Have you ever been in labor all alone?

I couldn't imagine having to go through labor and delivery alone. My husband was there for me both times I went into labor, but he did miss the birth of our second son as he was watching our first son right outside of the hospital. It hadn't been planned that he would miss it. My husband and then 3 year old son were both in the birthing room with me, but our son got a little antsy being in the room after a few hours, so my husband took him out. He asked if I'd be okay, and I said I'd be fine, so he said they'd be back shortly, and they left. But a little later I gave birth to my youngest son alone (without my husband). By the time my husband and oldest son came back my baby was laying on me (they were gone for less than an hour). But I was alright with this as I had given birth before and I knew I would be okay. I was after all in the hospital's birthing room with the doctor and nurses. Plus I didn't want our son to see me give birth, so it was just as well that they missed it.

With my 4th child I did basically go through labor alone. Yes my ex was in the same room but he was go engrossed in the television that he didn't do anything for me. After his show was over he turned his attention to me and said, and I quote, "oh you are finished?, what did we have?" Some people are exs for a reason lol. I wish you the best of luck sweetie. I know it won't be easy but I'll be with you in my thoughts. I'm sure it won't be easy for your hubby either knowing he won't be there with you. Hugs to both of you.

I have not- How about a friend or another wife of a serviceman? That might be helpful- Or even have some neighbor watch your kids while your mom goes with you- If you don’t – I’m sure you will be fine- It’s too bad that your hubby will be gone! What a great thing to come home to! A new baby! You will have your hands full with 4 little ones by yourself

I was alone for all three of my children's births, but that was because men weren't allowed in the operating room for C-sections at that time. I'm sorry you have to be alone for this, and I'm sorry your husband has to miss it, whether it is the first or fifth or later child, I think each one is special and unique. Would I be correct to assume you are living on a military base? Isn't there some type of family support group there? Maybe someone could watch the kids so you mom could be with you? If it helps at all, I am sure there will be many myLot members with you in spirit when the time comes.

Technically, i wasn't alone but I might as well have been. With my first 3 I had a great partner that held my hand and rubbed my back the whole time. I thought that was the only way I could make it through labor. My current s/o wasnt so helpful with our three though. with our first I had a really difficult labor but he just sat there reading a magazine and dozu\ing off. I had to yell at him just to get my back rubbed a couple times and even then he never did it right. While I was pushing he did stand up and rub the back of my neck but that was it. With our second it was the same thing except that time he rubbed my leg once. With our 3rd he didn't do anything at all. But I had my doctor and two nurses with me the whole time and just as I was delivering a third nurse came in and they were ALL wonderful. They were the ones helping me breathe and holding my hands. I think they saw my s/o sitting theirwhite as a sheet and knew he'd be useless anyway. I would think that if your doctor knows that you won't have anyone there he/she will make an extra effort for you. If your doctor doesn't I'm sure the L&D nurses will. They are better trained to coach labor anyway so even if they are all you have you will probably be better off than if your husband was able to be there.

Yes, I was alone throughout my pregnancy up to delivery. It's hard, but very doable. I think having someone there eases the pain and terror a lot, but it was my first and you're a veteran mom, so I think you'll be able to handle it. Especially if you know you have that support and you get connected as soon after the birth as possible. An excellent option is a doula. Ask if the hospital is connected with any or if any of the nurses or midwives would mind helping you. You could always bring your kids with you, if they allow it. It helps knowing they're there with you, I've heard. ck