Hello everyone. Sorry to disappear. Things got a bit hectic yesterday. They do so many things to you in hospital. Blimey!
So, birth story, I'll try to be quick as big boys are entombed in the basement on the Wii and MrWhim and #3 are on a drug run for me. #4 is all cosy next to me on the sofa after feeding for 20 min every hour through the night, except for the times he fed for longer every hour.
As you know, the Ob had an uncomfy rummage on Thurs, then I went out for curry and came home and accosted MrWhim . I woke up on Friday morning about 5am with cramps, but wasn't sure whether I was off or not. Not fancying breakfast and spontaneously sweeping the kitchen floor rather confirmed it was labour not BHs. Sitting down made everything stop, so we all walked to school bus stop, then came home and did odds and sods then had another walk around our wierd Extreme Makeover: home edition neighbourhood which seemed to do the trick.
About 10 we decided it was time to take #3 to our friend, but she was out. Tracked her down to a supermarket 3 miles in the wrong direction from the supermarket, which rather focussed everyone's minds.
Got to hospital about 11, filled in numerous forms in triplicate assuring them we had insurance, income and the right to be in the country. Land of the free my arse. Had internal, was declared 4cm. There was a rather alarming chart in reception showing sizes and stages of dilation. You just don't want to know that sort of thing.
At some point the Ob came to meet us. Wasn't the one I'd seen, but from the same practice. She actually has a waiting list, so that people time their pregnancies for when she has a vacancy. What a system! Anyway, she was lovely, and was really well informed about my wishes and knew I'd had homebirths etc. MrWhim reckoned we'd be done by 2.30, although I had my doubts at that stage.
Things stepped up about 1, around 1.30 I thought 'ooh, I could have some paracetamol now' but shortly after that started growling. I had been leaning against a sink, but was required to shuffle across the room to lean against the bed instead. Then my waters broke. Then I started trying to take the rest of my clothes off.
Then I got cramp in my leg. I was already bearing down at this point, and couldn't communicate to anyone that I had cramp, so was trying to climb onto the bed so I could stick my leg out. At which point I had a baby. Half on and off a bed, half in and out of my clothes. Entirely unmedicated. It was some cramp.
One little tear, 2 stitches and delivered the placenta naturally. I actually think it was the easiest and least unpleasant of all 4 births, which considering the reservations I had about the system is astonishing. Obviously it wasn't the same as being at home, but I can't fault the staff.
Right, #3 is home and trying to eat my ibuprofen so I better pay him some attention.
Will reveal name just as soon as I've spoken to my folks.
Hope you've all had good weekends, and thanks again for all good wishes and messages and brookings. Made it all the more bearable!