hello again...
yes, giving birth. all a bit mad, isn't it??
we were innocently watching some tv when the bump did a sudden thunk at about 10.45pm. it felt like the baby had fallen off a shelf or something! walked into kitchen as it twinged a bit and next thing, a big gush of water took off between my legs...took a moment to figure out what it was (had i sneezed/coughed etc?). Then action stations!
Hospital told me to give it an hour before calling again. By midnight, period pains had gone into contractions, TENS machine was being cursed at and i was still dripping all over the carpets and bouncy ball. Poor DH had only got his driving license the day before, so the drive was a bit stressy with me digging out the satnav because we were both having mental block about route, despite knowing it perfectly well in normal circumstances!
By 1.30am was admitted at 4cm dilated. Felt much better once in labour suite. Hopped into bath with portable gas and air and just zoned out working way through contractions. They weren't going to examine me again until 8am but i started yowling about urge to push a bit before 5am and DH accidently pulled emergency cord, causing about 6 midwives to hurl themselves into the bathroom, but at least i got examined! "Darling, would you like to have your baby now? You're ready to push"
Of course, then the baby took its sweet time. 2 of the maddest hours of my life. No painkillers, just me on all fours being mental. Big head etc, so ended with midwife giving me the snip and just as a consultant walked into room putting on his gloves, i finally pushed him out at 6.59am - just over 8 hours start to finish.
Most miserable bit was being sewn back together (lots more gas and air) which hurt to buggery and DH got to hold our new son for aaaaages. Jealous!! Still in awe about whole thing and of son. He's good feeder (esp between hours of 11pm and 5am - constant!!) and is just beautiful. Healing well and enjoying just looking at him....madness.