I just realised I never updated after my little boys birth on Oct 11th!
I got my VBAC!!!
My waters broke in bed at 2am when I was 9 days overdue. Baby put in an almighty kick and they burst all over the bed!
Called the hospital who wanted me to go straight in. By the time I put the phone down I was having very strong contractions every 3-4 minutes. My friend picked us up and drove us to the hospital. That was the most painful car ride of my life!
Was examined at the maternity assessment unit and was 3cm but was having contractions every 2-3 minutes so they sent me to delivery. That was down the corridor and by the time I got there I was 4cm. By this point I was asking for an epidural it was so painful and the contractions were every 2 minutes. My husband and the midwife reminded me that I didn't want one really and to work my way through the pain relief options.
I got a shot of diamorphine (was already on G&A) which slightly took the edge off.
I point blank refused to get on the bed.
Just spent my time leaning over it rocking. My husband held the monitor in place whilst I was up and about which didn't bother me.
My body started pushing on its own! I had no control and asked the midwife if it was ok and she said not to worry and she'd examine me shortly. With each push there was a gush down my legs which I assumed was water (I had my eyes shut) but it was in fact blood!
Midwife asked if I had pain in-between contractions which I didn't so she was happy for me to carry on.
She asked to examine me again so I got on the bed and she said I was 10cm!
Told me to work with my body and actively push! I told her I didn't want to be on the bed - she said she couldn't let me deliver on the floor but that I did.t have to push on my back and that I could try on my side. So I did but found it really hard. She then suggested I knelt over the headboard on my knees which was much easier.
Pushing literally was like taking the biggest poo ever!
In the end he came out though.
My husband cut the cord and then he was passed through my legs and I held him skin to skin before delivering the placenta and then turning round and lying down to be stitched (2nd degree tear! ouch!). In total from waters breaking to him being born it was 6.5 hours!
He has breastfed like a trooper from day one and weighed in at 8lb 6oz.
I had to stay in hospital for 3 days as I collapsed an hour or so after delivery, had to have IV fluids (my veins kept collapsing!
) and had to have 3 units of blood and ECGs. I've had more ECGs, an echocardiogram and a 999 call / ambulance journey and still waiting on some test results but I'm sure they'll be fine.
I'm so glad I got my VBAC and I really hope you ladies get it too. I'd just recommend you write a birth plan and have a strong birth partner.
It really was scary but I found it so empowering and primal! Wow!
