Heidi’s Birth Story
I had fairly easy pregnancy I think the hardest thing was learning to become patient! I thought that if I tried all of those old wives tales to bring on the labour (eating hot food, 4wdriving, having sex, etc) that would work but my daughter had other ideas…….. It all started on Monday 26th Jan 2009 Australia day 3 days overdue, I started having contractions but not coming regular or very strong. By the evening they eased off enough for me to get some sleep this started to happen everyday and night. On the Thursday night I had some massive sharp pains and thought we’d better go up to the hospital the contractions we’re now 5 mins apart. The midwife checked me over and said I was 2cm dialated but not really in established labour so we went home and straight to bed, very disappointed! At 1am I had a huge contraction and then ‘pop’ my waters broke! I whacked my husband Dan in stomach being startled by it as I’m sure he would have too! He got up and started to get ready I knew the contractions were going to be strong so I jumped straight into a hot shower until Dan was ready to go. The car ride was awful I couldn’t sit because it hurt too much so I had to kneel on the floor and hang over the seat, when we finally got there I practically ran to the birthing suite no way I could sit in the wheel chair. I went back in to the shower for an hour til I was dizzy from the heat. I moved over to the bed with my pillow and laid my head on the bed and got into a rhythm of rocking through the contractions. Things got I little blurry so I only remember bits and pieces like the midwife telling me I was being too noisy!! (Glad she did though cause I was really wearing myself out) And throwing up my dinner and listening to my favourite CD knowing that every time it finished another hour had gone by…. By 630am I was only 5cm and my cervix had started to swell, I was so keen to do it without pain killers but the midwifes wanted me off my feet to reduce the swelling so we decided best to get into the bath. It was awful I had to lay back and take the contrations after an hour I’d had enough and went back to the birthing suite, they offered an epidural but I really didn’t want it. So we tried the gas first, that started to send me bit crazy and was only at 6cm, still swelling and she’d turned prosterior (her back to mine not a good position) so I opted for the epidural and sintocin (to increase the contractions). Turned out to be the best decision all night! Although it was quite terrifying being told to stay still when the needle was being placed, I thought I was going to have a contraction when they were doing it but Dan held me tight and it surprisingly easy. As soon as it took affect I was a new woman, I felt so calm and had massive relief. I rested for 2 hours and talked about how the next stage was going to happen. We talked about the fact that I would probaly need to have a C section because of the way things were progressing and her position. We also discussed mine and Dan’s wishes for the actual birth it really helped put our minds at ease. By 11am I felt alot of pressure down low and in my tummy with every contraction so the midwife checked and sure enough all we needed was rest and she turned into the right position, I was 10cm no swelling and ready to push!! I was so happy no C section needed yay! Giving birth was AMAZING I’d go back and do it again any day after 45 mins of pushing I met my beautiful daughter Heidi, she gave me a big smile and it was love at first sight. Dan was so overwhemled and relieved that she made into the world safely. Half an hour later she did the breast crawl and latched on herself just what I’d hoped for. The hospital was very busy that day but I’m so glad I got to hold my baby skin to skin for almost 2 hours I couldn’t have asked for a better way to first bond with my beautiful daughter. While we had our cuddles I had to be stitched up (her shoulder got caught on the way out didn’t feel it thank goodness!) . She weighed 7lb 10oz 51cm long and has dark blonde hair. As much as it hurt the whole experience was wonderful and I can’t wait to do it again. Hope my story helps you with your magical journey good luck xo
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