Help - I'm to be my daughters birthing partner !

Good Luck *Sarah enjoy every moment.

Good luck Sarah, I was a nurse but kept my eyes tightly shut when I had my DC, didn't have a clue about what went on as I didn't have anybody with me either.

firstly congratulations, you cant expect anything as all births are different. I was at my first grandaughters birth and it was a wonderful emotional experience. Just go with the flow.

Ahhh thanks for that Grannyknot - I'm sure I'll get the hang of it lol!! Took me a while to understand the kids text messages sometimes Hahahaha!!

LOL granny queens that put a smile on my face!! I hope I don't get too many "injuries" lol!! I just feel so emotional all my daughter has ever wanted to do is be a "mummy" I remember an assembly at primary school where they were all asked what they wanted to be when they were grown up and in between the doctors, firemen, spaceman was my little girl with her "I want to be a mummy!" She's gown to be such a lovely caring woman and I'm so proud of her - she is a carer for her job and suits her down to a tee! And seeing her now with all her dreams coming true is just so wonderful and I'm so very very proud of her! But I don't quite think she's prepared for how much hard work is in store - but then I guess none of us were were we lol?!

Hi Sarah your excitement shines through in your posts.

I can't help with advice, but here's the explanation for the acronyms:

www.gransnet.com/info/acronyms

Welcome to the world of grandmothers.

It's a real privilege to be asked to share in such a precious time. I was there for the births of my oldest daughter's two, both home births. She was quite specific beforehand in saying what they expected from me so, like you, I was anxious to get it right! Actually it was much easier than I'd expected, I just followed my own instincts and it was fine. There's nothing to match the feeling of cradling a minutes old baby. Mind you I did come away from the first birth with bite marks on my hand, my daughter denies it to this day but her partner and the midwife know the truth!!!

I am soooooo excited and nervous all at the same time! We know it is a little girl ? and now is just the waiting game - waiting all day and night for THAT PHONE CALL lol!! Oh can someone tell me all the abriefications please DD? SL? Lol?!

I used to be a midwife you will know what to do ,the grandmother whose baby I delivered said thank you for her grandchild.I was busy with the process,glAd that the mum was,well supported and I'm sure you will find that there are things you will be able to do .I can also echo the previous comments.

Thank you! Did you find yourself getting "tears" every time you though of birth of your granchild - I do I don't know what's the matter with me - I am normally a pretty strong person but this has me a blubbering wreck!! I'm so worried of "overstepping" the mark and upsetting my daughter and her partner! I've always been really close to my daughter, she only lives 10 miles away and we speak every day - but I'm so mindful of them needing time together as a new little family I don't want to get in the way - but nor do I want her to feel I've "abandoned" her!! No-one told me this grandparenting business could be so complicated lol!!

Firstly, think of it as an honour and privilege to be at the birth.

Secondly, whether it takes place in hospital or at home, (I have done both), you are going to need your practical hat on and not get too emotional. That means passing a drink to the mother, supplying cold flannels, buzzing for the midwife when ready, filling a birthing pool with a hose etc. etc. It's good to make yourself busy.

Added to this you may need to offer support and encouragement to her partner and make sure he feels involved too.

Strangely enough, you will cope seeing your daughter in pain and distressed because you know the best bit is on the way. The groaning is just a hurdle to get past and you just have to go with it.

Finally, you can allow yourself all the emotions in the world when you leave the room after and drive home. That's your time for rejoicing! Job done!

I had the privilege of being there when two of my DGC were born, admittedly at home and not hospital. It was just lovely. DD is not a fusspot and just got on with the job in hand. SIL was mostly involved, I was at the head end holding drink of water (with straw!) and cloth for brow mopping keeping out of the way.
Two midwives were in attendance; one for Mum and one for baby. First time was DD1's first baby and our first DGC. Be ready for love at first sight!

How lovely! I was with my daughter at the birth of our first grandson. I had only seen a birth on TV, I had a ceaseraean myself. When her pains began we went to the hospital and she was made comfortable. As things progressed cool wet wipes came into play, she always remembers these. Lots of back rubs and encouraging words. The midwife was always there for advice on good positions for her to lay. As things progressed we went along to a lovely relaxing delivery suite and our DGS was born. The first thing I saw of him was his left ear and the side of his face. It was an experience I wouldn't have missed. DD got big cuddles and it was a marvellous close experience. Make the most of this experience. Make plans of things your DD would like with her, maybe some music. Let us all know when the baby arrives!