29/06/2026
I remember when I was overdue with my second baby and I was pressurised into having a sweep I didnāt wantā¦
I was 42+2 weeks pregnant and it was November 2020 - the depths of Covid.
Iād had minimal contact with midwives because of Covid and because I was very low risk but as I went āoverdueā I went into hospital for a routine check upā¦
My husband wasnāt allowed to come with me and I was feeling alone and vulnerable.
I was checked over and everyone said the baby, the placenta and I were in good health.
But a consultant still wanted to speak to meā¦
I was left waiting and had been in the hospital for hours.
Numerous midwives advised me to have a sweep, as well as an induction. I declined.
I should have just left when everyone told me things were good but I felt like I couldnātā¦
Two consultants (in masks) finally arrived to put the fear of God in me. They clasped their hands together and plead with me and said āstillbornā more times than I can rememberā¦.
I told them I simply didnāt feel ready to give birth yet. I honestly felt great and like i needed more time. This was my second pregnancy so I felt confident in that.
The male consultant replied, āhow do you know?!ā
I told him, āI know my body and my baby!ā
BUTā¦
The pressure continued and I GAVE IN!
I allowed a midwife to give me a sweep. It was painful and I felt violated. When she finished, I cried.
And you know whatā¦it didnāt even work!!
After that, my husband called the midwife office and told them not to contact me unless I got in touch first.
I wanted to relax, release stress and tension, connect with my baby. I wanted to forget the pressure and the trauma they inflicted on me.
I rested, I ate well and I used my acupressure routine. I knew all along that was all I needed but I still went against my intuition š
It paid off in the end thoughā¦ I went on to give birth at home, in the pool to my gorgeous son, with my 2 year old daughter with us.
And guess what, that was at 43+5 weeks! Yes thatās right!
My body and baby werenāt ready to labour until much later than ānormal.ā In the end, I trusted the process and I knew that the acupressure and belief in myself would ensure labour start
