Birth Announcement - Introducing Ava

After the quickest of pregnancies to the longest overdue and labour period I can finally introduce who we've all been waiting for, meet our beautiful Ava Jean. 

Ava was born on the 3rd March, weighing a whooping 9lb 4oz and was 53cm long. She was 11 days overdue and was born via induction as my waters decided to break but my contractions never started. Labour was a rather unpleasant experience which is such a shame as I'd so hoped for a positive one this time around, but we both got through it and came out the other side in one piece. I'll probably be writing my birth story in the next few weeks but for now I just wanted to share our wonderful news.

I can't believe that she is finally here and just four days in and she's fitted right into the family. She's quite a chilled out baby, one who loves to be held and talked to. She's very alert and strong and has taken to breastfeeding like a pro. She's honestly the prettiest little thing that I've ever seen, I can't take my eyes off her. Welcome to the world Ava girl. 

My Pregnancy - Questions & Answers

Today is my due date and to mark the occasion I decided to set up a little Q&A with my readers and friends. I thought this would be lovely to look back at one day, to reminisce and remember all the up's and down's of this pregnancy. I put out a call out over on my Facebook page and here are some of the questions that were thrown my way. 

As you're having a different gender, do you feel like your pregnancies were different? 

This is actually a really good question but one that's quite difficult to answer too. In some ways the pregnancies have been similar but then in other ways they've been totally different. My bump has been pretty similar I think, both times I've popped pretty early, been covered in stretch marks and measured big. My main cravings in both pregnancies have been cereal and oranges but different to last time I've been obsessed with beetroot and jelly too! I definitely found pregnancy easier the first time round as I've had a lot more aches, pains and complaints with this pregnancy.  

What will you miss the most about being pregnant?

I'll miss my bump and feeling her move around inside. We have decided to stop at two children so knowing this will be my last pregnancy does make me feel a little sad as I will really miss the kicks and movements. Pregnancy is one incredible journey, warts and all. 

What are you most nervous about second time around labour and birth wise?
It has to be the recovery. The first time around you don't need to worry so much about the recovery and how long it will take, you can take it easy. This time I have a toddler to take care of as well as a newborn baby so this makes me feel a little scared and nervous. Thankfully Nick will be taking time off work to help and hopefully the two weeks will be all I need to recover. 

Are you planning on skin to skin? Delayed cord clamping?

I hope so! I'd planned on instant skin to skin with Noah but couldn't have it for very long as he'd pooed in his waters during delivery. Pretty soon after he was born they had to check his breathing and lungs to make sure he hadn't inhaled any, which thankfully he hadn't. It depends on the birth but I really hope so this time. I'd also love a water birth too as I wasn't able to have one when I was induced with Noah.

How did you find sleeping at night? What do you find helped you get a better nights sleep?

I struggled with sleep, just like when I was pregnant with Noah. As you get bigger and bigger it's so hard to get comfortable and then there's the pregnancy insomnia too! I found my Theraline pregnancy pillow an absolute godsend and have pretty much used it the entire pregnancy. It also helped to have plenty of Rennies and Gaviscon on my bedside table as I would often wake with awful heartburn and indigestion in the night.

Do you feel like you know the signs of labour to look out for? 

Having been induced with Noah I've not yet experienced going into labour naturally so although I think I know what to look out for it will all be totally new to me. With an induction things go from 0-100 very quickly with the pessaries, gel and then the drip, it's not as gradual as natural labour is. I've already had a few moments where I thought things may be starting but so far it's just been the baby getting ready for her big entrance I think!

What have you enjoyed the most and least about pregnancy the second time around?
I've loved feeling the baby get stronger and stronger as the weeks go on. The feeling of baby kicks is one of the best experiences in the world and I'll be sad to never experience that again once she's born. I also really enjoyed our scans, especially the 4D scan I managed to win in a competition! I also loved our gender scan and predicting the gender right for the second time! This time around I've felt sick and lethargic pretty much for the entire 9 months so I would have to say that is the part I've enjoyed the least.

What are you most looking forward to after the birth?
It's got be setting eyes on her for the first time and all those newborn cuddles. I'm so excited yet at the same time it still doesn't feel real, it's so surreal. I'm also looking forward to enjoy a very small glass of wine, I have to admit! Not right after the birth of course but we will have to wet her head!

