Hello hello, first time at the PC rather than my phone in aaages! Can't believe Alice is three weeks old already and the older ones almost two, where did the time go??!
As you might be aware we had a bit of a tough time lately, but I really appreciate all your messages on FB, it really helped get through it. I think she's ok now, we have an outpatient check-up in August, essentially I didn't find out until discharge that Alice actually had viral meningitis , big big shock as last I'd heard the tests were negative. Main concern is her hearing but she jumps at small sounds (too much in my opinion, especially when I'm trying to get out of the room without waking her up!!) and as regards anything else we'll just have to wait and see. She is feeding like crazy though (feel so drained literally and metaphorically come 7pm) so I'm trying not to be too worried.
The birth was quite full on as well, I'd been up half the night with a combination of major indigestion pains and what felt like pulled muscles (def not labour pains), was dozing on the sofa at 6.30 am when I suddenly thought I was going to be sick, shuffled to the bathroom thinking 'I'm not going to make it', got there, and pop my hindwaters went, as did the desire to be sick. Called DH from upstairs, he called the doula, she got to us about 7.15am, both DCs up and wanting breakfast, clothes and attention, I'm on all fours in the spare room with now definite labour pains. Got the doula to call the midwife, first one arrived 7.45, second 8am, felt this ENORMOUS horrible pressure then BAM full waters went all over the bed, oops (hadn't managed to put waterproof sheet down). Felt a LOT lighter after that! DH had settled DCs in front of the tv and is blowing up the birthing pool when I heard the midwife say 'tell him to stop, she's not going to make it'. I think 'WHAT???!' (Poppy was 50-hr labour and DS 19hrs).
Still bits of water gushing every now and again then more massive pressure, really quite scary and I am convinced I need to do the biggest poo EVER, tell them, they get a bowl but oh no, I'm crowning instead! The doula was great and very calming and I'm not sure how I managed it but I sort of 'parked' all the scary 'what the hell is happening to my body that I can't control' thoughts to one side and didn't actively push, just kind of breathed her out, so despite her being a massive 10lb 11oz I just had a v small graze. Alice needed some ressucitation but pinked up v quickly, so the whole thing was done in just two hours which was quite a shock especially as at two or three moments it was almost too intense.
After half an hour I felt like I was done waiting for the placenta so had the injection , apparently it was MASSIVE and almost filled the whole bag , was just enjoying a nice hot bath when they said 'oh you have to get out now, we've called an ambulance' - wtf? - midwives were concerned about her 'grunting'. I think 'oh, they're just being overcautious, we'll be back later, I'll just go along with this'. My parents turn up and are v surprised that I've already had Alice, we go in ambulance and into special care unit, they say we'll be in for at least two days, I am v distraught, I can't remember all the ins and outs of it all now but she had a touch of jaundice, then she came up to the ward with me, then she got a temperature and took her away again, all in all we were in for 9 days, both dosed up with antibiotics (I had some kind of infection too, probably in the womb as they think some of the membranes were retained [boak]). It was very emotional coming home, think we are back to normal now though (whatever that is!).
Sorry for essay but a lot has happened! Am still in shock at being a mum to THREE (I have NO idea how you mums of 4/5/6 do it. Seriously).
Hope all well...