By the 11am checkup I was 8-9cm dilated and everyone was very pleased with my progress, suggesting that delivery was likely to be within a couple of hours. Glenn and I were both very excited about this, and looking forward to meeting the little one who had been kicking me in the ribs so hard for a number of months.
By the checkup just after 12, I hadn't progressed any further, and was given another couple of hours to see where things ended up. Lunch came around, and the midwives suggested that I hold off eating anything "just in case"...meaning that Glenn got to feed his face and scoff enough food for everyone (obviously all that energy he was expending through the process!).
Things started to go a bit wrong from thereon in. My epidural that had been so fantastic earlier wasn't working on my right side, meaning I could feel everything (ouch) until the top up took effect 30mins later. I was running a high temperature and given intravenous antibiotics. My fluid levels were down. I was getting nervous about what would happen at the 2pm checkup if nothing had changed.
2pm came around and it was decided that there was no way the baby was coming out any other way than surgically, so I was prepped for a 3pm emergency C-section. A scary prospect and not the outcome I had wanted at all. I was given more drugs, more fluids, bloods were taken, an additional canula (sp?)was added and I was basically a pin cushion from then through to the end.
3pm came and went in the theatre -- the obstetrician was attending another emergency at another hospital, and things were pushed back to 4. 4 became 4.30 and they took me into theatre...by this stage I just wanted things to be over. I was tired, nervous, nauseous from all the drugs and ready had already been in labour for a good 14 or so hours.
C-section attempt #1 -- I could feel the surgeon! We had to halt proceedings and I was given a local anaesthetic followed by a spinal block, which took 15 long minutes to work.
C-section attempt #2 -- Things finally got underway, and thankfully, I felt nothing. It was all over in a matter of minutes, and Glenn managed to get a good look at the 'action end' in spite of most of the doctors suggesting that it wasn't something he wanted to watch up close! A cut through the final layer revealed....
Miles Louis Elliott
4.252kg (9lb 6oz)
54cm long (21.25inches)
34cm head circumference (13.4 inches)
Date of birth: Friday 29 April
Time of birth: 17.00
With the umbilical cord around his neck twice and his body once! He cried straight away, and was able to be quickly bundled up and brought over to me for lots of cuddles while several layers of my innards were being stitched back up. Glenn took Miles back to our room for lots of cuddles, while I was sent off to recovery for an hour before being reunited with my boys.
A few action shots from the day:
Nervously waiting what was to come...
No more drugs please!
On the operating table (Glenn wasn't allowed in until I was firmly in position)
Prepped on the table and ready to be sliced open!
A handsome boy emerges from the depths of my abdomen
A very large, handsome boy!
First cuddle
Check out the weight on the scales!
Wow, those are awesome pictures, just amazing! It was so special for Paulo and I to cuddle and kiss that precious little man. A beautiful result.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm exhausted just reading your labour story. Hope you are getting some rest now and a chance to recover. Can't wait to catch up and meet your gorgeous little man, once you're up to having non-family visitors of course (totally understand if that's not for a good few weeks). Take care,
ReplyDeleteVan x
What a cute "little" bundle of joy sweetie. Wish I could sleep that soundly. Jeanette and I cant wait to meet young Miles in person later in the week. Congratulations(again) to the both of you on such a perfect outcome. Bazxx
ReplyDelete