Finally gave birth to Joseph John 11 days late on the 9th Jan at 5.24 pm.
He's a whopping 10lb - we were both a little shellshocked by the birth, but we're recovering nicely now.
Labour was a total nightmare - I'd planned to go to a birthing centre and wallow in a birthing pool having only gas n'air and a lovely natural birth, but ended up in hospital with an epidural as the pain was so excruciating! Tried the gas & air but it didn't really work for more than an hour. I was feeling the contractions in my backside as well, so I couldn't sit or lie down to rest in between, and as my water broke at 10.30 at night with contractions coming thick and fast after that, I just ended up being totally unable to rest and was completely exhausted by the time I was 3cm dilated early tuesday morning!
When the midwives realised i wouldn't be able to give birth unaided because his head was so large, I agreed to a ventouse. They then wanted me to have an episiotomy but I refused, and to the doctor's credit, his head was born with only a small grade 1 tear. Joseph's shoulder got stuck though, and lots of people ran into the room ready for emergency action when the alarm was raised. He was born with no injury though, which is an enormous relief. Almost the hardest thing of all was the timing - by the time we were transferred to the post-natal ward, visiting hours were over and my poor DH had to go home pretty much straight away. After having had such a traumatic experience, the last thing we both wanted was to be separated, but rules are rules apparently, and he had to go home all by himself. I think he had a stiff drink, a good cry and then some sleep!
If only I could have done the same thing myself.....
Anyway, we are all home now, safe and sound, and getting used to being a family. Joseph is utterly gorgeous and I have the best husband in the world - he is completely besotted.
Happy days!