Birth Story of Sophie Jade

Finally got round to writing up the full birth story of Sophie Jade (for
anyone's that interested!).

She'll be 6 weeks old on Monday and all is going well. Her big sister
(who's 2 and a half) has adapated so well and we're so proud of her.

I'm feeling pretty good, considering the sleep deprivation! I've been
really luck to have my mother-in-law staying for 8 weeks and my Mum arrives
tomorrow morning for 3 weeks. I've only had 2 full day's 'flying solo' and
was fine (though struggled to keep on top of the housework and cooking!).

Sophie's feeding really well and is very, very fast (quite a change from
DD1, who used to take at least half an hour on one side)! She's tired
within an hour of waking and sleeps for around 2 hours at a time, during the
day, and 3 to 4 hours at night (and thankfully settles straight down, with
the odd excepction, after her nightfeeds), so all going well. She does tend
to spend most of her day naps in a sling or in her buggy, but then I'm out
and about alot, trying to keep my active toddler entertained! Besides, I'd
rather cherish the close warmth of her body than have her in her cot all the
time, these newborn days pass far too quickly!

I am using a pacifier to help settle her (as she is such a quick feeder,
that she's not getting much chance to 'suck for comfort') and seems to need
that- but when I offer her the breast, she rejects it when she's not hungry,
but still seems to want to have something to suck on for comfort. I never
used a pacifier with DD1, as she spent so much time at the breast!

Anyway.. the birth story....

Due date of 20 December came and went and Christmas Day got closer. Every
morning my wonderful mother-in-law, Doreen, would greet me expectantly and
by Christmas Eve she was giving my tummy orders to get a move on. I started
to have mild contractions, every 10 minutes, a couple of days prior to
Sophie's arrival so we were kept in a constant state of excited
anticipation.

My wonderful midwife, Esther, popped in to see me on Christmas Day (before
the big dinner!). I was relieved that baby was in an optimum position and
was hoping for a VBAC, as I couldn't imagine coping with a newborn and a
toddler after a c-section. I'd had a few acupuncture appointments in the
hope of ensuring good positioning, as well as spending at least an hour a
day on my hands and knees (not difficult when you've got a toddler to clean
up after!). I planned to stay at home for as long as possible, as I didn't
want to be 'highly managed' in hospital and I find it easier to get 'in the
zone' in my own home. I also didn't want to be away from Charlotte for long
(as I'd never spent a night away from her!). I was hoping that baby would
not arrive on Christmas Day as Charlotte was so excited about the day and I
really wanted to be there to share in her joy.

Well, all my hopes came true. At 11.30pm on Christmas Day evening I knew my
contractions were 'for real' and phoned Esther at midnight, when they were
coming at 5 minute intervals. By 2.00am they were 2 to 3 minutes apart and
needing my full concentration, so I asked Esther to come round. She arrived
just after 2.30am and I asked her to examine me, as I really didn't want to
arrive at hospital unless dilation was substantial, and I was found to be at
8 to 9cm - so to hospital we went! It was quite a mission getting down the
30 or so steps to the car and I was glad the car journey to the hospital
only took 10 minutes. Everything was happening so much faster and felt more
intense that my labour with Charlotte and I was excited, but fearful, of the
next stage!

We arrived at the hospital at 3.00am and I really wanted to be low to the
ground and practically crawled into the delivery suite. I remember finding
water an immense pain reliever in my first labour so asked Dan to start
running the bath whilst Esther said and did all the right things and I
started making some intense, primal sounds! At 4.00am my waters broke, but
there was a lot of meconium so I had to be transferred to another room (no
'hot tub' for me!), closer to theatre (should an emergency c-section be
required). They asked me if I wanted a wheel chair, but there was no way I
was going to sit down! I crawled up onto a bed instead and they wheeled me
through, draped with a sheet (as I'd stripped down by this time and all
modesty had gone out of the window, along with the primal chanting, and I
was in a totally different 'head space' to everyone else!).

Fortunately Dan, Esther and I were mostly left to ourselves, with
intervening visits from a doctor to check on progress. The room we were
transferred to was horrible - bright lights, very clinical and none of the
comforts of home. Esther was great in trying to make the room more
comfortable and in keeping monitoring to a minimum so I could continue to be
active in labour.

When the doctor examined me he discovered a thick anterior lip, which I
gather meant that bubs head wasn't entering the birth canal in a good
position and was causing swelling, which therefore decreased the 10cm space
needed for bubs head to pass through. This meant I had to try to resist all
urges to push and allow time for the swelling to go down. I continued to
labour naturally, with the exception of some 'gas and air', till 5.30am, by
which time I was getting extremely tired of trying to cope with the intense
contractions and not push. It was a really frustrating wait for the swelling
to go down and I can remember looking at Dan and saying, 'NEVER AGAIN'! I
also remember smelling cigarettes on Esther and saying, 'Phew, I could do
with a ciggie!' (and I haven't smoked in over 3 years!).

