I am delighted to announce that Harriet Rose was born yesterday 22nd June at 1633 Cyprus time weighing 8lb 6.
I was induced on Wed for a number of reasons following a sweep on the Tues. On arrival at the hospital I was assessed and the decision was made to bypass the pessaries and break my waters right away. Unfortunately despite my best efforts walking up and down stairs and stomping round the block I was not able to start any significant contractions. My midwives were fantastic and gave me every opportunity leaving me for as long as possible before we finally resorted to the drip at 2.30pm (I was 4 cm by then and having some irregular contractions but nothing significant). The drip was started nice and slow but soon began to take effect and dd2 was born two hours later much to my relief.
I am totally gobsmacked that she is a girl as I was convinced I was having a boy . I feel like the luckiest person alive now though.
For those of you who followed my stresses regarding delivering at Limassol General without pain relief thank you for all your support. I feel so grateful that Harriet was overdue and decided to hang on until our UK midwives were authorised to practice in Cyprus as my care was amazing and the Medical Centre where I delivered was just like a private hospital with a single room with ensuite shower and toilet, TV, fridge etc (yes I stayed in a night ). I was also totally spoilt as the only patient with midwives who have not been able to get their hands on babies or birthing mothers for a very long time. I can't tell you how lucky I feel. A very different story to dd1's waterbirth in York but equally wonderful for different reasons.
And for all my fuss about pain relief DH has advised me I used the gas and air three times lol.