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Got up on Friday morning (28.06.02) to go to the hospital for what we thought was a possible induction depending on how we felt/outcome of another scan to check baby. Had decided overnight that I still didn't want to be induced if all was ok. Called the ward as instructed at 7.30am and explained why I was supposed to be going in. Was told to call ante natal to make a scan appointment. Did so, but at about 9.30am the ward called asking where I was as they were expecting me in for induction and could I go in. So off we went hoping that we'd be home agin shortly.
Don't really know what happened exactly, but they managed to talk us into going for the induction. Mr W said that it was my decision, but part of me felt guilty for dragging him back to the hospital all the time and I had begun to worry if something went wrong as a result of me going overdue.
Anyway they inserted the 1st lot of gel at 1.00pm and strapped me up to the monitor. Nothing much happened, just a few small and irregular contractions. After an hour of monitoring they let me come off the monitor and I was allowed to go for a walk.
After several hours of boredom they strapped me up to the monitor again and gave me another internal to check to see if I should have more prostin. It was at this stage that it was announced that my Bishop's score was much more favourable as it was now 6 as opposed to 3!!!!!!!! I'd got myself a bit worked up about being induced and had completely forgotten to ask what my score was the 1st time. Needless to say me and Mr W weren't impressed but by this stage we felt that there was no turning back.
So next lot of gel was inserted at 7.00pm. Still nothing happened so at 10.30pm Mr W was sent home :0(. Had a really cr@p night and got about 2 hours sleep... not due to pain, but to the fact that I was on the induction/early labour ward so there was lots going on all night.
Woke at about 6.00 and felt uncomfortable. Got up after a while and went to phone Mr W on the mobile. Got back up to the ward and felt a bit of a wet sensation... went to investigate and found a show. Mr W arrived shortly and after some breakfast (Mr W was late cos he'd stopped off to get me a bacon sandwich) I was strapped onto the monitor again. At last we saw contractions!
At about 10.30 one of them took me by surprise and I threw up all over Mr W's feet ! (I'm never sick so was a bit of a shock) Midwife suggested that I try a bath so got in the bath... found it nice, but eventually asked for gas & air too.. didn't like it and didn't think it did any good.
At about lunchtime the midwife popped in and decided that I was in established labour and that I could go over to the labour ward. Wasn't allowed to use the pool, but got taken to one of the new active birthing room - no bed.
Managed to get to fully dilated by about 5.00pm (on just gas and air and one more throwing up session!). Started pushing. Midwife suggested that I ditch the gas and air so that I could concentrate on pushing so did the pushing bit with no pain relief... but didn't get anywhere. Tried a catheter to empty bladder in case that was in the way but no joy there.
Not sure what time it was I think about 7.00pm I felt some wetness and the midwife announced that some meconium had been released. Hoever it was diluted so it was decided that I could carry on pushing as long as tha baby was monitored after each contraction. Still no movement,,, and then at just gone 8.00 a whole load of fresh meconium was released and suddenly there were 5 people in the room and me with legs akimbo ready for an internal (It is so true you really don't care who sees you!!!). Daisy (no idea of her medical title!) examined me and said that Dylan's head was still v high up... too high up for ventouse/ forceps. Was out on syncotocin (sp?) and givenhalf an hour to see if there was any movement. Didn't really feel the contractions strengthen so it was all systems go for a c-section (and by this point I just wanted my baby out safe and in one piece)
It was at this point that the syncotocin kicked in and I realised that the gas and air was now across the otherside of the room... Mr W quickly got it and I grabbed it passionately with the intention of never letting it out of my sight again!!
Was wheeled round to theatre and prepped for the op. There were about 10 people in there all of whom were absolutely brilliant at reassuring me and explaing what was happening. Bit scary being able to see my heart rate going up into the 100's but didn't feel a thing when Dylan was pulled out of my tummy. Heard him give a little cry as he arrived in the world at 9.30pm on 29.06.02. Thank goodness we heard that cry as he was then taken away to be suctioned and we didn't see him for half an hour. Looking back I can't believe how calm we were about it. If I'd been a bit more with it I'd have been screaming the place down to see him!
Felt like I was being tickled or something as they sewed me back up.
AT about 10.30pm all was finished and we were taken to the recovery ward. Managed to give Dylan his first feed later that evening :0)
Far from the birth I wanted, but glad I got to experience getting as far as fully dilated and although I hate my c-section wound (in terms of it restricting me now) it was an interesting experience. I was quite weepy about having been induced and the section for quite a while afterwards... but if I had my time again I'd go through it all again and much worse just to be able to hold Dylan in my arms. He is so worth it.
Section and frustration at not being able to do things and the fact that it may be infected is still getting me down ... but that's another story.
Its hard work coming home and I get tearful and moody cos I'm so tired and take it out on Mr W who is then grumpy with me which is making me miserable. I'm particularly frustrated that he forgets that I can't cook when I have the baby and he gets caught up working and doesn't even think about dinner until gone 8.30pm... and Mr W gets frustrated when Dylan crys as he feels he can't do anything to pacify him as I'm the food supplier. Its all difficult as Mr W works from home some days so he gets frustrated if I ask him to look after Dylan whilst he's working... problem is he tends to get up and start work at 7.30am and is still sat in from of the pc at 8.00pm. Meanwhile I've managed to have 1 cup of tea all day! God I feel like a right whinge bag... he is really good too... he cooks and has helped with the washing.. its just a bit erratic.
Anyway, enough waffling. Despite the miserable bits I wouldn't swap places with anyone and I love them both to bits really.