I decided to have an epidural to allow me time to rest and for the swelling
to go down. By 6.00am the swelling was down and by 6.20am the epidural was
beginning to wear off and I was aware of the contractions again. By 7.00am I
was really feeling the urge to push and sat on the birthing stool to try a
few pushes, but bubs head really wasn't making great progress in descending
(I must have a funny shaped pelvis!) and the doctor was concerned with
moulding of the plates of baby's head (??? Eh ??).

Anyway, before we knew what was happening we were signing forms for a
potential c-section and getting prepped for theatre for a trial of assisted
vaginal delivery. The tears started rolling as I was wheeled into theatre
and having visions of a repeat of my last birth experience. Once in theatre
everyone was really great and I couldn't help but laugh at seeing my legs up
in stirrups, but not being able to feel them - it was too surreal - they
looked like a manikins legs - just like rubber and totally separate to my
body! Thankfully, all looked good for a trial of assisted delivery and
Sophie Jade was delivered, with the aid of forceps (and an episiotomy), at
8.38am on Boxing Day morning. It was wonderful to actually feel her leave my
body and hold her to my chest so soon afterwards. She was perfect and I was
flooded with relief and happiness. I was fascinated to see the placenta and
the side at which she'd been curled up against in my tummy.

In recovery Sophie latched on to feed immediately and was a pro from the
outset! Esther was brilliant and fed me an ice-lolly, whilst Dan and I
looked adoringly at our daughter. I couldn't wait to get home and for
Charlotte to meet her little sister.

By 4.00pm that same day I could feel my legs again and got up for a shower.
I really didn't want to stay in hospital, so Dan picked me up and I was home
in my own bed later that evening and woke up to give both my special girls a
BIG cuddle.

Sarah
DD1 born 28 June 2003
DD2 born 26 December 2005
(photos and news on www.nzcuties.com)

Congrats!
--

Jamie
Earth Angels:
Taylor Marlys, 1/3/03 -- Who's got the Christmas spirit, singing all day
long, "You put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking
out the doooo-oooo-ooor!
Addison Grace, 9/30/04 -- My Little Ham, who smiles so big her eyes
disappear and she says, "Cheese" on command. Although it sounds more like
"eeeeeesssshhh"!

Check out the family! -- www.MyFamily.com, User ID: Clarkguest1, Password:
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"Sarah" wrote in message
...
Finally got round to writing up the full birth story of Sophie Jade (for
anyone's that interested!).

She'll be 6 weeks old on Monday and all is going well. Her big sister
(who's 2 and a half) has adapated so well and we're so proud of her.

I'm feeling pretty good, considering the sleep deprivation! I've been
really luck to have my mother-in-law staying for 8 weeks and my Mum
arrives tomorrow morning for 3 weeks. I've only had 2 full day's 'flying
solo' and was fine (though struggled to keep on top of the housework and
cooking!).

Sophie's feeding really well and is very, very fast (quite a change from
DD1, who used to take at least half an hour on one side)! She's tired
within an hour of waking and sleeps for around 2 hours at a time, during
the day, and 3 to 4 hours at night (and thankfully settles straight down,
with the odd excepction, after her nightfeeds), so all going well. She
does tend to spend most of her day naps in a sling or in her buggy, but
then I'm out and about alot, trying to keep my active toddler entertained!
Besides, I'd rather cherish the close warmth of her body than have her in
her cot all the time, these newborn days pass far too quickly!

I am using a pacifier to help settle her (as she is such a quick feeder,
that she's not getting much chance to 'suck for comfort') and seems to
need that- but when I offer her the breast, she rejects it when she's not
hungry, but still seems to want to have something to suck on for comfort.
I never used a pacifier with DD1, as she spent so much time at the breast!

Anyway.. the birth story....

Due date of 20 December came and went and Christmas Day got closer. Every
morning my wonderful mother-in-law, Doreen, would greet me expectantly and
by Christmas Eve she was giving my tummy orders to get a move on. I
started to have mild contractions, every 10 minutes, a couple of days
prior to Sophie's arrival so we were kept in a constant state of excited
anticipation.

My wonderful midwife, Esther, popped in to see me on Christmas Day (before
the big dinner!). I was relieved that baby was in an optimum position and
was hoping for a VBAC, as I couldn't imagine coping with a newborn and a
toddler after a c-section. I'd had a few acupuncture appointments in the
hope of ensuring good positioning, as well as spending at least an hour a
day on my hands and knees (not difficult when you've got a toddler to
clean up after!). I planned to stay at home for as long as possible, as I
didn't want to be 'highly managed' in hospital and I find it easier to get
'in the zone' in my own home. I also didn't want to be away from Charlotte
for long (as I'd never spent a night away from her!). I was hoping that
baby would not arrive on Christmas Day as Charlotte was so excited about
the day and I really wanted to be there to share in her joy.