So there you have it, those were the questions and here are my answers. I can't believe today is my due date. This pregnancy has flown by in the blink of an eye and I am bursting in anticipation to meet our baby girl. I cannot wait to become a family of four! 

All about baby - Day 18 - Birth story

I can't believe that I was in labour over 3 months ago. Sometimes it feels like it was only yesterday and then others it feels like forever ago. You can read my birth story here. I so wish I didn't have to be induced but I did as good as I could with the cards that were handed to me and maybe next time it can all happen naturally.  

All about baby - Day 9 - First picture & birth facts

This was one of the first photo's taken of Noah. It was taken just after he had been born and Daddy was snapping away while I was being stitched up. Ouch. Noah was born at 6:23am on the 12th November. He weighed 7lb 2oz. He was placed on my chest straight away and I had the first cuddle while Daddy cut the cord. I still can't believe how beautiful he is.  

Before and After Labour - What I didn't know.

It has now been ten weeks since I gave birth. When I look back on going into my induction and labour I was very naive. I thought I knew what I was getting myself in for but I didn't really do my research. Even researching you can never prepare yourself for what is about to come. Here are some of the things I learnt along the way.

Induction.
I didn't realise that the induction process would take so long. People had warned me but I went in hospital on the Saturday morning thinking I would be bringing my baby home Sunday night. If only. My induction took three long and painful days. By the time I was finally in active labour I was already exhausted from my time in hospital. Thankfully my labour was quick, moderately easy and only took 6 hours.

Labour.
I hyped labour up so much that personally it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I was high on gas and air and think I would of managed just on that if it wasn't for Noah back to back. I felt so much pressure in my back and it got worse and worse as he got lower. It felt like my back was breaking. Thankfully I opted for diamorphine and it instantly took my back pain away. I was then able to sit down for the first time in 6 hours and I actually gave birth led on my back, in stirrups! Never thought I would of birthed that way.

Pushing.
It takes a lot longer than you imagine. I was pushing for 45 minutes which isn't that long really but when you are there pushing with all your might it feels like a lifetime especially as they portray it as a quick and easy job in the movies. I didn't find it painful but it was extremely exhausting. I ended up bursting lots of blood vessels in my face, arms, chest and legs as I was pushing so hard. I looked like I was covered in freckles! I kept asking if I was doing it right and my midwives would laugh and say yes!

Recovery.
For me the recovery period was more painful than the labour itself. I didn't realise how sore I would be and that to me is plain dumb! You push a baby out of there of course you are going to be in agony! I was physically and mentally drained from the whole experience. My body felt like it has run around the world and back, every part of me ached. I only had minor stitches but I was so sore and struggled to sit down for about a week afterwards. I remember sitting in countless salt baths and cringing every time I imagined the stitches. I'm such a wimp, I never even took a look either. In hindsight I wished I'd prepared a bit more of labour and learning how to perform a simple perineal massage can help and prevent some tearing.

When I look back at my labour I am pleased by how it went. I would change a lot of things but I am glad I managed okay and that my baby was healthy. I just so wish that I didn't have to be induced and I had gone into labour naturally. I hope one day I get to experience it and be as natural as I possibly can. 

How was your labour experience? I'd love to hear about it.

2013. What a year!

It's safe to say that 2013 has been a life changing year for us! At the start of the year we decided to start trying for our first child. We didn't take the decision lightly, we made sure we were ready. Nick and I have been together for 5 years and have a very healthy relationship, we have a nice home, we both have secure jobs and can afford a child financially. 2013 just seemed like the right year for us. I decided to write all about my favourite moments of the year. 

Positive +

After just one month of TTC (trying to conceive) and on our 5 year anniversary we got out BFP! (Big fat positive) I was pregnant! I thought we would be trying for a while but it happened so fast and we couldn't of been happier. I still remember that red line appearing, bursting into tears and literally dancing around the front room! I then had to wait all day for Nick to come home from work to tell him the news!

Pregnancy

I absolutely LOVED every second of being pregnant it was one of the best experiences of my life. Creating and nurturing your baby inside you is just indescribable and a feeling I miss on a daily basis. I am already looking forward to being pregnant again a few years down the line!

