Bronwyn's Birthday Diary!
It's mammouth - sorry!.. But a true account of everything that happened!!!
25th Nov 09:56
Had a bit of a restless night, after having a sweep 9pm, at the birth centre, I was stretched to 2cm!! The reason for the sweep was, to get me into labour, as Im 4 days over, and I dont want to go too much over, or I would have to choose to be induced - and that is totally want I dont want - needs must! I was a jolly strange and uncomfortable experience. My MW Jill, even commented, it was quietest she has ever seen me!! but I'm up and about having a nice cup of tea at the moment, and I have got lots of intermittent contractions. I'm on my own at the mo; just waiting for my mum to come round, so I can get in and out of the bath, safely. I sent my other half to work... he didn't want to go but I figured it could be ages (It's possible that I could stay at 2cm for a few days), and if it isn't.. he can be here quickly. My waters haven't broken, but I've deff started to loose my plug!!
Plus the other thing that is different this morning, is that I have very rosy cheeks!! How strange, I look like aunt sally!! hahaha!!! Anyone else experienced that?
Nov 25th, 2009, 16:03 PM
Well had a couple of stronger contractions today, and just now, a whole load more gunky bloody stuff has just fallen away from me. I think things are on the move more, and more! I'm very excited, and feeling good. Can't sit still though!
Nov 25th, 2009, 16.30 PM Message to Snagglepat - Gina.
I'm pretty sure, as things are at the moment, we are in the beginnings of labour.. It is wonderful feeling. Just now, I have had one big show, lots of mucus, and blood have just come away. Tummy is rock hard, intense but not at all painful. I'm full of beans -can't sit still... and have to admit to having a glass of wine to celebrate!! I'm currently leaning over the dinning room table, while looking at the laptop.. keeping myself distracted - jigging about in my pants only - it just felt right.
I'm waiting for hubby to come home, haven't told him anything of what has been happening today.. as I don't want him driving like a nutter down the m-way to get to me, when realistically it could be ages yet!!!
Still I'm going to get him to blow-up the pool when he gets home. Although, full of beans, I'm calm - I think I've surprised myself - I always wanted to be, but sometime you never really know how you're going to react! I have the radio on bbc 2, and have been dancing about a bit!! Ok, so maybe not calm, but happy and excited!!!
Nov 26th, 20009, 01.15 AM
Called Midwife, out to check. 1 Midwife arrived from the unit at the hospital and came with a student. I dont remember either of their names, and Im really sorry. But, having a student there was actually great, as the MW had to explain every clinical decision, and how to write my notes, and what everything meant.
As I thought my waters had gone, (I felt what I thought was some trickling) Ive been wearing a pad to stop any mess from the plug - its so hard when you dont know what is a show, the plug, or your waters - and you are hyper-sensitive! The mw, really wanted to see the pad and I showed her, and I agreed to internal exam. They were cautious, as they didnt want to be examining me internally if my waters had gone, due to infection. I was checked with a speculum, so they could see, without touching me. They werent broken, and then they checked by hand and I was still 2cm. Ahhh!! After that, I was having contractions ranging from every 3-5 mins but only lasting about 10 secs. MWs said it was latent labour, rather than established 1st stage labour, so they advised to wait until there were 3-4 contractions in a 10 minute period, lasting for at least a minute each. Also to try and get some sleep so I managed to get a couple of hours. It so weird when you dont really know what is going on with your body!! They were strange and only slightly uncomfortable, but not in the least painful.
Nov 26th, 20009, 6 AM
Woke up after a fitful couple of hours and had contractions for a number of hours, with Gareth my OH timing them. We watched movies, and blew-up the birth pool - sterilised it with some Milton, but havent filled it.
Nov 26th, 2009, 2 PM
We finally decided in the afternoon to call the midwife again, really just for advice and maybe to examine me to see what stage we were at. So I was hopeful that thing were moving along, but had no idea how far or fast, I really wanted some feed-back.
Midwife Chris arrived at the flat. I was still having some fairly intense contractions, 3-4 in every 10 mins but still ranging in length from 20 secs to 1min. My OH had been timing my contractions for hours and writing them all down on a notepad (this was good to look at after, and easy to showing the MW when they asked about my contractions - plus it gave Garth something to take control over).
