My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Relationships

Waves is determined to keep winning now that Acrobat has arrived.

988 replies
OP posts:
Report
ProphetOfDoom · 28/07/2013 12:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KalevalaForMePlease · 28/07/2013 12:32

Congratulations waves! Have you been able to eat lots of nice things?

Report
MinnieBar · 28/07/2013 12:39

Yay! How is it going? What do your DCs think of him? Is your new lodger still being lovely?

Report
wavesandsmiles · 28/07/2013 12:40

And here is the "birth" story:

As is known from the previous thread, I had a very on/off latent phase. After going to hospital with regular but not painful contractions on Friday evening, I came home with my doula. I decided to let stbxh know, having decided that I didn't want to leave any "what ifs", and he came around to see me. He was very supportive, and practically helpful - he cleaned the kitchen whilst my doula was helping me through some more intense contractions, and helping me focus on the birth journey. He also was brilliant sorting out replacement performers for a gig I had arranged for Saturday lunchtime. (Acrobat completed ignore the schedule I had for his arrival....)

I had a warm bath which increased the frequency of contractions, then under my doula's advice I went to bed. She went for a sleep in DS's room, and stbxh also stayed, sleeping on the sofa. Overnight the contractions got more intense and frequent, and I was having to vocalise through them, and had more warm baths, and did lots of crawling round the garden. By 7am I thought we should probably think about returning to hospital. I also knew that my favourite midwife came on duty at 8am, and I wanted to "baggsy" him first Blush

My doula phoned the ward to let them know we were on our way in, and that all 3 of us would be attending. So we went up for just after 8, with all the bags, music etc. I was so relieved that I was assigned the person I hoped. He could see that my contractions were very intense, but were somewhat erratic (common in 3rd labours apparently, and more so for me because the long term exhaustion from HG had reduced my energy levels so much, together with the long latent phase of labour) So, at 10am he did a stretch and sweep but was pleased i was already 4 - 5 cm dilated. That made the contractions very regular and intense for a while, through which I was standing, leaning on the bed and vocalising my way through each one, whilst focussing on whole body relaxation.

I took myself regularly to my tree, but found I was not there with a book, alone, but with acrobat, aged 4, playing with a toy glider Smile

I was getting upset as the contractions were lessening in terms of intensity and frequency, so at 1.30pm my midwife did another sweep, and then, with the next contraction, artificially broke my waters (I was 8 - 9 cm by then) That triggered things well, and shortly after I got into the birthing pool.

Throughout all this, my doula was a wonderful presence, just reminding me to keep a loose jaw, so vocalise in a deep voice, and reassuring me that I was doing beautifully, whilst giving me amazing back rubs. Once in the pool things continued intensely, and then I got in a panic that I couldn't do it. Again, my doula reminded me that this was the Gate of Doubt that every labouring woman faces. I felt I needed pain relief, and decided to try gas and air. This helped considerably. I again started to worry about the pain, as it felt different, and when my midwife had a look, expecting to see the cervix still dilating, in fact it had "disappeared" and acrobat was starting to descend. He told me how to feel his head inside me which I did - it was very reassuring. I changed position from leaning on my knees against the side, to sitting back on the seat, and followed the guidance to listen to my body and push as necessary.

It didn't take very long before acrobat was crowning and with a HUGE push his head was out. The pushes before that were hard because he still hadn't decided which way to be born to throughout "the descent" his head was transverse. Once the head was out, I held it in my hands whilst waiting for the next strong contraction, with which my midwife guided his body out!

My PICC line was soaked by now, but that was not considered remotely important as it was not going to be used again. So, whilst I waited for the cord to stop pulsating, acrobat (now named Caspian) sat together in the lovely warm pool.

I had a natural third stage, once out of the pool, whilst Caspian was skin to skin (covered with my dad's jumper) and already latched on Smile

It was really beautiful, and I am so proud of myself!

I had 2 sets of music - a playlist on my phone, and a CD which is of me playing and singing. It is very chilled, and it helped a lot keep the atmosphere relaxed. In fact, my midwife has asked for a copy as he loved it so much! So Acrobat arrived to the sound of his mummy playing and singing which is quite special.

Stbxh was great - calm and stayed back, but was there. No regrets.

OP posts:
Report
Pollydon · 28/07/2013 12:53
Flowers
Report
Skinidin · 28/07/2013 12:56

Many, many congratulations ! :)

Report
AgathaF · 28/07/2013 13:00

Fantastic. I'm so pleased it worked out well for you. Congratulations.

x

Report
auntpetunia · 28/07/2013 13:07

Wow just wow you are amazing! Congratulations on Caspian's arrival. Am pleased that Twunt behaved and came through for you and didn't spoil the birth experience. Long may his decent behavior last.

Hope that you DD DS and Caspian are having a lovely relaxing day together x

Report
wrathnurser · 28/07/2013 13:08

Well done Waves! I'm so happy for you and very glad you have Caspian to cuddle Smile

Report
Jux · 28/07/2013 13:08

Oh Waves, how utterly, utterly lovely. That is so beautiful. ThanksThanksThanks

Report
AndMiffyWentToSleep · 28/07/2013 13:09

Fabulous birth story! Flowers

Report
BloomingRose · 28/07/2013 13:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

tightfortime · 28/07/2013 13:24

Fantastic story, thank you for sharing and welcome to the world Acrobat Caspian!

I'm also glad he saw his son being born and did not cause any unnecessary grief or stress for you. Fair play for allowing him to be there after everything that has happened but you know, I guess you put that crap on hold for a few hours in the interests of the bigger picture.
I sincerely hope his behaviour stays calm.

Hope you are enjoying all sorts of lovely food x

Report
ScarletWomanoftheVillage · 28/07/2013 13:35

HUGE congratulations, Waves Thanks and very well done! You deserve to be proud of yourself, sounds like a wonderful experience and fantastic you got your favourite midwife.

And welcome to the world Caspian Crown

Report
Boosiehs · 28/07/2013 13:46

Congratulations Waves!!! Wonderful wonderful birth story. :). Flowers

Report
MysteriousHamster · 28/07/2013 14:05

Many congrats Waves!

I have one question (actually two but connected): How are you feeling, nausea-wise, and are you hungry? :D

Report
ChasedByBees · 28/07/2013 14:11

Congratulations! What a lovely birth story.

Report
Allalonenow · 28/07/2013 14:17

Ah that's lovely waves so pleased for you that it all went well. Very many congratulations to you and Caspian, what a super name!
Hope you have had something delicious to eat today, and are enjoying resting and cuddles with Caspian.
Thanks Crown Thanks

Report
jayho · 28/07/2013 14:20

de-lurking, and having a little cry.

Well done Flowers

Report
springytoto · 28/07/2013 14:20
Report
springytoto · 28/07/2013 14:21

oh bum Blush

(trying to be so helpful..)

Report
Lweji · 28/07/2013 14:22

Congratulations. Flowers

Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

chocolatesolveseverything · 28/07/2013 14:22

So happy for you Waves. I read your birth story with a tear in my eye and I'm sure it wasn't JUST the pregnancy hormones! Caspian is a lucky boy indeed.

Report
BerylStreep · 28/07/2013 14:24

I'm so pleased for you - it sounds very calm.

I'm glad twunt stepped up for you.

On a side note, I have never heard of a male midwife before. Glad you got the one you wanted.

Enjoy those snuggles and forget the housework.

Does the HG subside immediately?

Report
LucyTheValiant · 28/07/2013 14:25

Oh Waves I'm so happy for you. Congratulations, you wonderful woman.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.