My Boy

Of course the best moment of 2013 after out BFP and my pregnancy journey has got to be meeting our baby boy.. Life changing, all consuming adoration. I remember that last big push and felt him be born into the world. Hearing his cry for the first time and having him placed on my chest. I still can't believe we created something so perfect. 

Everyday my baby amazes me. He is now 7 weeks old and has changed so much since I first set eyes on him. He is such a character already and I could literally stare at him all day long in amazement. 


Here's to 2014! 

My Birth Story

I'm finally here, it's time to write my birth story.

This is going to be one long post as my experience was a long and drawn out process, with many ups and downs. I don't want to miss out a single detail and will try to be as thorough as I can. So grab a cup of coffee, we may be here a while!

If you have been following my pregnancy journey then you will of already read on my last pregnancy post that I had been booked in for in an induction. As my pregnancy came to an end I couldn't imagine myself going into labour naturally and said it on many occasions. I don't know why. I would of loved to experience my waters bursting randomly and going into labour naturally just like in the movies. 

The Induction: 

I was admitted into hospital on Saturday 9th of November. I was very naive when it came to the induction process and really had no clue what I was letting myself in for. I thought I would be induced and would leave with my baby shortly after. Little did I know, I would be in hospital for the next 4 days and it would be a long, slow and stressful process. 

Shortly after I arrived I had my observations done and the baby was monitored for a while before the induction began. Next up the nurse discussed what would be happening and gave me a pamphlet to read. 

The first step of induction is the pessary and this is where the nightmare began. The pessary is used to soften and thin the cervix. It wasn't a pleasant feeling and rather painful when it was being administered. As soon as it was in I began feeling cramps. They were showing up on the monitor as contractions and she was concerned as she said I shouldn't be feeling so much so soon. She said that she might not of put it in correctly and it may need to be corrected. She called another nurse to check and she said it was fine and it was just my body adjusting. I was so glad it didn't need to be put in again.

Fast forward 17 hours, it was now 5 am on Sunday morning and I was feeling very uncomfortable. I actually asked a nurse to check how I was doing. She was a trainee and wasn't very delicate with me and actually had to bring someone "more experienced" to check the pessary. Another lady came, swiftly checked and told me that the pessary had been put in wrong and had had no effect! I was absolutely gutted. I had gone through 17 hours of pains and numerous uncomfortable internals for nothing. They had put my pessary in wrong! They had to remove it and apply another. When they left I burst into tears. 

Sunday morning it was time for another internal to see if the pessary had any effect. It didn't. So after 24 hours of monitoring, a failed pessary, a replacement pessary and continuous cramps I had gotten no further. I felt very deflated but on one hand I was glad about the lack of progress as I literally had no energy to stay awake let alone go through labour. I was so exhausted as I was in an noisy ward where people would talk all night long. I was getting back contractions too so could only doze while sitting up. It was a nightmare. I remember bawling my eyes out in the toilet cause I was so drained, stressed and emotional.  

The next step was the gel. The gel is a more concentrated version of the pessary. You can have up to three doses of gel and they check after 6 hours rather than every 24 hours to see if it has had any effect. I ended up having 2 pessary's and 2 doses of gel just to get to 2cm dilated. 

Come Monday morning I had finally gotten to 2 cm dilated after around 3 days in hospital. They told me I would be having my waters broke later on that day. I'd had a better sleep and I was raring to go. I was so happy. We ended up packing up all my things thinking we would be going down to the labour ward in a few hours. We ended up waiting a ridiculous 15 hours! You can understand a long wait but no one kept me updated I was just on tender hooks all day long. I was finally taken to have my waters broken at 1 am on Tuesday morning. I wasn't raring to go at this point, I was knackered. But it was time! 

The Labour: 

1 am on Tuesday morning I was taken down to birth suite accompanied with the midwife and student midwife who would be delivering my baby. I couldn't of asked for anyone better, they were fantastic support the entire way through. Nick and my Mum were also with me and they were fantastic. The room I was in was really nice and I felt comfortable straight away. I led on the bed and was strapped up to monitors which kept track of not only the baby's heart rate but my contractions too. I was a little worried at this point as I didn't like the thought of being bed bound during labour as he was back to back and I had been experiencing intense back pain and strong contractions in my back for days. They assured me that once everything was under way I would be able to move around. I had an examination and was shocked to discover I was 4cm dilated. I had gone from 2cm to 4 in the time I was waiting to go to the birth suite. 

