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Got up on Monday 18th as I had an appointment at the hospital for blood tests as I'd been itching. Was making my breakfast and felt a trickling - knew I hadn't wet myself (well - was fairly sure ) so we called the hospital to let them know we thought my waters had broken and they asked us to come in.
Went in and they checked and said they weren't sure so I had to wait 2 hours for a scan. This showed plenty of fluid around baby so was told it was probably hind waters and to go home and if contractions didnt start in 24 hours or so they would think about inducing me.
Went home and trickled all day (very annoying!). At 4.45 I had my first contraction and then another at 5.45. They weren't painful or lasting very long so ignored them. This continued all night so I went for a bath (eventually after getting in a dither about clary sage and having to run two baths!!!)
Couldn't sleep so told H to get some sleep and went downstairs. Spent most of the night laying on the sofa with loads of towels trickling away and getting more and more contractions. Nearly gave birth at about 3am when a black cat walked across my living room floor - I don't like cats and we don't have one! But couldn't chase it so just had to settle for shooing it! Did get up when the contraction had stopped to make sure it had gone tho.
By 4.30am they were getting stronger and I wanted my TENS m/c on so called H and made him get up and put it on. Had another bath about 6 and called the hospital as they were 5 mins apart and lasting 45 - 60 secs. They called me in and examined me and I was 3cm so able to stay.
Contractions lasted all morning getting stronger and H was a star all I wanted to do was hang off him and sway my hips. He kept me going by reminding me it was just a hill to climb and once I reached the top the pain would subside and stop. At 12 I was examined again and was 5cm so able to get in the pool - wonderful!!!
Got in about 1pm and it was great. Had bad back ache for about 20 mins which I couldn't get comfy with so had some gas & air. Stayed using that all afternoon until 4 when they examined me again and I was 10 cm. Which was good cos I was so ready to push!!!
The last bit was painful, the crowning felt like I was gonna rip in two but it was so worth it Had lots of gas & air and they tried to take it away at one point - no bloody chance.
They had to tell me twice to put my arms down to take my baby as I was a little out of it, from concentrating so hard on what I was doing and the gas & air. Got a little cuddle then they passed her to H so I could get out the pool.
Had a good look at the unbilical cord hanging between my legs (was strangely fascinating!) and then the midwife got me to give a couple of pushes to get the placenta out. They then got me to lie down so they could check everything over and give me my stitches.
The water birth was amazing, I would definately recommend it - but was amazed at the amount of blood!
Siobhan is gorgeous and I am totally besotted with her - as is her daddy.