I was examined by Chris the MW, and was found to be 3-4 cm dilated. Woohoo, something IS happening now!! Chris said I was well on the way, but still in very early onset labour. She wanted to feel my tummy during a contraction, and I laid back on the sofa - then I quickly exclaimed, oh my god, I think my waters have really gone now, it feels all warm and wet!
She quickly lifted my nighty, and put her hand between my legs
. And pulled out the hot water bottle!!!!!! My contractions and discomfort soon disappeared into howls of laughter!!!!
I was advised to have a hot bath so I could rest a bit, and see where we were in a few hours. She was a wonderfully gentle natured lady, and very comforting - she rubbed my back for me, even cuddled me, and when I was standing through a contraction, she took hold of my hips from behind, and we did a kind of salsa!!! That felt great - even though, it must have looked quite bizarre!!!
She also reminded me to have something to eat - with all that was going on , and the excitement.. I hadnt eaten anything, since the night before. I really didnt realise I was famished. She said anything calcium rich is good for helping your muscles; So between contractions, I busied myself making a cheese sandwich. My mum was round at this point, and she really wanted to make it for me, but I refused, saying that it was a brilliant distraction, even though it took a good 15mins to make the thing!! And a about an hour to eat it!!
I was using my TENS machine, and I made a comment to the MW, saying I dont think it is helping, it seams to be only making it worse!! She quickly pointed out that they were going to get stronger, with, or without the TENS, as I was in labour!!
but I was doing really well, so it must be having an effect.
Chris the MW told us she was on-call till 8 PM and she was more than happy to stay with me if I wanted. It was a really sweet offer, but I decided I was happy and ok, so would have a bath and call her if necessary. I also sent my mum home, so Gareth and I could be alone, and peaceful for a few hours.
Nov26th, 2009, 3.30 PM
Had a nice bath and the contractions let off slightly. Also managed to get some sleep for about 20mins in the bath, under Gareths watchful eye. When I got out, the contractions started up again. This time a more intense, than before. I felt my waters break with a pop type click feeling, at around 16.45 PM and found also a bit of blood had leaked. I was wearing a my knickers still, and a pad.. And to my surprise, all of my waters were absorbed by the pad. Gareth rang the midwife with out me knowing (must be all those movies!) they wanted to speak to me on the phone to judge how I was doing. I was a long conversation, where I didnt say too much, as although not painful, I couldnt really speak very well during a contraction - and was doing some pretty heavy breathing down the phone, any other time - I was thinking, I could be arrested for this!!! The MW co-ordinator asked if we wanted Chris the MW to come back, but I thought I could wait while.
I Immediately began to feel sick after I was off the phone and vomited into a bucket in one big rush. Gareth flushed it and I could hear him retching in the bathroom! (he hates sick - I thought, he was a star!!) When he arrived back in the room, he rang the midwife and got Chris back out, because a had a bit of a panic attack: I began to question whether I would be able to cope. It was a totally visceral flight/fight response. I told him I wanted to go in and have an epidural, and even said I not joking.. but he stayed very calm and composed, got my breathing under control, and said I would really regret that decision, and to not make any rash judgements until Chris the MW had arrived and assessed the situation. I knew he was right - and I had even warned him to hold fast for me, as during anti-natal classes the MWs had talked about this transition stage response, and the thoughts that went through my head (if only for a short while. 3mins at the most) were the sort that other women have experienced before labour proper begins. Gareth filled the pool, while I was telling him how to do it, and interfering!!! It made me feel better!! Hahaha!
Nov 26th, 2009, 5 PM
Midwife Chris arrived back, and agreed that my waters had gone and that I was just about ready to get in the pool. I told her I had sick and I nearly got in the car to the hospital!!! To which we all laughed!! I also said to her I felt bad that I had lost most of my cheese sandwich!! She said thats a really good sign, you have just had a flood of hormones, because your waters have gone and your body is readying its self. She went to get the rest of her kit from the car, and I just couldnt wait to get into the pool, so stripped off totally starkers in the living room and almost jumped into the pool.