It was then time to break my waters. I was apprehensive at this point as people say it can be painful but I didn't feel a thing. It felt very relieving once they had been burst and I continued to loose waters throughout the labour. The midwife told me that the baby had pooed a little and the baby doctor would have to take a look at him once he was born but he wasn't in any distress according to the monitor so I wasn't worried. 

Shortly after my waters had been broke I was put on the induction drip which speeds up contractions and makes labour faster and more painful. As soon as I was on the drip my contractions intensified tenfold and I was straight on the gas and air. It took me a while to get the hang of gas and air but it really helped. The midwives repeatedly told me how well I was doing and that I had a high pain threshold cause my contractions were so strong already and I was hardly flinching. 

This is where everything goes foggy as I did go a bit crazy on the gas and air. I found that at the beginning bouncing on the birthing ball helped with contractions, Nick would stand behind me and hold my shoulders to keep me steady. I remember being sat on the ball and glancing at the clock and it was around 3.30 am and I remember thinking how on earth had it got to that time already? As the baby came lower and lower I found the back pain becoming intolerable and sitting on the ball was excruciating so I opted to stand up, walk around and make circles with my hips. 

I then had the urge to go on all fours so they brought out a birthing mat. I remember thinking at this point that the baby would be born soon but I was very wrong. I was on all fours and my Mum was holding the gas and air in my mouth. At this point the gas and air was having little effect and my back pain was becoming too much for me. I actually demanded an epidural around this time as I couldn't get comfortable in any position. How was I supposed to give birth? The midwife said she would have to examine me first before we could discuss an epidural. I was 8cm at this point and thankfully she convinced me not to have an epidural and I opted for the diamorphine instead. This allowed me to actually lie on my back! I felt no back pain whatsoever and I was so relieved. It made me very drowsy and I ended up dozing off between contractions.

More time passed and it was time to push! Thankfully I was able to be comfortable led on my back so I was on the bed for the birth. I used the arm and leg stirrups and literally went full throttle. They had to put a heart rate monitor on the baby's head as we kept losing signal but I didn't know they did that until after he was born. I thought the whole pushing process would happen faster than it did and it was very exhausting. The pushing part of labour was the part that had always frightened me the most but I have to say it was the easiest part. It is true what they say. At this point you just want your baby out and sheer determination and strength takes over. I remember my Mum and Nick both bursting into tears even before he was born because I was trying so hard. I kept asking the midwives if I was doing it right and they assured me I was doing fab. 

Next thing I know I feel a gush and he is out. I could feel him kicking in between my legs and I couldn't believe I had done it! They pulled him on top of me for skin to skin and Nick cut the cord while I gave my son his first cuddle. I remember being led on the bed delivering the placenta and being stitched up while my son was getting checked out over on the table away from me and I was desperate to have him back in my arms. While they were working on me I was telling my Mum what to dress him in! I also remember Nick just gazing at him with pure adoration. 

The Baby: 

Noah Nicholas was born shortly after 6am on 12/11/13. Shocking us all weighing just 7lb 2oz. No feeling comes close to that moment when your baby is finally in your arms and you set eyes on them for the first time. My heart literally wants to burst with love and I cannot believe Nick and I have created a soul so beautiful. He is utter perfection. 

My Thoughts: 

The whole induction process was an absolute nightmare and I so wish I was able to go into labour naturally. It was such a long winded experience and I wish that I had of done my research before hand. 

I am very happy with my labour experience. I have always knocked myself and said I wouldn't be able to handle it but I didn't find it half as painful as I thought it would be. Instinct just takes over when the time comes and you will be surprised at what you can handle!

I still cannot believe I gave birth just over a week ago and I am so proud of myself and my beautiful baby boy.  

What's in my Hospital Bag?

I have had both hospital bags for baby and I packed for a month or two now. I started preparing pretty early and wish I hadn't as I keep forgetting what I have packed and keep having to look through it all. 

I decided to pack two separate bags for the both of us as. Although it will be harder carting two bags into the hospital, it will be easier to keep things organised and easier for Nick to root through when I am barking orders at him whilst in labour. 

