C4 Chat Ed : Hi Emma
Emma Forbes : Hello everyone!
C4 Chat Ed : Let's start then
Petal : Having taken part in the programme, which would you say is the best way to give birth?
Emma Forbes : Personally, I would still opt for the pain-free method of an epidural. But it's entirely, and should be, a personal choice.
binky : Was your other half around at the birth? If so... was he any help?
Emma Forbes : He was around, for both births, at the head end (my head!) and ate the whole way through both labours. But he was a great help!
tulip : watching the caesarean made me cry as its what i had. did that affect you at all?
Emma Forbes : I cried through each film when I watched them for the first time, because I thought each was magical in its own way but I agree the Caesarian was particularly poignant.
wenders : When did you know it was the right time to have a baby?
Emma Forbes : I don't think there's ever a right time to have a baby, but equally I felt at my most content within my marriage and my career. And therefore it just seemed the right time.
Stephen : What was your craziest craving??
Emma Forbes : First time round was black olives. 24 hours a day. Second time round was - anything that had a lot of salt.
Balthazar : Hi, did you like Dave Francis? He's my dad!
Balthazar : He's married to Lizz Francis. Who had twin girls on the programme.
Emma Forbes : I *adored* him! And what a great dad!
Iceman421 : What was the most natural aid you used to take away the pains?
Emma Forbes thinks
Emma Forbes : Lavender oil sprinkled over all the sheets on the bed. Gave it a less hospital smell and made me relax.
Goody : It was very pleasing to see a more balanced programme on birth for a change, from women's point of views - was it your idea Emma?
Emma Forbes : Sadly not my idea, but I too was thrilled to see a programme like this on teevee.
Jase : Emma, How many babies have you got now and what are they?
Emma Forbes : Lily, aged almost 3, and Sam, who is 7 months.
Hikes : why did you think that the woman wanted an drug free labour and the one having the homebirth were brave? It is the most natural thing to do and I think going into hospital andnot being in control is brave!
Emma Forbes : I think it is entirely up to the person having the baby. I was only speaking from personal choice, and I do think it is brave of people to go through a drug free labour or a home birth. But each to their own.
mother : Was the second birth easier than the first?
Emma Forbes : Most definitely!!! The first - 38 hours! - Second, 6. Need I say more.
Rosh : I had a fantastic homebirth about nine months ago and in comparison with the hospital births, it took less time to recover and was a more rewarding bonding experience. Would you consider a homebirth?
Emma Forbes : Personally I wouldn't, only because I like the security of a hospital. But equally I can see how comforting a home birth would be. So, who knows for the future :)
Clover : Did you know the sex of your babies before they were born?
Emma Forbes : I'm afraid I did, both times round! Both were revealed on scans, and I couldn't contain my curiosity
tulip : did you write a birth plan? i did and i got exactly the opposite!
Emma Forbes : Both my babies came too early, and I hadn't got round to writing the plan!
robb : Did you plan things differently the second time round, with 'prior experience'?
Emma Forbes : Um...slightly differently, because you have more knowledge second time round, but I still opted for the same type of painfree birth with the epidural.
Starr : are you planning any more children?
Emma Forbes : Not quite yet, but I would never say no!'
zanie : can you tell me more details on the drug clomid
Emma Forbes : You would really need to get more correct information from your consultant, but it is a fertility boosting hormone. But I am not a doctor, so do ask your consultant.
wicked_lassie : how did you react when you found out you were pregnant?
Emma Forbes : Total and utter joy, excitement and disbelief. Both times round!
sniper : Do you belive in all that star sign stuff and if you do did you plan your childrens births to co-inside with a particular star sign
Emma Forbes : I'm afraid I don't believe in any of that stuff to plan anything, and personally I don't think you should plan the birth of your child like that :)
Londa : I was very interested in the experience of the woman who was infertile then had treatement. Can you elaborate a bit more on what she was able to do to become pregnant?
Emma Forbes : She had a particular disorder, called polycystic ovaries, and was able, with fertility treatment, to conceive. With a drug called Chlymod...I think... I'm not sure of the spelling, but I would ask a consultant for more information.
mother : What would be your best tip to all soon to be new mothers who are in this chat room right now.
Emma Forbes : All soon-to-bes...get sleep when ever you can!! And don't think that your feelings are unique, we've all been there. Try to talk to as many as other soon-to-be mums, or new mothers, as you possibly can.
nero : my wife will be 32 weeks pregnant when we are supposed to be going to new york for the new year. do you think it is wise to travel this distance at this time of her pregnancy?
Emma Forbes : Personally, I would not... because I don't think any risk is worth taking. But you must be guided by how your wife feels. And what your consultant advises you to do.
Southend Dave : My girlfriend is expecting in Febuary and is worried about regaining her shape ?? You dont appear to have had any problems !! What is your secret ??
Emma Forbes chuckles
Emma Forbes : I'm afraid I did, and I had to join Weightwatchers. I tried to swim... and I did a proper calorie-controlled diet. And it's bloody hard work.
milleniumbabee : I'm 21 weeks and feeling tired a lot of time (apart from the fact that I'm smothering with a cold)..any advice on how to boost my energy levels?
Emma Forbes : Try to eat as healthily as you can...rest as much as you can, and indulge yourself in something luxurious like a wonderful massage, or facial. Just take it easy :)
babydoll : Was there ever a point in your pregnancy (first one presumably) when you thought... 'I can't do this'?
Emma Forbes : A lot of times!!! And throughout ALL of my 36-hour labour!! But it's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it ;)
JACQUIE : I've a six year old little girl, and am considering another baby, can you give me any advise on getting her used to the idea of a new member of the family?
Emma Forbes : With my daughter Lily, we bought a doll, a baby doll. And we did a lot of role playing. And this helped a HUGE amount. But also, after the baby was born, make sure you arrange lots of treats and time alone with the first one.
lynne : did you take folic acid during your pregnancies?
Emma Forbes : Absolutely, and for three months prior to getting pregnant too.
Stephen : Does it worry u how many women still drink and smoke heavily when pregent?? Is there anything been done to highlight this more??
Emma Forbes : I find it horrific to see women who are pregnant, smoking and drinking and I don't know if there is more being done, but there definitely should be.
kay001 : what do you think of water births? i am really interested in having one but no one i know has had a water birth?
Emma Forbes : I don't personally know anyone that's had one either, but I hear that they *really* help contractions, particularly in the early stages. A good place to contact is the Active Birth Centre. In North London where we filmed the show.
Chicken : Do you think that 41 is too old to have a baby?
Emma Forbes : No. Not at all. If you feel up for it, go for it, is my advice :)
Emma Forbes : Sorry guys, crying baby here. Needs a peepee
NANCYGIRL : Did you notice friends and even strangers on the street treat you differently when your pregnent?
Emma Forbes : Yes I'd say that's one of the joys of being pregnant.,.you finally get people to offer you seats!
robb : Emma, how do you balance work and being with your children?
Emma Forbes : With great difficulty! I have to rely on a lot of help, and it's one big juggling act!
C4 Chat Ed : Sorry folks - Emma has to deal with her baby, so last question
Whizz : Do all babies have funny big toe nails
Emma Forbes : Yes. How weird is that!
C4 Chat Ed : Thanks Emma
Emma Forbes : Pleasure!! Got to run. Lily says bye too.
Emma Forbes waves and leaves the room.
Stephen : thanks ems
emske : xxx
Starr : Bye emma thanks
free : thabks emma!
Whizz : cheeers
NANCYGIRL : bye em
