Tom Alexander was born a week ago today after a very quick labour. Supposed to be a home birth. Rang labour suite at 6pm to say things had started and to ask for a message to be passed to the community midwives. Rang at 7pm to say needed g&a NOW, to be told no comm midwives on call. So mad dash into hospital, arriving at 8pm (dm came to look after dd). Told only 4cm dilated but strong urge to push. Begged for an epidural as needed to push but not allowed to as not fully dilated. Ward sisted assessed me again, and said actually fully dilated, Tom's head right down and waters still intact (that's why the other midwife hadn't been able to feel his skull bones). Tom delivered at 8.59pm weighing 7 pounds 13, on gas and air (after epidural and pethidine last time). 2nd degree tear stitched, and we all left the hospital at midnight.
Absolutely shattered and still very hormonal, worrying about the impact of this all on dd (2y2m) but generally getting there. He's adorable though a little windy and have already posted under the nappy thread about cleaning boys bits as wow are they daunting!