----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2003 7:46 PM
Subject: [ozmidwifery] Fw: We had a
boy
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2003 7:33 PM
Subject: We had a boy
Hi,
I Just wanted to let you know how the birth of my
fourth baby went. We had a beautiful big boy at the Birth Centre here in
Brisbane. It was a wonderful experience that I still tell people about
even now 4 months later (just leave out some of the more personal
details). When I first rang my midwife I told her I had been having
irregilar contractions since 5pm but now regular (approx 9.30pm) at
3min appart & that I was coping well at home, but with my history of
fast labours she said I had better come in (I think she could hear something
in my voice & Marty said he knew it was time to go anyway - I on the other
hand was in my own world). We woke the kids & packed them into the
car & off we went. On the way to the hospital my contractions got
closer & in between contractions my almost 9yo daughter (Emilie) dozed,
& my 6.5yo (Jeremy) & 3.5yo (Ethan) talked to me about what
was happening. Jeremy asked me if the baby was going to come out of my
belly (he knew where a baby comes from but my sister had recently had a
c/section) & Ethan piped up "babies come out of a mummy's vagina don't you
know Jeremy"... this set me off laughing & along came another
contraction. Soon after another contraction (I would bang my head on the
head rest for distraction) Jeremy said to me "Mummy how about you take big
breaths in & out with your next pain to help" so I made an effort & he
breathed along with me for the rest of the trip.... he was a real
help. I arrived at the BC with my husband, 3 children, mother
& two sisters in tow at 10pm. My Midwife had the tub full
because she new I wanted a water birth, & she had beautiful music
playing. I got into the tub soon after arrival (it was like sinking into
heaven - what wonderful pain relief), Marty sat on the edge of the tub to
support me & my three children hopped in and paddled around me rubbing my
back with a contraction. Our midwife was wonderful & encouraged
& welcomed my children... they felt so comfortable being there &
we were all very excited. After a few contractions I asked the kids to
get out (I was feeling that I needed to focus & have my own space at this
time... maybe going through transition?). Not long after I started to
push, push & push & even though the urge was as strong as it had ever
been I didn't feel like I was moving my baby much at all (I'd never worked
this hard at pushing before) & I had bad lower back hip pain
with each contration (which was also new to me). Anyway, a short time
later his head emerged but I was still pushing with all my might & it felt
to me like he just wasn't going any further so when I heard our midwife tell
Marty to get me up "now" I knew there was a good reason & was already on
my way up & she had to give him a little tug because his shoulders were
tight, he was born at 10.51pm on Sat 15th March (11 days before Emilie's
birthday). I had minimal blood loss & a physiological third
stage on the birth stool. Emilie cut the cord prior to third stage being
complete but after it had stopped pulsating (she normally hates the sight
of blood or even hearing the word but to be involved & cut the cord didn't
bother her). I offered him a feed whilst waiting for placenta but he was
to busy letting the world know that he was here. He weighed 4540 grams
(10lb) & was my biggest baby by almost 500 grams. I had not even a
graze & didn't even feel like I had had a baby (was that the mostly water
birth?). He breastfed well & he is still thriving. Our midwife
showed Emilie & I my placenta & Emilie was very interested... midwife
explained it all to her. Emilie made the comment "it looks yucky mummy
but I know it is very important & it's also good to know for when I go to
Aunty Leasa's (my sister who was present) next birth (she is inviting herself
& baby is not even planned yet)".
This was my first BC baby, my first waterbirth,
my first birth without VE, my first birth without any form of drugs (1st
baby gas & peth, 2nd & 3rd gas only), my first birth in a squating
position/upright (all others were semi-sitting), my first physiological
third stage, first birth where the midwife truly trusted me & my
ability. Also the first time any of my children attended a birth.
All of my births were amazing & beautiful, but this was that little bit
more special because I truly got what I wanted & I new exactly what I
wanted before hand. Also there is alot to be said (as you all know) for
knowing your midwife.. then you can trust each other.
I have to say that I did end up with the
excruciating afterbirth pains that were worse than they had ever been (but
lasted for less days than previously)... hot packs & panadeine helped me
through but only just.
Thankyou for listening to my story (wish I had
the creative writting gift so that I could make it sound as special &
truly wonderful as it was... this does not do it credit) & A BIG THANKYOU
to everyone who offered advice to my questions before my birth. IT WAS
ALL VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.
Love to you all,
Tina
H. Brisbane.
