Birth story on line

Toria – a community leader on an iVillage pregnancy message board – stayed in touch on line while she gave birth. Here’s her story

Thursday 19th July – midday
Last night and the night before, I had contractions in the early hours. Tuesday night they were a regular ten minutes apart for a couple of hours. Last night they went on all night and woke me up every hour or so. I got so excited it was really difficult to go back to sleep. Today I think I’ve had a show. I think baby’s coming! I can’t concentrate on anything. I’ve been trying to do two hours reading a day for my dissertation, but I can’t sit still long enough to get down to it. Feel sick, feel hungry, need the loo all the time. It could be tonight!

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Am I jumping the gun or are things really happening...ooooooh! Hope you’re all out there to talk to. Love Toria

Sounds like the big day has finally arrived. I’m so excited for you and will be thinking of you tonight.

Sounds like you’re on your way...best wishes and good luck

I hope this is it for you! How exciting – when I was reading your message, I found myself reading faster and faster!

Thursday 6.26pm – my waters are trickling away – this is it!

The midwife has been round to check me out. Baby’s still beautifully positioned. Waters are clear, contractions are gentle. My baby’s coming! Will see how long I can stay in touch with the board. Am very excited. I’ve been looking forward to this day for nine months – and it’s finally here. Toria

It’s so exciting and I think you are great for letting us know AS IT HAPPENS!

Thursday 9.25pm – Blimey, you were all right about these contractions.

They mean business – been going for about two hours, which isn’t long, I know. Just about to slap on the TENS and see what it can do for me. Still very excited, if a little sore. Love Toria

Well done for logging on in the midst of your ‘dilation’. I hope things speed up a bit for you. Soon you’ll have something to show for it all. Can’t wait to hear how it all goes.