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My husband and I found out I was pregnant with our second child on April 1st. Didn’t bode well!!
Our first, Luke, was born by emergency Caesarean Section as I had placenta abruptio (I think that’s what it’s called). Naturally I was a little apprehensive in case the same thing happened again, so I started making contingency plans very early on in case I had to go into hospital as quickly again. Neighbours were drafted in, childminder offered to have Luke, mother-in-law on standby etc etc. Of course, all this was a waste of time as Adam arrived almost 3 weeks late. Typical male! After our 4th consultant’s appointment on the Friday, I was to be induced the following Monday, just before Christmas. Fortunately I started labour the following day. I was woken at 5am with a mild pain, which was not unusual so I took up residence on the sofa, as Luke had taken up residence in our bed (and we all know how much room toddlers need……). At about 7.30am I made hubby and I a drink and took them back up to bed. I had had lots more twinges by this time and I thought things were on the move. I called the hospital who advised me to take a bath, as I wasn’t sure how often the contractions were. An hour later they were much stronger so once Luke was taken care of I rang the hospital again to say we were coming in. By 9.30am we were at the hospital. By 10.30am we were under the care of a very supportive midwife who was sorting the pool for my much-wanted water birth. Having already had a CS I had a bit of a fight getting this far but that’s another story…..
Once in the pool, which was much warmer that I thought it would be, I felt a little more ‘relaxed’. The gas and air, which I had been on for a little while was still needed. In my eagerness though, I pulled the tube off the mouthpiece on more than one occasion, resulting in me shouting to hubby that I wanted GAS, NOW!!!
After 4 hours in the pool (really didn’t feel that long though), the midwife gave hubby some latex gloves along with instructions on how to lift the baby up to the surface. “Flipping heck” I thought (or words to that effect) “I’m going to have a baby!”. But, much pushing and shoving later, and nothing to show for it. Out of the pool then to be examined. My waters still hadn’t broken so the midwife did the honours, and I thought “Great, won’t be long now”. However, nothing happened, apart from even stronger contractions. In due course the consultant arrived and, in his view, thought a C Section was the only way to go, as the baby was now lying in such a way, that it could not find the exit. Typical male you see – wouldn’t ask for directions!
By this time, I was so exhausted, so I agreed. Off we went to theatre, and hubby appeared all gowned up. I sat on the edge of the operating table whilst the spinal block was put in. Unfortunately, this took several attempts, in between me having ever so strong contractions, and having the urge to push, which I hadn’t always had before. Another member of staff was summoned – presumably he had a better aim. When the block was finally put in, it was bliss! The consultant did another examination and I really hoped I could still try naturally as I now had renewed energy, but alas, it wasn’t to be.
Adam Jack was born very soon after, and it was lovely to hear his first cry. With my first son, I didn’t really see or hear him until about 12 hours after his birth.
So, my second Caesarean Section. Not pleasant, but as I have two, healthy, lovely boys, I’m not complaining.