"Birthing"

In early January, around 1am I went into early labour. At first it felt like an upset tummy, but when I realised I was loosing my mucus plug, I knew it was game on. Surges started immediately and averaged 30s around 30min to 1hr apart.

I enjoyed a day at home, I cleaned up, made sure bags were packed, bounced on my fit ball, had a friend come by and had a long bath and pamper session. I just let the excitement roll in that my baby was getting closer to being earthside.

At around 8pm that evening my surges started to get closer together, around 15 mins and going for 30-50s. Then down to 5 mins. Then 3, then 1 over the space of 2 hours. But still only ever went for 30s. The surges started to get intense so decided it was time to go to the hospital 11pm. I live roughly 15mins from the hospital and had 5 surges in the car.

Once I got to the hospital the pressure was so intense so they asked if they could check my dilation. Which I gladly agreed to. So I lay back thinking to myself 'bet I'm only 1cm and I'll be sent on my way'. The midwife giggled and, I recall, said you're not going anywhere honey you're 6cm dilated. I was absolutely amazed at myself that I managed to reach active labour in the comfort of my own home.

The midwives ran the bath for me and played me some music, I laboured for about 3 hours. My waters broke in the bath.

I decided I'd like to try on all fours for my pushing, I'd had enough of the bath.

Hours passed and I began to get tired. Pressure was intense so I decided to give the shower a go. As I got comfortable my midwife explained that she doesn't believe my waters have fully broken as she still felt a bulge, so with my permission she would assist and help me along. I agreed and she broke my waters.

Once my waters were broken, we discovered my little one had done a poo, so therefore I had to be monitored so no more shower or bath. 

As more hours passed, it was well into the next day. By 6am I was that exhausted I began to work against my surges. After trying some gas and fentanyl to try and relax (both of which I hated) my dilation began to reverse, I was now 8cm and I was fighting the surges that much I actually sucked my baby back up.

The offer of an epidural was made. I knew my body was tired. I knew I needed some help and I accepted, but only due to the pure exhaustion. It was an absolute last resort for me as epidural was on my birth preference was as a no. By 7am I had an epidural placed and I was so relaxed. I slept for a couple of hours.

The Dr came by and said at 10am it was going to be time to push. So I worked with my surges, listened to some music, the midwife had some Lavender in the diffuser and I managed to get my dilation back to 9cm and my cervix was out of the way. I was allowed to push.

The epidural was amazing I was able to get my mindset back in check, have a rest and best of all I could still walk, move around the bed, get on all fours. 

I pushed my heart out for an hour, the midwife helping me by placing a finger so I could feel where I was pushing. My amazing husband helping me push and hold that push for as long as I can. My little one just couldn't get through the bend of my pelvis. We tried on all fours, on each side. Many positions and she just wouldn't progress.

Dr Amin came back and with his calm demeanor, explained that we needed to get my princess out as we were both tired and getting sick. He explained to me that I would need an assisted birth with forceps. Another hard no on my birth preference. I cried. I looked at my husband and cried. Through the program he knew exactly how to advocate for me and he did just that.

The Dr saw how upset I was and came to my bedside and asked me what my fears were. I expressed my concerns and he calmed me by explaining every step of what he was going to (and did so while he was doing it aswell) and reassured me that he was an absolute pro. I asked for more time, and he gave it to me.

Another 15 mins of pushing my heart out and still couldn't move her through. The Dr reappeared and said its time. And I nodded. We had a deal, he gave me more time, but once it was up it was his turn to help. Let's get my baby out. As he got prepped he was talking me through to get a few extra pushes in before he intervened.

Once everything was set up, myself, my amazing midwife, husband and Dr worked together.

The team I had with me were incredible. Everything was explained to me, I was able to make educated and informed decisions on my care, and the one thing I remember and appreciate the most, every time the Drs and nursing staff needed to address me, they always came to my bedside. Not only did that calm me, but it showed me care and respect.

The program educated me with my rights, the processes of birth, things to expect and helped me remain positive and calm throughout my birth experience. The breathing techniques and the affirmations were priceless, and even though 3 things I didn't want to happen (epidural, birth on my back, forceps) happened, I wouldn't change a thing. Everything went perfectly.