~The Birth~
It all started at 7.10am on Sunday the 21st of March, when my waters broke (actually it really started about nine months ago!). Here I am standing there with a towel up my dress, because my waters "were" broken, (and boy was there some water..), but I wanted a photo so out came the camera.
We were so excited, (and relieved)- We'd spent the past week trying all those old wives tales of how to bring on labour! Trying everything from warm baths to eating pizza (???), our last and final efforts ended with spicy devilled sausages that my fiance cooked for me, and a night at a friends birthday party. Then as luck would have it- I go into labour the very next morning, a day before I was due!
Still in labour, not too far obviously because I am still smiling!! I think I was only about 3cm dialated, but we were in the hospital now so pain relief was near... (By the way St Annes was the nicest hospital with very caring and qualified staff).
Anyway, as my labour pains got worse my fiance Ben and my brother, Deon were taking turns on massaging my back during contractions. I sort of lost all concept of time as they intensified, but some where along in this tale Deon leaves to get some dinner, and is repalced by my mums sister, my aunty Vicki, who with Ben supported me through the Birth.
Anyway by 1pm my Doctor had arrived, I had dialated to 4cm. I was on the gas (NO2) and was in and out of a warm bath for the pain of my contractions. Ben and Deon felt my pain so much they decided they needed the gas too.. you can imagine what they were like- they don't call it laughing gas for nothing you know! Though it didn't seem to do a whole heap for me as my labour intensified.
The pain was getting worse and I needed some thing more. I thought by breathing more gas it would help, but nope, I took to much and started losing it laughing! I remember needing to go to the toilet so badly, but I couldn't stop laughing long enough to get there (I did make it in the end though). All I wanted to do was fall to the ground and sit there and laugh, but Ben stood by and held me up. It was soon after that I took up my doctors offer of a pethadine shot. That worked for a bit but it doesn't really relieve the pain, just took the edge off it.
Next I knew, I was in the bath again with Janet, my nurse, helping and supprting me, and so far that was the best pain relief for me. But then all of a sudden I felt like I really wanted to push. I was then back in my labour suite and they slapped an IV on me to give me fluids, for some reason I don't know (because I DIDN'T care.) The birthing tray set up next but I was toldnot to push as I wasn't quite ready.
Now this is where I discovered a new definition of pain. The contractions were worse than ever, so not only did I have to deal with that, I had to deal with fighting the urge to push and THAT hurts!! So in came my nice doctor offering me an epidural- something I originally wanted to avoid. I still umm'ed and ahh'ed but then another contraction, and next thing I knew I was telling them to hurry up and get the anethetist in to give it to me!
I don't remember to much from there on in, as the epidural sent me off into the clouds! The anesthetist was pricking my tummy, asking me if I felt anything and I responded with something like, "don't put the plates there ben, they'll fall.." I remember being in my kitchen then snapping out of it and saying, "god I am talking shit, did somebody ask me something??!!" They attached a fetal heart monitor to me somewhere along the line too. The pain was gone for a while, how long I don't know, but when it came back, I let them know!
Nevertheless, I was told that I ready to push, so off I went, with a worn off epidural. My Doctor set himself up in the catching position and told me he could see the head. Ben took a look, (which I was quite surprised at seeming as he nearly passed out watching the birth videos at antenatal classes!) as the doctor told me he is going to use suction to get her out. Then I gave another push, or maybe a few, and out popped her head before he got a chance. "one more contraction and the baby will be out" he said and sure enough, out she comes like a fish.
So several hours (and an epidural) later, a baby is born! 12 minutes past seven at night, my little angel made her entrance into the world. Doc annouces it's a girl and after a less than 3 second cry, she was placed on my tummy as Ben cut her umbilical cord. I can't descibe the feeling I had when I saw what we had created for the first time. Nine months of bonding, and I had us a little girl. Like I say, I was proud.
Janet, my midwife then took her to weigh and measure her as I got a few stitches. We named her Emily Coral Styles, Coral after my mother who died in 1995 (I love you).
After her vitamin K injection and a quick wipe over, her new dad dressed her.
A case of love at first sight here.
Finally mums turn to hold! She was the most beautiful baby, I was so happy and so proud of her, Ben, and myself. I couldn't believe I had just given birth to a healthy 3.31kg baby girl!
This is the wonderful midvife Janet who helped me through so much also. She was getting married two weeks later, so congrats Janet!
So after all the drama, I had myself a new family. Thanks to all involved especially my fiance Ben, whom I love very much. Also to my brother and my aunty for being there with me, to my future mother in law who would have been there if she was able and all my friends who waited it out in the waiting room, (Thanks Guys!)
Emily Pages:
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Introducing Miss Emily | My Little Girl Updates |
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Emily's Page |
Dad's Wedding
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STS Leeuwin |
© 1999