have a little wobble.
‘I can’t do it. I don’t like this any more. I want it to stop. I… want… to… swear.’ The four women in my bathroom chanted, ‘Yes, swear. You need to swear.’ I remember saying, ‘Fffwwwweeeee-’ then his head came out.
Reaching down I felt T’s hair. The next surge pushed his body through, with a slight sharpness - his shoulder tore me slightly. I caught him in the water. 6lbs of perfect baby boy. The only time I wanted something to ease pain was during the stitches. The midwives laughed that I managed to swear fine then.
Michelle
I noticed some blood during my 4am loo visit. The next day brought mild Braxton Hicks. Exhausted, I snoozed on the sofa while Y played. Coming down with something, I asked mum to stay over to help with Y the next morning. That evening, the surges were more frequent. I called my doula but was certain they were Braxton Hicks and baby would be another 5 weeks. I followed her advice and tried to sleep when Y went to bed.
At 11pm, the surges got stronger so I showered. I bounced on my ball - much more comfortable than sitting. I zoned in and out of what was going on in reality and a gorgeous space somewhere in my thoughts. Soon I felt baby moving down inside my hips and had to stand through surges. I realised then that actually, I wasn’t ill, I was in labour. All T’s baby clothes were still in their packets. Cue a washing frenzy, hung on heaters.
Mum EFT tapped my spine through surges. This took the edge off as I leant against the lounge wall. I called the midwife and doula. The midwife hadn’t rushed because I sounded so calm on the phone. She was shocked - 9cm on initial examination.
I couldn’t let the minor detail of no pool scupper my plans when I had a perfectly good bath upstairs. My doula took over the tapping on my back whilst Mum took photos. The second midwife then arrived. Everyone commented how quiet and calm I seemed. During transition I did
I didn’t think I’d date for ages. But I unexpectedly met someone when T was just 7 weeks old. I struggled not to show him pictures of my proudest achievement. But I don’t mind sharing them here.