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Imogen was born in August last year (2004).
My waters broke on the kitchen floor on the afternoon before she was born. I was in a lot of pain very quickly and my contractions were very intense.
My hospital was an hours drive away and I phoned to ask when I should think about coming in. They said to leave it until after rush hour or so.
I strapped on my tens machine - which did nothing! I think I may have turned it up to full strength too quickly!
At around 7.00pm we drove to the hospital. They had filled the water bath in readiness but I asked for an epidural asap.
I had a mobile epidural which was amazing. I could still walk to go to the loo etc/feel my legs.
They topped this up regularly. They then said that the contractions although frequent were not powerful enough to turn her so they put me on a drip. She then went back to back which hurt like hell when the epi wore down. They told me chin to chest to push but I knew she wasn't 'ready' to be born somehow. I asked them to top up the epi again and they did.
At one point the consultant came in and told my husband - out of my earshot - it may be a forceps delivery or C section if she didn't turn. I was in so much pain when the epi wore down I would have gone for a C section or at least begged for one if the pain had continued for too long at that sort of intensity.
I got no sleep, but hubby slept on cushions on the floor!
An hour later and she had turned around the right way! They topped up epi only a little and I stood up to deliver her leaning back on hubby's knees. She was born easily with no pain and no stitches! She was born at 10.46am in the morning.
We both had a water bath together and hubby took some pictures. She breastfed easily and all was well.
We all stayed overnight together in the hospital and went home the following day at tea time.
All in all a fantastic, overwhelming, positive experience!