Mum-of-six almost died giving birth, but only stopped when she couldn’t afford any more
SUZANNE Stanton had her first child at 19 and was immediately hooked
BREATHING in the delicious smell of my newborn baby Kieran, I was transfixed.
I was only 19, but it felt like I’d waited for this moment forever.
I met Kev when I was 16, and at first didn’t tell him how much I wanted to be a mum because I didn’t want to scare him.
When I became pregnant three years later in 2005, after the Pill failed, we weren’t even trying.
Hearing our baby’s heartbeat and watching my stomach grow was so beautiful, not even the pain of labour scared me.
When Kieran was born I felt exhausted but so empowered.
The moment I looked into his eyes, I knew I couldn’t stop at one child.
When he started toddling, I yearned for newborn cuddles and feeds, so Kev and I decided to try for a sibling for Kieran and I conceived after two months.
I’ve realised that as soon as my youngest baby hits 18 months, I start longing for another.
It’s not always been straightforward, though.
With my second child William it was a mad panic, as he wasn’t breathing when he was born in November 2007.
He was resuscitated and then diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, which made me even more determined to be the best mum I could be.
William’s needs made life busy, but I was still keen for more kids and Kev didn’t put up much of a fight!
In 2008 I became pregnant with Aimee Mae, but it was another frightening birth. I lost a lot of blood when she was born in July 2009 and thought I was going to die.
But even that didn’t stop us. It sounds crazy, but the desire to have a baby overrides any fear of something going wrong.
Thankfully, our next daughter Coral arrived safely in November 2011.
And it isn’t just my own babies I love.
When Kieran was a year old, I got a job in a nursery, and I now work at William’s school as a supply teaching assistant and coordinator.
However, having babies became harder on my body with each pregnancy.
After Henry was born in June 2013, followed by Anthony in November 2014, I suffered nerve damage down my left side, leaving me in constant pain along my arm, ribs and back.
Anthony weighed 10lb when he was born, but I was only 8st myself, and now my pelvis cracks when I walk.
Related stories
Having six kids aged between 21 months and 10 years has also meant sacrifices – we haven’t been abroad and Kev and I rarely go out.
Before we moved into our three-bedroom home, Kev and I slept in the living room.
But even though the kids squabble about everything, it’s the chaos that makes our house a home.
Kev and I try to make sure we find time for each other.
Deep down we knew we didn’t have the space or money for any more children, so Kev had a vasectomy in April 2014.
It was hard, but I know one day I’ll have lots of grandchildren.
It’s been 20 months since I was pregnant, and I really I miss it.
Kev said maybe one day he can get it reversed, but I don’t know if my body could take it: I’m in pain, my boobs sag and my tummy is riddled with stretch marks.
We have six amazing kids and I’m grateful for that… but I’ll never say never!
BTW...
- A quarter of mums love being in labour and 67% describe it as a very positive experience.*
- British families are at their biggest since the early 1970s.**
- Parents of four or more kids are most satisfied with the family set-up.***
Sources: *Channel Mum **Eurostat ***Edith Cowan University
For support in your birthing experience, visit Positivebirthmovement.org