Joseph Edward arrived at 4.30am on Saturday, 7lbs 12oz of loveliness !!
Had period type pain all day on Friday which gradually became more contraction-like as the day wore on. Called Marslady, my lovely doula, at 8pm to let her know that something was definitely happening but didn't need her yet - Mars was just about to go to a concert so I was worried I was going to spoil her night out! Contractions gradually got stronger during the evening and I called Mars to come at midnight, just as her concert was finishing .
Things started to get more painful and I was just thinking about going into hospital when my waters broke at 2.30am. Struggled out of the house with a lot of help from Mars and dh, did a bit of bellowing in the street outside, and made it to hospital by 3am. The midwife examined me and I was absoultely delighted to be told that I was 9cm dilated - yeah! I was hoping to have a VBAC and had been really worried about continuous monitoring, having a canula etc., but as I was so far along when we got to the hospital none of that was an issue. Mars did a fantastic job of coaching me through another hour of contractions, she really made me use the gas and air properly and helped me to breathe through the contractions. Then 25 mins of pushing and my gorgeous boy was out!!
I had been really worried about having a VBAC but am so glad that I decided to go for it. I can't recommend having a doula highly enough - without Marslady I wouldn't have had the confidence to stay at home as long as I did and would have been worried about unnecessary intervention at the hospital. The birth was better than I could have dared hope for and I am so thrilled to be at home with my boys and no post c-section recovery to deal with