Oh my gosh there’s some right judgey-judge pants out there. Not that it surprises me as back in 2010 when I tweeted my sons birth there were a few grump-bags that were negative too!
My twitterbirth caused quite a media frenzy worldwide, from the New York Times to ITV This morning, I was talked about quite positively but on occasions quite harshly.
My twitterbirth was a wonderful experience, a fantastic homebirth and really took my mind off the pain. So much in fact that I didn’t need gas and air – distraction is a wonderful tool for labour!
I decided to tweet my labour not to ‘dispel birthing myths’ as many newspapers said, and not to ‘promote pain relief free labour’ as others insisted on writing about, but simply to share a positive home- birth experience with those that WANTED to follow.
I didn’t ask the world to get involved (the story reached Japan, Australia and even the New York Times) and I didn’t expect anyone other than Childcare is fun followers to get involved.
However, the media picked up my story and off it flew! Printed (with many errors) in practically every paper and online offering, for people to pull apart to their hearts content (perhaps with no consideration to what they were saying about a mum who had just given birth and was perhaps a little delicate?)
I’m so lucky. I know I am- I want people to know that I know I’m lucky! I loved my home-birth. It was everything I wanted it to be. it was fantastic (yes I’m shouting it out loud and proud!)
From laughing with the midwives and my darling husband (who has been my rock through all of this) to discussing the evenings after – labour tea (I was desperate for fish and chips,) it was a truly positive, empowering experience.
When things got a little tough I’d tweet and there were these amazing tweets full of positivity and kindness, it was fantastic.
Afterwards there were angry comments that not everyone’s birth is ideal, not everyone gets the perfect labour and while I totally understand this – why can’t women promote positive birth without being pooped on?
Why is it to say you had a wonderful labour is a negative thing?
Some of the media has turned on Robbie for attention seeking during his wife’s labour but as this last video shows – it really helped her and she was happy that their magical experience was shared.
While social media isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and sharing personal stories makes others quite cross – I really think it’s up to each and everyone of is to do what we want in life and what makes us happy.
Robbie – I think you did just great!
Photo credit: Robbie Williams twitter
October 28, 2014
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