Below is what I have packed in my bag. I have a feeling I have missed some vital things so if you notice anything that should be added then please let me know!


Clothing-

Dressing gown: I wouldn't of thought of bringing a dressing gown but I have read it makes skin to skin contact and nursing a lot easier. I'm not sure if I will use it or not but it is better to pack it just in case.

PJ's: Another clothing option. I bought a super comfy pair of jersey PJ's to lounge around it.
Nighty: I never wear night shirts so bought a cheap one from Primark. I can see how more convenient a nighty will be rather than PJ's but it will be a hassle for skin to skin. I would prefer to have every option at my disposal though. 

Fluffy Socks: I have a thing for fluffy socks, so they are packed! 

Slippers: Slip on slippers I have heard are invaluable when in hospital. 

Big Knickers and Maternity Bra's: My knickers are huge for comfort after labour and big enough to fit in maternity pads. Maternity bra's, self explanatory.

Comfy Clothing: I still need to decide what to take to wear when leaving the hospital. I am contemplating wearing the clothes I arrived in just so it is less to pack.  


Toiletries -

Towel.
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Travel sized shampoo, body gel, body lotion, deodorant, vaseline, body spray.
Face wipes, deodorant wipes. 
Maternity pads and nipple pads. 
Perfume and make up (Probably won't use but there if I want it) 


Snacks -

Big bar of chocolate, sweets, isotonic energy drink, chewing gum. 
I keep getting advised to pack lots of sugary treats in my hospital bag and any excuse to pack some goodies sounds good to me! 


Medication -

My Pregnacare Vitamins which can bought online at Pharmacy At Hand. 
I also received a Laboraide in a Project B box and although I do feel a bit sceptical about using it I have packed it anyway to try out.


Miscellaneous -

Iphone and charger. 
Hair brush, hair clips and bobbles. 
Notepad and pen. 

Again if there is anything that you think it missing then please let me know. I would rather have everything I could possibly need than miss one little thing. I probably won't use so much of what I have packed but for peace of mind I would rather have it there just in case.

Guess the Weight

I've been thinking of writing this post for a while now and seeing as I am now full term I think it's a good time to get the ball rolling just incase our baby shows up a little earlier than planned. I thought it would be nice idea for me to have a post where we can all guess the weight of my little one. Once he is here I can look back and see who guessed correctly or who was the closest! Everyone is expecting him to be a big boy but you never know! He could surprise us all and be a little dot, but that would be a big surprise! He has been measuring big throughout the pregnancy but is now measuring more his ideal. Hopefully he won't be keeping us waiting too much longer. 

Family guesses- 

Mummy - 8lb 6oz

Daddy - 9lb 2oz

Nanna Lorraine- 8lb exactly

Nanny Jackie- 8lb 1oz

Granddad Mark - 8lb 1oz
Granddad Gary - 7lb 10oz

What's your guess? 

Birth Centre Tour

It's getting to that stage in pregnancy when I really need to come to terms with the fact that in a few short weeks I will have to give birth. I am excited but absolutely terrified of the prospect. 

Ever since I found out I was pregnant the thought of a water birth really appealed to me and the town I live in has a newly opened birth centre which has received a lot of praise. It was a no brainer when I was asked where I would like to give birth, there was no other option. It has to be at my local birth centre. 

As this is my first pregnancy I didn't really know the difference between the birth centre or the birth suite. What is a birth centre I hear you ask?  

Well birth centre's are maternity units which are lead mainly by midwives. Birth centre's try to create a homely and comforting environment rather than a cold clinical one. They specialise in supporting women who want to have as much as a natural birth as possible with little or no intervention. You can still have all the usual pain relief if you feel that you need it but you cannot have an epidural. People always say why go through all the pain if you can just have an epidural? I thought that before I was pregnant. But after researching and hearing advice off midwives I would prefer not to have one if possible. There are less complications with birth and the recovery rate is so much faster. I really hope that I do not need one. Birth suites are normally buildings on their own and if medical intervention was needed you would need to be transported to a local hospital. Thankfully the birth centre I am at has the hospital just next door so if my labour didn't go to plan I would just be wheeled down a corridor. That alone is such a great comfort to have in the back of my mind. 

