Sorry this update is so late (and long!), I`m sure all of you new mothers understand!
James Christopher made his way into this world at 11:23 on Dec 16. After our 41 week fetal assessment (ultrasound) we found out that he had no fluid left and was small for his gestational age (he stopped growing at 40 weeks). We needed to be induced right away.
My ideas of a natural birth were somewhat blown out of the water as I made my way to the high risk ward. Continuous monitoring was required and I wouldn`t be able to sit up or get into a shower/pool until the baby proved stable. Induction started at 3 pm and I was 2 cm dilated and cervix was about 50% effaced. By 6 pm I felt that labour had really 'started'. Cramps started to feel like contractions. I absolutely INSISTED that I had to at least get on a birthing ball. The idea of lying on my left side for the entire labour was starting to make me panic. The nurses obliged, but babies heart rate dropped as soon as I sat up. I lied back down and diligently listened to the nurses for the rest of the labour
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At 9 pm I felt like things were really progressing and I could barely stand the contractions any more. Breathing just wasn't enough. My vaginal exam showed I was 3 cm dilated. SO DISAPPOINTING!! The anesthesiologist was next door doing an epidural for a poor woman who had been in labour for 24 hours, thus the decision was made - pain relief please! I thought I was facing hours longer of worsening contractions.
Immediately after the epidural, my contractions changed. I felt like I needed to have a bowel movement. The nurse checked and I was 5 cm dilated (20 minutes after the last check) she went and got the resident and 20 minutes later i felt like pushing. She checked and I was 10 cm and told not to push as they needed to get everything together! No one was expecting me to progress so quickly!
The babies heart rate plummetted every time I pushed and there was alot of background discussion about an emergency c-section. That was all of the incentive I needed. 4 contractions later, he was out. His cord was wrapped around his neck, which was contributing to his low heart rate.
He had a bit of a rough start, a little bit of meconium (but not in the lungs, thank god) and difficulty regulating blood sugars kept us in the hospital for 4 days. James is an excellent breastfeeder and is also being supplemented with formula until he starts to regulate better.
Being a new mom is awesome. I hope you guys are enjoying it just as much! I wish fast and safe deliveries for everyone else who is waiting.
had pessary inserted, cant say it was pleasant 
but am 1cm dialated to start with which is cool! Cervix is a good cervix today!' 
she's gonna have a babbbyy sooon! 
xxx