After being sick etc, flood of hormones feeling left me - and I felt totally different.. Its hard to explain, but I was more IN myself, as my body took over - I didnt have to think about anything, or make any conscious decisions or have any really conscious thoughts, I can remember having about 3) I was happy.
Gareth put some music on which I didnt even notice, and I had spent months choosing my babies birthday play list!!! (I was told the music was on, much later after the baby was born, and what went on from here, is more Gareths recollection on what happened step by step, and what I felt)
Chris the MW held my hand and rubbed my back. I was given the gas and air - she assured me she had a total of 6 canisters in her car, (they were smaller, 40cm ones, diddy, and very portable), and not to worry about using too much, she wasnt going to run out. It was assuring, even though, I didnt feel I needed it, she assuring me every step of the way.
I was breathing on it fairly regularly but very gently (at first, I was hesitant to use it, as I thought, I dont want to be out of it, as I wasnt in any pain, but It was good to control my breathing, and more as a distraction than anything else) I was using it before I felt a contraction coming on and breathing it out during a contraction. I was totally calm, and felt peaceful. My position at this point was on all-fours leaning over the edge of the pool. The water came all the way up to my back, and felt so good to swish, side to side in and wiggle my hips. The water was topped up with more hot from the hose connected to the kitchen sink, and Chris the MW, used the hose during this point, to place it on my back - which felt soooo nice!
Nov 26th, 2009, 6.30 PM
My midwife Jill (who I had seen for all of my anti-natal visits, and who had supported my home birth plans throughout) arrived to assist Chris. Jill was an immediate help, with great words of encouragement. During this time I was she told me to pushing down with a contraction, but they were not involuntary pushes at this time, so I was not quite yet in 2nd stage labour.
Nov 26th, 2009, 7.15 PM
Involuntary pushing began, as I hit 2nd stage labour. My body totally took over - I find it hard to say where I was, but, I was in a totally different place. I was still using the gas and air, and had to have a bottle change. Further on in every contraction, I was using up quite a lot of energy letting out some very primal, animalistic moans on breathing out, which I didnt realise I was capable of - this was one of my totally conscious thoughts What on earth is that noise.?? Oh its me! How strange is that - I almost chucked to myself! There were 2 voices that I heard talking to me during labour, one was Gareth my OH, and the other was my MW Jill (Chris was still there, but as I was Jills patient, she took the lead) I was wonderful to hear her voice, even though, I not even sure if I opened my eyes much until she was here!
Gareth was supporting me in more ways than one; he was giving me drinks of squash, spraying my face and back with cold water, and rubbing my lower back during contractions. During this time, and right up until the baby was born, I was leaning out over the edge of the pool, and had a firm grip all around this thigh, with both arms. While he leaned over and stroked my back.
I found it really helpful and comforting when having a contraction. When he left me to get some more squash for me, and to go to the loo; each time, I really, really wanted him back. To feel his warmth, and encouragement felt like a life blood at the time!
I was on all fours, kneeling on my left leg, and with my right foot planted on the floor of the pool and my leg bent.
It was the most comfortable position for me, but it made it very difficult for the midwives to see what was happening. One of the midwives got a head torch from their car. Gareth and I hadnt had the time or the whereabouts to think about turning on the lights since it had gone past dusk. (the room was dimly lit to say the least, talk about moodlighting!) They asked a couple of times if I could try a push whilst facing forward sitting on my bum in the water, which I tried to do, but found the position to really uncomfortable, so that was soon dismissed, and I was assured to adopt any position comfortable, they were really apologetic, about asking me to move! I reverted to the position I was in before and stayed like that till she was born.
Jill also advised me to concentrate all my energies into pushing downwards into my bottom, and not to expell too much energy with noises and to concentrate on my breathing (as for one, I would end up with a sore voice!!) I found this to be great advice - it made a big difference to my labour. I didnt realise it till I was later told, the noises I made after were totally different, I was breathing through it. It became obvious to Gareth that I had taken the advice on board, and labour was easier for me.