Nick and I decided to go take a tour of the birth centre to see it for ourselves.

We arrived on a Sunday morning and was greeted by the midwives, we were both so nervous. They were so nice and bubbly and soon put us at ease. They walked us around the entire building whilst telling us at what stage in labour we should come in, where the entrances are, what to bring with me etc.  

They took us up to the birth suite which looked pleasant enough even though it is more medically focused. When I was walking around this department I felt like I had a frog in my throat, everything seemed so much more real and a lot more frightening. I was so grateful I didn't hear any labouring mothers screaming in pain as I think that would of had me running to the hills! Considering this was supposed to be the more clinical side it still looked great but it just really isn't for me.

They then took us next door to the Birth Centre. As soon as I walked into one of the rooms I was amazed as it looked more like a hotel room than a hospital room. The lights where dimmed, the bed looked like a real bed, there was a massage chair, a sofa in the corner, a CD player, motivational quotes on the walls. An on suite bathroom with either a shower or a bath. The room even had it's own colour scheme! Everything medical was hidden away and out of sight but you still had the comfort of knowing it was there if it was needed. Not every room had a birthing pool but the majority did. You can also have as many people as you like with you when you are in labour but I think I just want it to be Nick and I. Especially when I am about to give birth to our son. I want that moment to be just for us. I instantly felt at ease and after touring a few of these rooms was actually looking forward to my labour! I know that will change when it is actually happening!

We officially have just 7 weeks to go. He could come sooner or later but we know that he will be here soon. I hope I have the birth that I want but I am just going to go with the flow, relax and try to remain calm. There's not long now. We can't wait to meet our baby. 

Time Is Flying By

Where has the time gone? It doesn't feel like two minutes ago since we found out I was pregnant. The pregnancy and this year as a whole has flown past in the blink of an eye, it's frightening! Time just seems to go by faster and faster as you get older. 

There's just 16 days left until I start my Maternity Leave, just 29 days until my baby shower and finally just 64 days until my due date! 

I wonder if he will arrive close to his due date? Will he will be early or late? Will I need to be induced or will I go into labour naturally? Will I be able to have the natural water birth? Will I be able to handle the pain? Will I be able to breastfeed? Will I be a good Mum? There are a thousand questions I keep asking myself and only time will tell. 

I am so excited about what is just around the corner for us. Our lives will never be the same again and I am so ready for this! I can't wait to meet our boy!  

Pregnancy Dreams

I've had my fair share of crazy dreams in my time but pregnancy dreams are a whole new level of crazy! I thought I would write and share some of the most baffling dreams I have had since becoming pregnant and hope you will share a few with me.

I had a feeling from day one that I was having a boy. Mainly because I was having constant dreams of me giving birth or holding a baby wrapped in blue. Many pregnant women report that they dreamt of the gender they were having before they actually knew. Mothers intuition or just chance? 

Here are two of the most memorable dreams I have had during pregnancy.

I was in labour on my own at home so I rushed straight into hospital. The hospital was just strange, everything was green. Shortly after I had the baby my Mum and Nanna waltz into the room to visit. I ask "Where's Nick?" and they tell me that they have sent him to the shop! I ask them why on earth they have done that, that he should be first to see the baby. My Mum said she didn't agree with that. So I screamed at them to leave. So then I am on my own with the baby but the Doctors take him away. Shortly after they take him Nick comes in and apologises for missing everything and asks where his Son is. I tell him that he's just missed him and the Doctors have taken him but I have a photo on my phone if he wants to see it? I then end up walking around the hospital looking for our baby which I can't find. 

That dream left me in a panic when I woke up. I literally thought it had happened. One look down at my bump reassured me!

Next up is a dream I had last night.

Again it was another dream involving labour. I had the baby at the hospital, it was all very quick. They then took the baby away without letting me even letting me have a glimpse of him. Everything was fine with him but they just took him away. I then was sent home! While I was at home I was ringing up the hospital every ten minutes asking if I can come in and see my baby and that I hadn't even seen him yet! 

It's almost as though my dreams have a recurring theme. Which are labour, being on my own and having my baby taken away. Perhaps subconsciously these are things I am really frightened about. 

I would like to know that I'm not alone on the crazy dream front! 
So feel free to share some of your pregnancy dreams.