I had 2 sweeps week after my due date and was 2cm dilated and uneffaced at each. After both I had camps, contractions and after 2nd lost a lot of plug (so gross!!!) contractions came closer together and were every 9 minutes for few hours but then died off.
Ultimately, at due date pls 10 I was induced.
I got to hospital at 6.45 am and was examined not long after on main ward. I was sufficiently dilated to not need the pessary so skipped induction stage 1 which I was v happy with. When a room became available about 10am we were moved and the Mw broke my waters. That was uncomfortable but not painful.
Shortly after contractions started in earnest so they didn't start me on hormone drip but monitored my contractions for a while.ultimately they weren't coming hard/fast enough so they startd me on low dose of drip then increased it slightly. After drip started I started on gas n air within 30 mins. Gas and air is amazing. I was high as a kite, talking absolute rubbish and was happy as larry. When they increased drip pain increased quickly and I was given dimorphine. This did nothing.i think it really just chills you out more to help you relax between contractions but I was pretty relaxed anyway so made no difference to me.
They increased dose every so slightly but it had a rocket effect. Contractions went mad, had contractions on top of each other for an hour straight with no let up. I could cope with contractions when there was a few seconds break between them but couldn't cope when there was no let up so Mw suggested epidural to dh. I had gone in with open mind on pain relief and it wAs necessary so signed form and 20mins later epidural kicked in and felt like heaven.
Epidural was done brilliantly, I wasnt numb, I could move my legs, I could feel a little discomfort and pressure but didn't feel pain. That meant I knew when to push and how to push. When I was examined and 10cm I started pushing and 20 mins later my gorgeous baby arrived. 7lb 14oz
I stayed 1 night in hospital asnd was discharged the following evening at my request.
I had a few stitches and weeing really hurts still (a couple stitches came away too soon and I have a gape which is why it still hurts but it will heal on its own just painfully!)
I am breastfeeding and it has been difficult at times, I think (touch wood) we are getting there now but she still gets a little distressed when she latches on sometimes, I think it's when she's not in a comfortable position. Dh bought me a 'latch assist' which has been a total miracle device and made latching on so much easier, it is essentially a vacuum pump that cost less than a tenner, it just makes your nipple stick out for a minute to help baby. It really works!
We have had a lot of visitors this week which is exhausting, which we had spread them out a bit more tbh but the rush is over now thankfully. It's lovely everyone wants to meet her though and she's been bought so many lovely gifts.
My gorgeous daughter is 1 week old now and it has been a tough week but its also been the most amazing week of my life. Both dh and I are absolutely smitten.
Good luck to all those that hAve yet to give birth - my advice , relAx and have an open mind,after all, what will be will be.,
Ultimately, at due date pls 10 I was induced.
I got to hospital at 6.45 am and was examined not long after on main ward. I was sufficiently dilated to not need the pessary so skipped induction stage 1 which I was v happy with. When a room became available about 10am we were moved and the Mw broke my waters. That was uncomfortable but not painful.
Shortly after contractions started in earnest so they didn't start me on hormone drip but monitored my contractions for a while.ultimately they weren't coming hard/fast enough so they startd me on low dose of drip then increased it slightly. After drip started I started on gas n air within 30 mins. Gas and air is amazing. I was high as a kite, talking absolute rubbish and was happy as larry. When they increased drip pain increased quickly and I was given dimorphine. This did nothing.i think it really just chills you out more to help you relax between contractions but I was pretty relaxed anyway so made no difference to me.
They increased dose every so slightly but it had a rocket effect. Contractions went mad, had contractions on top of each other for an hour straight with no let up. I could cope with contractions when there was a few seconds break between them but couldn't cope when there was no let up so Mw suggested epidural to dh. I had gone in with open mind on pain relief and it wAs necessary so signed form and 20mins later epidural kicked in and felt like heaven.
Epidural was done brilliantly, I wasnt numb, I could move my legs, I could feel a little discomfort and pressure but didn't feel pain. That meant I knew when to push and how to push. When I was examined and 10cm I started pushing and 20 mins later my gorgeous baby arrived. 7lb 14oz
I stayed 1 night in hospital asnd was discharged the following evening at my request.
I had a few stitches and weeing really hurts still (a couple stitches came away too soon and I have a gape which is why it still hurts but it will heal on its own just painfully!)
I am breastfeeding and it has been difficult at times, I think (touch wood) we are getting there now but she still gets a little distressed when she latches on sometimes, I think it's when she's not in a comfortable position. Dh bought me a 'latch assist' which has been a total miracle device and made latching on so much easier, it is essentially a vacuum pump that cost less than a tenner, it just makes your nipple stick out for a minute to help baby. It really works!
We have had a lot of visitors this week which is exhausting, which we had spread them out a bit more tbh but the rush is over now thankfully. It's lovely everyone wants to meet her though and she's been bought so many lovely gifts.
My gorgeous daughter is 1 week old now and it has been a tough week but its also been the most amazing week of my life. Both dh and I are absolutely smitten.
Good luck to all those that hAve yet to give birth - my advice , relAx and have an open mind,after all, what will be will be.,
