Ok - longer story now
The tale of Martha.
Birth plan: - wanted second VBAC, but was v stressed about not wanting constant monitoring and being stuck on the bed on my back, plus my evil SPD limited delivery positions etc.
Woke up on Tuesday morning (4 days overdue) feeling a little crampy.
Went to loo and had a big show. Took dd to GP as she'd been up all the previous night with a sore ear. MIL took ds to school.
Got antibiotics for dd and more contractions in the surgery waiting room, so popped into see m/w while I was there. She confirmed that it was all systems go and that I get should dh back home from work!
Dh arrived back at lunchtime - I bounced around on my ball and timed everything. I wanted to stay at home for as long as possible, but we also had to allow for being an hour and a half away from the hospital - we're in the middle of nowhere.
Had a long, long bath and got out when ds got home from school.
I got noisier and noisier Dh strapped me to my TENS at teatime and then put the dcs to bed at 7 pm.
Drove to the hospital fast.
Seen at 8:45. 5 cm. M/w asked if I wanted a bath and I nearly collapsed with shock - I asked if that was allowed and she said of course, why not, you've had one VBAC already and everything's going fine.
Just as I was about to be moved to the room with the big bath (not quite a pool) I made a strange noise (apparently) and the m/w asked if I was feeling "pushy". So we got moved taken straight to the labour room.
M/w asked what would make me most comfy. I tried a ball but was too far on so I got onto the bed onto my left side - Pelvic Partnership would be proud. Baby was being monitored at this point, but m/w wasn't concerned if me moving last the trace (can you tell I'm loving my laid back m/w )
Dh grabbed my leg, m/w broke my waters to get the last lip of my cervix open and minutes later Martha slooshed out. Teeny tear, no stitches. 8lbb 13oz. She's very fat and hairy and beautiful.
I had a bath, tea and toast and Martha had her first feed - perfect latch - no tongue tie this time. And everything was just lovely and uncomplicated.
I also loved it just being me, dh and the m/w - no students/hangers on/constultants/anthesthetists/more students etc. Felt great.
So third time very lucky after hideous 3 day long labour and horrible section with ds, then great VBAC, but lingering SPD with dd1 and now with dd2 (I have a dd2!!!) all boxes ticked and all my worries and panics didn't happen. And I didn't have an epidural so I don't have a numb bum for the first time!
Had 2 good nights in hospital and came home yesterday afternoon.
Exhausted but very , very chuffed
Will put Martha photos on profile after I've had a curry and a glass of champagne.