“Every surge I just reminded myself that every surge brings my baby closer to me!”
Kym, Mother
I had an appointment with my Obstetrician on the 23rd of October, one day after my due date. I was offered a stretch and sweep, to which I kindly declined. That day I had a friend suggest eating pineapple so I ate nearly a whole pineapple, and spent the day relaxing and also was walking around checking out a house for sale with a close friend.
That evening I made dinner, keeping to our normal routine, which included reading some positive affirmations and talking to my body and my baby. I also read the lotus flower reading. I think this was the first time I had read it.
At 12:50am I woke with a horrible sensation like I needed to poop, so I went to the toilet. After I finished weeing, I still had liquid coming out and realised it was my waters! But only a small amount. Half an hour later I still hadn’t had a surge so I called the hospital , they advised to come in the morning and to try and get rest. I had a shower, put a pad on tried to go back to sleep. About 15 mins after that I was just very uncomfortable, I had really bad hip pain, so I got out of bed and bounced on the yoga ball in the lounge room. Then I starting getting pretty strong surges, so James put the tens machine on my back. I found it was more painful and irritating so I took it off. The surges continued to get stronger and stronger, and I started to feel like I needed to go to the toilet for a number 2. After I went to the toilet, there was blood in the bowl, so I told James I thought it was time to go to the hospital. We both started to pack our things and at 3am, and I called the hospital to tell them we were on our way.
We arrived at around 3:20am (the car ride was extremely uncomfortable) and I couldn’t walk as the surges were just too strong. As soon as I got to the desk I got a surge, and my body just naturally squatted. They took me into the birthing suite straight away. My midwife was Erin and she was amazing!! They did put the fetal monitor on, which was a bit annoying but I was too focused on what my body was doing to care. She knew I was transitioning and didn’t check me. Erin helped guide me into positions that helped a lot.
“The midwife sat James on the chair and I squatted down while holding onto his legs, she placed a mirror down so they could see. In between surges I would drop to all fours and rest, Erin would rub my back which was exactly what I need at the time”
After a little while we changed positions onto the bed so I was facing the back of the bed on my knees. I found this more comfortable on my knees and between I could flop over the top of the bed to rest.
Every surge I just reminded myself that every surge brings me closer to my baby.
“I just did what my body wanted!”
To help the process Erin placed a warm towel on my perineum which was a nice distraction and what I wanted, but she just did it I didn’t have to ask. I did end up tearing and had stitches, I think it was a second degree tear.
So all up from start to finish it was about 5 hours, super quick labour and it has been a whirlwind. We are getting there, just some challenges with settling in at home but we have beautiful friend and family helping us out.
Thanks for all your help and support xx
Our rainbow baby Leif was born 5.31am 24th October 2019 7lb 4oz.
Welcome earthside Leif!