OK, Orlaith asleep on my chest, other 2 dds in bed, DH in pub (and yes, we have changed the spelling of her name - DH decided he preferred the proper Irish spelling and I was happy to go along with this).
So, DH and I toddled off into hospital at 14:30 on Thurs 17th as directed. Got there, when finally examined had not changed from sweep on the Tues (1cm favourable cervix) so they tried to break my waters, which was interesting - took 2 mws about 30 mins but they suceeded in the end. After I'd flooded the place out (or so it seemed) DH and I were sent off for a walk, something to eat etc. Came back afer 2 hours, on monitor, some minor contractions but nothing exciting. DH and I played cards for another 2 hours (and I whupped his sorry ass, which I thought was pretty good for a woman in early labour) then the obs came in and said they felt that I'd had long enough (4.5 hrs) to get going on my own and they'd like to start up the drip. Would I like an epidural first? The obs and mw were really good - they went through the options then left DH and I alone to decide. As there was still a real possibility that I might end up with another section, (and I am a wimp) we went for the epidural then the drip. So, epi put in, drip started once the epi was working. Then the lovely mw turned off all the lights except one, brought dh a pillow and told us to both get some sleep while the drugs did their work. So we did.
After a couple of peaceful hours, I was really starting to feel the pressure. At about 02.30, the mw examined me and said 'Oh, yes, I can feel the head, you're ready to push.' She was so relaxed and non-interfering IYKWIM that she had not done (or even requested to do) any internal examinations between 2cm dilated and 10cm. Once she got everything ready, I started pushing on her instructions (and she was so not frightened to give DH his orders too ). Everything was just so controlled and calm, it was amazing. Once Orlaith was out as far as her arms, the mw said 'Come on, you catch her now, she's yours' so I reached down and pulled her out the rest of the way and up onto my chest, 29 minutes after I started pushing - it makes me feel a bit teary even now to think of it. DH was given no choice about cutting the cord either. After that, she left us alone with Orlaith to get to know her. Honestly, I am going to write to the hospital in praise of this mw as she turned what could have been a negative experience of being induced into one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.
Things of course went a little pear-shaped 12 hours later, with Orlaith going into SCBU etc. We've been back to the clinic today, and Orlaith's bilirubin levels are still high. I was worried that they were going to keep her in but fortunately they are not that high - we just have to go back again next week to be checked again. They were muttering about whether she was getting enough milk, but honestly, I have the opposite problem - I am leaking like a sieve, and get through at least two tops a day.
Hope everything is going well for everyone else. Sending good vibes to bebejones, min912, Squarah and anyone else still waiting.