bossy – I’m not bossy am I?” asks Sammy. “Oh, no”, replies Paul dutifully. So well versed is Sammy’s support team in adhering to her birth plan that when she finally pleads for pain relief, her mum refuses to let her deviate from the natural water birth she wanted.