Well, all my hopes came true. At 11.30pm on Christmas Day evening I knew
my contractions were 'for real' and phoned Esther at midnight, when they
were coming at 5 minute intervals. By 2.00am they were 2 to 3 minutes
apart and needing my full concentration, so I asked Esther to come round.
She arrived just after 2.30am and I asked her to examine me, as I really
didn't want to arrive at hospital unless dilation was substantial, and I
was found to be at 8 to 9cm - so to hospital we went! It was quite a
mission getting down the 30 or so steps to the car and I was glad the car
journey to the hospital only took 10 minutes. Everything was happening so
much faster and felt more intense that my labour with Charlotte and I was
excited, but fearful, of the next stage!

We arrived at the hospital at 3.00am and I really wanted to be low to the
ground and practically crawled into the delivery suite. I remember finding
water an immense pain reliever in my first labour so asked Dan to start
running the bath whilst Esther said and did all the right things and I
started making some intense, primal sounds! At 4.00am my waters broke, but
there was a lot of meconium so I had to be transferred to another room (no
'hot tub' for me!), closer to theatre (should an emergency c-section be
required). They asked me if I wanted a wheel chair, but there was no way I
was going to sit down! I crawled up onto a bed instead and they wheeled me
through, draped with a sheet (as I'd stripped down by this time and all
modesty had gone out of the window, along with the primal chanting, and I
was in a totally different 'head space' to everyone else!).

Fortunately Dan, Esther and I were mostly left to ourselves, with
intervening visits from a doctor to check on progress. The room we were
transferred to was horrible - bright lights, very clinical and none of the
comforts of home. Esther was great in trying to make the room more
comfortable and in keeping monitoring to a minimum so I could continue to
be active in labour.

When the doctor examined me he discovered a thick anterior lip, which I
gather meant that bubs head wasn't entering the birth canal in a good
position and was causing swelling, which therefore decreased the 10cm
space needed for bubs head to pass through. This meant I had to try to
resist all urges to push and allow time for the swelling to go down. I
continued to labour naturally, with the exception of some 'gas and air',
till 5.30am, by which time I was getting extremely tired of trying to cope
with the intense contractions and not push. It was a really frustrating
wait for the swelling to go down and I can remember looking at Dan and
saying, 'NEVER AGAIN'! I also remember smelling cigarettes on Esther and
saying, 'Phew, I could do with a ciggie!' (and I haven't smoked in over 3
years!).

I decided to have an epidural to allow me time to rest and for the
swelling to go down. By 6.00am the swelling was down and by 6.20am the
epidural was beginning to wear off and I was aware of the contractions
again. By 7.00am I was really feeling the urge to push and sat on the
birthing stool to try a few pushes, but bubs head really wasn't making
great progress in descending (I must have a funny shaped pelvis!) and the
doctor was concerned with moulding of the plates of baby's head (??? Eh
??).

Anyway, before we knew what was happening we were signing forms for a
potential c-section and getting prepped for theatre for a trial of
assisted vaginal delivery. The tears started rolling as I was wheeled into
theatre and having visions of a repeat of my last birth experience. Once
in theatre everyone was really great and I couldn't help but laugh at
seeing my legs up in stirrups, but not being able to feel them - it was
too surreal - they looked like a manikins legs - just like rubber and
totally separate to my body! Thankfully, all looked good for a trial of
assisted delivery and Sophie Jade was delivered, with the aid of forceps
(and an episiotomy), at 8.38am on Boxing Day morning. It was wonderful to
actually feel her leave my body and hold her to my chest so soon
afterwards. She was perfect and I was flooded with relief and happiness. I
was fascinated to see the placenta and the side at which she'd been curled
up against in my tummy.

In recovery Sophie latched on to feed immediately and was a pro from the
outset! Esther was brilliant and fed me an ice-lolly, whilst Dan and I
looked adoringly at our daughter. I couldn't wait to get home and for
Charlotte to meet her little sister.

By 4.00pm that same day I could feel my legs again and got up for a
shower. I really didn't want to stay in hospital, so Dan picked me up and
I was home in my own bed later that evening and woke up to give both my
special girls a BIG cuddle.

Sarah
DD1 born 28 June 2003
DD2 born 26 December 2005
(photos and news on www.nzcuties.com)

Well done Sarah!!!! That's a very inspirational story - thanks so much
for sharing it.

Cam

PS I love your daughters names

"Sarah" wrote in message
...


By 4.00pm that same day I could feel my legs again and got up for a
shower. I really didn't want to stay in hospital, so Dan picked me up and
I was home in my own bed later that evening and woke up to give both my
special girls a

Congratulations! I found myself tensing up as you were wheeled into the
operating theatre to be prepped for cesarean. That was a close one!

(((((Big Hugs))))))

Carl