It’s Wednesday! I’d written a whole blog about the diet I’ve just started forgetting entirely that it is Birth Story day, as part of my on-going-won’t-stop-until-the-stories-stop Giving Birth Series, of which I now have over 100 birth stories! I’ve been so thrilled by the number of stories I’ve received and long may it continue but due to my disorganisation, today I don’t have a story to publish. I thought instead that I would share with you some tips on how to write a story in the hope it might inspire you to write yours!
How to write a story for the Giving Birth Series
1. You can’t get it wrong
The first thing you need to remember is there isn’t a right way to write this story! It’s your story and you won’t get marked for it! In fact, I will give you an A+ for handing it in.
2. Write how you feel
Treat it as therapy! If you feel like being funny, do it, if you feel like being sad, do that. Everyone’s experience of birth is different and this series is a place where you can openly talk about what happened to you, without the fear of being judged.
3. DON’T spare us the details!
If something happened that caught you off guard or made you laugh or made you cry or pissed you off, try and capture it in this story so you don’t forget! In 20 years time, when you look back, it will be those little details that you have forgotten that make you so happy you did write your story!
4. Include photos
Before, during, after – If you are about to give birth, try and get photos (I know it’s the LAST thing that will be on your mind!!) as it makes for a great story if you can pepper it with actual photos to set the scene. I haven’t decided how I feel about publishing photos from the business end yet though… Maybe yours will be the first!
5. Don’t get overwhelmed by the task
Finally, remember you can do it in stages, especially if you are doing it soon after the event! And it doesn’t have to be really long, either (FYI I tend to edit down really long stories down to 1500 words)
I hope that helps and if you do fancy writing up your story, I’d love to add it to the collection. The Giving Birth Series has been really popular so don’t underestimate how your contribution could help someone with their preparation for birth or understanding their own experience! Plus many of the contributors so far have said how therapeutic it was!
Love these tips for writing up birth stories. I’d also add write down as much as you can as early as possible too – even if it’s just bullet points because it is amazing how quickly you forget things. Treating it as therapy is also a good tip – writing it all down can be incredibly cathartic.
Agreed, Louise, I think this is especially true if it was traumatic xx
this is great, I’ve been meaning to write mine but needed the inspiration. Once I get the time I’ll get writing all the gory details for you! #thelist
Ha! That would be great 😀 xxx
great tips I’ve been thinking about writing up my birth stories although this may sound ridiculous I think mine are a little boring compared to others – there was no almost given birth in a carpark, no rush into theatre, my ass didn’t explode I just had a baby very straight forward! haha
In that case, your stories sound perfect Amy!! Mums like ‘easy’ (or more likely less dramatic, there’s no such thing as easy!) births too, especially if you’re giving birth soon 😀 please do share your stories! xx
In the days before the internet and blogs, I kept a diary! I just posted my son’s birth story on his 16th birthday! http://www.thepurplepumpkinblog.co.uk/2015/02/16-years-my-sons-birth-story.html You do forget a lot of little things, and after all this time it was nice to read back on it, and remember – the good and the bad! xx
I love a bit of diary writing even now – I love the fact that you can’t back space or re-write bits, you just have to let it flow! I’ll have a read, happy birthday to your boy! Not so much a boy anymore 🙂 xxx
Great tips! My one regret was not getting enough photos.
Yes, me tooooooo!! I don’t have a nice photo of R and me when he was first born, and there wasn’t enough of the ‘action’ either. But then Mike was comatose for most of my labour! 😉 xx
I haven’t really written down my birth story properly, but this post has given me the inspiration to do so, so thank you!
Good advice. Lovely to read such special times. #thelist
these are great tips – I especially love the first, that you get your ‘own’ story wrong!
I have a very sad natural birth story with the loss of my first child but I also had two quite different/challenging but happy elective c-section deliveries. Maybe I should post their stories too as it makes me so sad when I hear women beating themselves up for having a c-section delivery.
Great post!
Xx
Great tips Hannah! I really should think about writing a birth story post. It seems such a long time ago for me (9 years) but I do remember it like it was yesterday (who wouldn’t!!)You’re right, it would be nice to have it recorded so I can look back on it. That’s a plan then. Thanks kiddo! xx
As I prepare to have baby #2 in the next 10 weeks I’m remembering so much about Tin Box Tot’s birth than I had forgotten in the past two years. Writing it down is such a good idea. I might have another story for you in a few months 🙂
Great tips, I’ve just written mine down getting ready for number 2. however mine was worthy of obem in the end! X
Great tips – I remember writing mine, they were certainly entertaining especially my little ones birth in Spain!
Good tips, Hannah. Amazing how therapeutic writing can be; and in the case of birth, even more so when things don’t go according to plan. Lovely that you’ve created a space for this to be shared and accessed by others. #TheList 24
It’s so true that you can’t get a story long! Especially something as personal as a birth story.
#TheList
Awesome tips! Before I wrote mine I just wasn’t sure where to start at all. Hmm I agree, I won’t be adding ‘business end’ pics – there are some things that should perhaps remain between me and my husband ha ha! 🙂 Mim @ http://www.mamamim.com #TheList
Do you know I have never thought about writing my birth stories. Both of mine were so plain sailing and quick I don’t think I would have much to write lol!
Ooooh I may have to think about writing mine – I only have 4 to do!! xx
Great tips here! It all goes by so quickly and in a total blur. I feel like I had a baby and now she’s almost five. What?! #Thelist xx
Hmmn… tempting. It could be therapy writing about my horrendous 48 hour labour! I’ll give it some thought 🙂