Right ladies, I'll apologise for the length, but if it helps a few of you out, then it's totally worth it!
As you already know, my waters broke around 00:15. I called the hospital to let them know and they advised that I could either go in to confirm that, or stay at home. I chose to stay at home because I wasn't contracting yet and wanted to be as relaxed as possible. About 20 mins after I got off the phone, I started contracting. They were easily managed and I was able to talk to DH through them. They quickly ramped up in length and intensity. I used the app Freya (from the Positive Birthing Company) and it advised that I was in established labour (a minimum of 45 seconds, and 3 contractions within 10 mins). I called the hospital back and they advised to wait at home for another hour to see if they would let up a bit, as sometimes they do. I took 2 paracetamol at this point, just to try and take the edge off. After an hour, they were lasting a minute and we're coming every 2 mins! So I called the hospital and they said to make our way in. We grabbed a few last minute bits that we needed, said goodbye to the dog (obviously super important!) and got in the car. The contractions were really quite uncomfortable at this point, but breathing exercises got me through it! That car journey was the longest in the world! DH was amazing and counted me through my breathing exercises the whole time. We got to the hospital and made our way up to the delivery suite. I was asked for a wee sample, which I really struggled to give! I was quite sick at this point, but apparently that was very normal. The contractions were still ramping up and I was beginning to get a bit vocal through them. While I was in the bathroom, I did get a bit scared, but then remembered that I was in a safe place and that I could be got to if required, so I got myself back into a positive mindset, got my wee sample done and went back to the bed. The midwife then advised that she wanted to examine me to figure out how things were doing! I really struggled with this, as I couldn't abide being on my back and the contractions were not helping. One finished, so I got myself on the bed and was examined. This is uncomfortable but it's really not too horrendous, I promise! I then started another contraction and had to get off the bed onto my knees by the side. The midwife came round and rubbed my lower back, which really helped! Once that one had finished, she told me that she has no idea how I did it, but that when she started her exam, I was 4cm dilated, but then jumped to 7cm as the next contraction started! It was then that I was asked about my birth preferences and I said that I'd always loved the idea of a water birth. Within about 2 mins, I heard the pool being run. I then moved into the room, which was just beautiful. Dimly lit, beautiful dancing colourful lights, and speakers for music to be played. I got into the pool and it was wonderful. It really helped me relax and it was good to feel that little bit of weightlessness! The midwives were brilliant and there was a shift change about 15 mins after I got in the pool. They were very much up for letting me crack on with whatever I felt I needed to! This included when I felt I needed to push - they didn't stop me! I used the gas and air a little bit, which really helped to start with. It got to the point where I could feel the head coming down the birth canal. It is painful, there's no getting out of it, but it was so amazing that I was capable of doing this! It got to the point where I could see the head if I looked down, which was completely surreal. The stinging is insane, but it's all worth it. I don't remember actually managing to birth the entire body, just the moment of looking down and seeing my baby boy at the bottom of the pool! I pulled him up onto my chest, and saw that he was a boy! It was so emotional, DH was nearly in tears (which he doesn't do ever!) and I couldn't stop smiling 😊 we had a bit of delayed cord clamping, and then DH cut the cord. Not planned, but the midwives offered and he accepted! I then had the injection to bring the placenta out, which came 6 mins after Ethan was born. DH had skin to skin while I was helped out the pool. I was then put on the bed so the midwife could have a look at me and see how I'd done. I had a grade 2 tear, which was probably because of how quickly Ethan made his entrance into the world! I also had a little bit of grazing either side of the urethra, but not enough to have to repair it. Be warned with a water birth, they have to leave stitching for at least an hour after you get out the water. But that passed pretty quickly! Ethan was weighed and given his Vit K injection. The stitching was uncomfortable but perfectly manageable with breathing exercises. I then had skin to skin with Ethan and DH hopped up on the bed beside me. There was no rush to get me moved to another room, which was just lovely. Once we'd had some time and we were ready, we were moved to a single room. I wheeled Ethan in his cot which was good. We then just relaxed! I was given tea and toast, DH grabbed a cat nap, and Ethan was checked over by the baby doctors and a hearing professional. He got the all clear on everything which was wonderful. It appears quite brutal if you watch, but it really is ok! We were then told that we'd be ok to leave if Ethan fed again, which he did 😊 we had the discharge chat, which was helpful and were allowed to go! The midwife checked the car seat and his outfit to make sure that it was all safe and then gave me a hug, saying "I still don't think you realise how well you did!"
It really was a positive experience! For those of you who may be a bit scared, or apprehensive, or whatever, I hope I can kinda help alleviate those negative feelings! Everything really is worth it and it's just magical! I feel that I've gone 12 rounds with Mike Tyson, but it'll get easier and easier! My parents came over today, which allowed me and DH to catch up on some sleep! The only sticking point is that I was supposed to have a midwife come out to me today (standard day post discharge visit!) but there was a miscommunication between the hospital and the community team, so the community team didn't realise Ethan had arrived! They're coming out tomorrow though and were full of apologies.
Little tips: I am living in disposable knickers at the moment - they're absolutely the best invention since sliced bread! Make sure you've got loads of maternity pads! They're super soft and padded but I'm going through them at a rate of knots! The first wee does sting, but it is getting much less painful now. It does hurt to sit down, but once I'm down, it's ok 😊
If any of you have any questions at all and think I can help, please just ask! I'm by no means an expert, but I'd love to try and help out as much as possible.