I posted a brief announcement on the ante-natal thread, but I wanted to share a bit more of what happened as it went so well. Apologies if it bores you to tears!
Jemima Rose born Thurs 11th Jan - 10lb 8oz! 37+5 weeks.
Wed night - started to feel weird - hormones rushing, flushed face, had a show and irregular little contractions. I thought a little of my waters had gone.
Thurs morn - popped into day assessment to see if waters had gone - apparently not (I obviously had lost some control - nice!) but in early labour so we toddled off home.
By 3pm the contractions were regular and strong enough for me to get dh to start timing them. I though I was being really hardcore by hanging on until things seemed very regular and pretty painful. Left for hospital a few hours later thinking I was the bees knees of childbirth but when I was examined at 6pm I was 3cm dilated. GUTTED!! Midiwfe was very positive - made all the right noises about how quickly things can change etc etc. She also actually read my birth plan and discussed it with us. The first line was letting them know that our son had died in June. She seemed really nice and we were so pleased that we had someone who would take good care of us.
Well I should have had more faith as then contractions came in relentless waves - there seem to be no gaps and they were so painful (who said 2nd time is less painful!) BUT pregnancy yoga and my preparation such as relaxation CDs, books, practising breathing and visualisation paid off. I was able to really control my breathing and stay reasonably relaxed. Stayed on my feet doing hip circles and visualisation through every contraction. Left it as late as possible to start using gas and air. At the end of the first stage I did start to loose it a bit - could n't stop thinking about my little boy and how brave he was through his treatment, operations and at the end. Dh managed to keep me focused and stop me getting upset. When I could handle it no more and asked for pethidine - but I was nearly fully dilated so I did n't need it.
I then got on the bed on my hands and knees and hung on to the headrest for dear life. Tried to do some birth breathing - what a waste of space!!! I had to push really bloody hard. Even with gravity, being in a good open position and pushing for dear life it probably took 30 mins to push the head out and then I had the shock of my life - the shoulders were bloody hard work to get out too!! The midwife was fabulous - really managed my pushing so it was all fairly controlled. No ventouse, no forceps and only a small tear so no stitches. I'm still amazed that I was able to push a 10lb 8oz little star out without being ripped to pieces.
Unfortunately little Jemima was n't breathing very well so she spent the first 5 mins being assessed and having oxygen but she soon picked up.
The important thing is we have a happy, healthy gorgeous little girl. The icing on the cake is that the labour went so well. It's been a great start for the family as we have enough to handle missing our little boy.
Ps little Jemima has now settled down to the 98th percentile!!