Sorry it took so long. I'll keep it nice... but it won't be brief!
Woke up yesterday approx 5.30, went for wee, found a show. Went back to bed. Had 2 contractions 10 mins apart. So, got up, started to organise the stuff for the boys sleepover and school run. Came on Mnet (and the contraction timer) as you know to keep me going til the boys had gone. Had to let the electric meter man in during contractions too.
After puking up my breakfast and paracetamol at 9am I had a bath with lavendar oil then rang hospital at 9.30 as contractions were about 30 seconds long and every 7 minutes. They told me to hang on longer, until I needed pain relief. Rang back at 10.15 (when I eventually got through - it was engaged for ages), as they were still only 30 seconds but less than 5 mintues apart and was told to go straight in.
Long story short, eventually made it to labour ward (around 10.45am) after a few stops!, 7-8cm dilated! MW started to fill the pool, got it half full and found out I "exceeded the allowed weight" for water birth, so she had to empty it again. I was very disappointed.
So, continued with TENS, then moved to gas and air. Had my waters broken at 1pm (DH couldn't believe the amount of fluid), Gabriel born 36 minutes later. He had a VERY LARGE HEAD (or so it seemed when he was on his way out, it looks normal now). The placenta took a bit of getting out and I wasn't being brave any more for that and the afterpains! I didn't swear too much or slag off my MIL either (the MW was lovely but she didn't look the type you could really let go in front of!) I did scream though
DH was also amazed at the immediate fallout of further fluids and blood (he has never stayed in the delivery room with me for so long afterwards. We were there about 3 hours). No stiches. DS3 (wow!) did a poo before they weighed him or no doubt would have been even heavier (although I think he's a lovely little bundle). Would you believe it though - no bloody toast (and after all that too.) Was v hungry by dinner. The post natal experience was horrible this time though (it was really nice and relaxing with DS2, except the darts on the TV), didn't get water jug til bedtime last night and didn't get a fresh one today. Haven't had a MW near me when BF. Also DS3 (!) feeding a lot last night and then when he finally settled today someone came to check him/do tests every time and woke him.
SO WE ARE HOME
DH & I having early WA celebration as DS1&2 having another night at GPs.
Sorry long post.