During this time, a third midwife, Katy arrived, as Chris and Jill were due to finish their shifts at 2000 PM. I didnt even notice her presence. I now had 3 midwives, this must have been quite sight!! Jill managed to source a portable mirror from the bathroom, which she held under the water at the bottom of the pool, whilst Katy shone the torch on it. This way, they were able to see what was happening with the birth, They told me they could see the head, and told me to feel between my legs - only about a 4cm diameter was touchable, putting my fingers only slightly inside me. I was overjoyed to know she was nearly here!!!
Nov 26th, 2009, 8 PM
Midwife No. 4 arrived, Angela; who would work with Katy when Chris and Jill were due to leave at the end of their shift at 8pm. However Chris and Jill decided to stay as they wanted to be here for the birth. And on their own time, I might add! They didnt want to see me this far, and not be with me and met my baby for the birth, as I was quite close! Around this time, the babys head began to crown properly.
Jill was very encouraging, telling me when to push and when to breathe. Gareth was also giving words of encouragement, and although the room was full (I had no idea there were at this time 4 midwives, and my OH), Gareths and Jills were the only two voices I heard. I was not even aware that Katy and Angela had arrived! The contractions were coming faster now as the head was crowning, and Jill was very keen for me to actively push hard with each contration, as she was wary that the head might go back in - which I felt it did a few times - it was a little out and a smaller amount in each time. So she was asking me to give 3 good pushes each time there was a contraction. This I found difficult to do, as I was quite tired. I even remember thinking, when Jill the midwife said to me, Come on now, this is it, the last one, and you have to keep it going - the baby will be born after this! - It was one of my conscious thoughts - and I thought, bollocks bet it is going to take 3 or 4 more contractions, and shes is having me on!!!
I did manage some almighty pushes that I kept going after that contraction, and was told that the head was completely free, then without warning the baby slipped out and into the water to the bottom of the pool - nobody caught her - we all didnt think it was going to happen then!!
The next thing I knew, I was being told, turn around and pick up your baby!
I turned around couldnt really see because of the dark, and felt for her.. There she was!!! (it was seconds, I assure you!!- and I didnt even know then it was a girl!!!)
Nov 26th 2009, 8.32PM
I lifted the baby from the bottom of the pool and picked her up and sat down on my bottom in the water and cradled her up near my breasts. She looked at me, with one eye fully open, and the other half open (as the MWs had then turned o the lights. I was a little shocked, and all a wonder!! She started to breath with little bubbles at her lips! But no cries.
The cord was wrapped down her tummy, through her legs, and around the babys ankles but once it was unravelled, we discovered she was a girl! I held her in my arms for a quite a while, I kept wanting to lift her free of the water, stroke her, and look at her, but was reminded, to try and keep her body submerged - for warmth!! She had her APGAR obs done with me holding her (I didnt even know they were doing it - I was totally absorbed in her eyes). It was only then, that I noticed all the people around me - and said oh hello, everybody!!, this is Bronwyn!!
4 midwives there for her birth; I was in fantastic hands. The next thing I said was
I know why there is a lack of midwives!!?? Well there all round here!!!.. To which we all had a good laugh!!!
We had a few photos taken, Gareth cried and after ran off to make phonecalls. I wanted to stay in the pool, with the baby still attached to the cord, to deliver the placenta naturally. However, after about half an hour, I got cramp in my legs so hard, I had to stand and get out. Gareth was still making phone calls, when he was quickly summoned , he was asked if he wanted to cut the cord, which he did. He described it like squid - which I think is pretty apt!! It was a fascinating structure, all the vessels, all coiled around each other - and had gone mostly white, and had stopped pulsating.
The baby was then taken by Gareth wrapped in an old blue towel of ours, while I walked about a bit to ease the crap, and then was, lead into the bathroom to try and deliver the placenta as they suggested it might be comfortable to sit on the loo, to do it.
They placed a plastic bag around the bowl to catch the placenta so they could examine it after, but it wasnt really working for me, I was too excited.. Didnt feel any further contractions.. And felt I was missing out on my baby, who was in the next room.
