labour | Mummy of two

Glad I was warned how ‘blue’ Little Miss A would be with a water birth!

I can’t believe it has already been over a week since I was in hospital giving birth! After feeling like she would never arrive, last Wednesday things happened quite quickly!
I woke up Wednesday morning feeling like I might be having proper contractions, however, after having had braxton hicks for a few days I didn’t want to get my hopes up that things might actually be happening. Following a sweep the contractions really started coming. Thankfully my Mum was off work and came to spend the day with me. I was told to keep on my feet so, after doing the ironing, pots and cleaning we went for a walk in the local town and out for lunch, all the while having contractions! I can’t believe what a whimp I was first time around, all I did whilst having contractions was lay around moaning!
After picking up Little Mr A from school Mum took him back to her house so he would not have to worry about Mummy being in hospital.
Come 8 o’clock the contractions were coming really strong and I decided to call the hospital. I was told to hold out for a bit longer if I could before going in. Another hour passed and I really couldn’t wait any longer even though the hospital said I needed to be having more contractions before coming in!
A very painful 25 minute journey to the hospital followed! I was getting a lot of pressure and didn’t know whether we would actually make it to the hospital or not! Thankfully we arrived on the labour ward about 10 o’clock. Following a quick examination it turned out I was over 7cm dilated and the birthing pool was quickly filled up!
As soon as I got in the pool I could not believe how calming and relaxing the warm water was. The urge to push came almost immediately and, a bit of gas and air, and 20 minutes later Little Miss A was born at 10.50 p.m.
It was so nice to be in the water and have her placed on me. We were left for a good 20 minutes to enjoy the water and let Little Miss A ‘wake up’ to the world!
I am so glad I got to have my water birth this time, it was so relaxing and I am so proud of myself for being so brave this time around, in fact the first thing I said to the midwife after giving birth was ‘can I do it again’, I think Big Mr A might take a bit more convincing though!

6 weeks to go with Little Mr A – no wonder I made elephant noises during labour – I was the size of one!

Only one day to go until my due date and I am getting very impatient! I am at that stage now where I feel like I have been pregnant for years not just 9 months! Although I am nowhere near as big as I was during my first pregnancy (and can still get into my pre-pregnancy jeans with the help of a belly belt!) I can’t get comfy, don’t sleep properly and just want Little Miss A out so we can get on with enjoying our next stage of family life.

After already having 6 weeks off from work on maternity leave I am getting very bored now. The house is clean, washing and ironing is up to date, Little Miss A has everything she could possibly need for the first few months of her life, washed and organised in her nursery and I feel like Phil and Holly are part of the family!

First time around I was incredibly lucky. The day before my due date, even though I had had no twinges, I went into labour. I was certainly not expecting this and it took us both by surprise! After a few hours in labour I went to the local hospital, only to be sent home again as I was not far enough established. I tried to relax in the bath without any success then proceeded to spend the next few hours rolling around on the floor screaming whilst Big Mr A decided it would be a good time to test out the stopwatch on his phone! Eventually, when I could take no more I demanded to go back to the hospital. When we arrived it turned out I was now 7 cm dilated and in too much distress to even try having the water birth I had really wanted. I quickly grabbed the gas and air and guzzled it down, apparently making lots of elephant noises in the process! After much screaming and fuss Little Mr A was born at 17 minutes past midnight on his due date. Not quite the nice relaxed birth I had wanted but I am sure I was not the worst patient ever!

Second time around I am determined this birth will be calmer and more relaxed. I really want to try a water birth this time and am determined not to scream as much (maybe I should pack a gag in my hospital bag!). I know that I am probably kidding myself and when the contractions start I shall be, once again, rolling around the floor making lots of fuss! Big Mr A also has a new phone so I am sure the stopwatch will be tested out again before he can take me to hospital!

So come on Little Miss A we are all desperate to meet you!