I said, its not happening now, I want to fed her - so we all trundled back into the living room, with the MW, holding control of my cord, which was about .5 of a meter long!! Behind me!! I sat down the the sofa, wrapped in towels, and with a large bed-wetting pad underneath me and fed her. Whilst I had be in the bathroom, she had been weighed, dressed, and wrapped up in a blanket - she looked so tiny.. But she knew what to do at the breast. I was helped and encouraged by the MWs who told me to remain calm, when I was saying she doesnt know, where it is! She fed well, after a hesitant start, from me and her! Then I was reminded that I still had to deliver the placenta!! Woops! Right, so I gave her to Gareth, and by this point, although, I wanted everything to be as natural as possible, after an hour of trying to deliver it, I was getting frustrated!! So agreed to have the injection - they didnt think that it would really work so well, this long after, but I had it in the thigh anyways.
After waiting 30mins after the injection, laying on our bed, with one of my midwives, pulling every now and then on the cord, it suddenly felt different. Where as before, I said, no - it doesnt feel right, stop pulling! It suddenly came away, I wasnt aware of any contractions - I have no idea if the injection did it, or it was just going to come anyway.
It was checked, and complete - I only had a brief glance at it - and I have to say now, I wished I would have had a more detailed look! After all it supported my baby for 9 months, what a wonder!
I lost 150ml of blood
nothing significant or even noticeable. After the delivery of the placenta, whist still laying on my bed, the MW Katie, looked carefully at my vulva, I was bruised. I asked them to bring me a mirror, as I wanted to see for myself, what needed to be done~! I was purple!! They were very obliging, explaining everything to me ( Im one of these people, that want everything explained to them, to make me reassured.). The MW examining me, had some concerns finding the apex of my wound . I had torn in my vagina, not my perineum. A type 2, 2nd degree tear. It was probably in the last all-wholly push, with her head and shoulders coming through at once. She basically couldnt find the beginning. She was so lovely and apologetic. I said to her, I was happy to go in, if she wasnt confident.. So she said, no, you have come this far, lets not go in now!! She said that she would call the most experienced MW in the area, and she would be able to do my stitches much better, as she wanted to give me the best!! The main problem was the light in the bedroom - damn energy-saving light bulbs!!! - Gareth, ran out to the car, a got his mag-lite!!! That was an experience!! - Gareth proudly shining, and focusing, his high powered torch between my legs, hahaha!!!
It took less than 10mins from calling the senior MW, to the time she arrived. Jacky was the lady, for the stitches!!! So then there were 5 midwives!!!! Soon after Jacky had arrived, Jill and Chris left leaving me after lots of hugs and cuddles, with 3 MWs (the take over 2, and the senior mw to do the stitches). It was strange to be totally aware of all the contraptions they had brought, each cylinder had to be signed off, and also, the medi-vac, and portable incubator - in case of arrest. I had no idea, there was absolutely loads of it!!! They were prepared for everything.
It does sound so silly, to say, but I was worried about the stitching after my hormones, and natural pain relief of labour had left me, I was tender. As they touched me, I winced with pain. I even said gosh, what a wuss you think I must be!!! They assured me that, my natural pain relief was gone, and it was normal. They gave me a novocaine injection into my bottom, vagina, and around my vulva (the injection was really painful, I even had gas and air for the injection being done!!! - if you read this and think what a plonker, I understand - but that was pain!!!! Child birth isnt pain, its something entirely different! Anyway, after that - nothing, nothing at all was felt!!)
I watched to amazement, via the mirror, as they stitched delicately between my legs.
So after the stitching, all but one of the MWS had left, and most was cleared away, we had cup of tea together, and the MW was happy we were happy, we settled down to feed again and after all the excitement had died away at about 1am we all went to sleep. Happy and healthy and totally in love with each other!!!
Thank you for reading my family story!
xxxx
I think if you want something enough you can make it happen. Of course you would be sensible along the way but if this is for you then you'll have to fight for it and most things that are important are worth fighting for. If you dont and you feel shoved through the system, you may end up either regretting it or very bitter and angry. You can but try my darling! 
She said she'd seen my home birth forms and was giving me lots of tips on turning Sid 
Your birth story is incredible. I was totally engrossed....my freshly made tea is stone cold...Thank you for sharing 
