Pixie
15-06-2008, 02:30 PM
Jeremiah Jacob
11th June 2008
16.27
Weight: 10lbs 1oz
From the day I found out I was pregnant; I started to plan my Home-birth. Not just any home-birth a Home-birth after Caesarean otherwise known as a HBAC. After my initial appt at the hospital I explained that I was planning a HBAC the booking appointment midwife said it would be unlikely I would be given permission to birth at home due to my previous caesarean and the fact I had also torn and had a post partum haemorrhage. I was very determined not to be pushed into a hospital birth and get what I wanted for my baby and myself. I sought help from an organization call AIMS and found a support group online, the women I met here had been through what I had and with their experience and knowledge I started on my mission to get my rights to birth at home satisfied. I wrote to the prime minister, I wrote to the Chief exec of the hospital, I wrote to the supervisor of midwifes. I got replies from them all bar the Chief Execs!
I got my right to HBAC and support from the community midwifes. Each visit was met with the same “but you had a Emergency section last time and a bleed” every visit was met with an anxious me and the determined me,
Quite often at the end of a visit the midwifes would compliment me on my knowledge of facts and the strength to fight for my rights, saying most women back down or just don’t even bother to attempt to go for thier rights out of pure fear of rejection. I was always so proud that I was getting closer to my hopes and dreams of my HBAC
As my due date approached I grew anxious he would be late adding pressure to the already delicate situation. At 40 weeks the midwife came and announced I was now at term and still pregnant I pointed out pregnancy actually can go to 42 weeks, all the while thinking I am so not going to be one of those women!
She offered me a stretch and sweep I declined I was only just 40 weeks although according to my dates I was 41 weeks the temptation to get one was huge I was very uncomfortable and in pain daily. I had been in pre-labour for about 3-4 weeks and desperately wanted to give birth, yet wanted it to be natural and not mess with nature. She arranged for me to have a post date scan for 10 days post EDD I was OK with this as I was certain he would be born before then.
After much thought I decided that I would rather let nature take it’s course and after speaking to the midwife she said that the appt would also be to arrange my “elective c/section” that scared me and I said “but I don’t want a c/section, I haven’t fought for this long and waited to have an “elective”. SO I cancelled the appt and decided if I was still pregnant at 42 weeks I would get a scan then, but I was still going to wait regardless, I would only book a c/section if the placenta was deteriorating or the baby was in stress.
At about 11 days post dates I had a huge breakdown and cried my eyes out to my husband claiming I couldn’t take any more and that I wanted an elective I couldn’t take being in pain and having so many false starts it was starting to affect me mentally and my body was tired. He calmed me down and reassured me I was doing just great and presently not in the right frame of mind to make a choice of what was going to happen with that he sent me off to bed to sleep and think about it the next day,
12 days post dates The next day I rang the midwifes and asked them to come and visit me, I arranged it for a Sunday so my husband could be there I had no fight left in me and knew if they were pushy I would give in. The midwife that came was very nice she did push for another stretch and sweep but again I declined. I explained to her I didn’t want to be induced and have a failed labour and another emergency section and if it came to that I was booking an elective she was quite shocked but wrote it down anyway. I agreed to a scan for 14 days post dates.
14 days post dates and the day of the scan I decided I was going to book an elective c/section and aim for the most positive out come I could aim for a maternal assisted c section. I went along to the scan with my closest friend and Eliza for support. I was checked out and it was decided I would return to the hospital the next morning at 8am and my caesarean would be carried out that day. I was thrilled to be honest as I was in control as much as I could be anyway.
Wednesday 11 June
With my bags packed and a few nerves DH Eliza and myself got into a taxi and headed off to the hospital we arrived at 8am. We checked in and waited my friend J turned up she was there to be a support person for Eliza who we still wanted to be involved as much as possible. My sister turned up at 11ish and was also there to help with Eliza and to be there for the birth.
We all went to a café where everyone enjoyed a drink except me as I had to fast for surgery. We headed back and were told that my op would be at 2pm so we headed to our room. J and my sister and Eliza weren’t allowed in to the ward at this point so they took Eliza for a walk and a sleep and DH and I went and spent the last couple of hours on our own. We reflected on our journey so far and were both really at peace at our choice to have the c/section. At 3pm they called for me to go to theatre. Off we went in true glamour style of theatre gowns and support stockings.
Upon arrival at the OR the anaesthetist came and spoke with us at great length, she explained she the whole epidural spinal procedures, she provided statistics on the dangers she said of course they are there and they happen. I actually started to feel more fear then I did! I ran through some questions I had and explained what I wanted to happen in regards to an emergency.
I showed her my birth plan I really wanted a maternal assisted c/section and although I knew not everything was possible I knew most of what I wanted could be accomplished. She agreed the only compromise was handing him to me over the sterile field I was fine about that not happening as long as he came to me before anything else was done.
I was sat up on the table for the epidural. I zoned right out and breathed deeply I focused on a tree in my mind and away she went explaining every step and what sensations I might feel I talked through them as it happened and it was done. They lay me down and waited a few mins then they did the cold test to see how numb I was, all was good and they set to work.
Within a few minutes I started to feel nauseous and memories of Eliza being born and the nausea was indicative of my hemorrhage I spoke up and said I felt sick and to give me maxolon now! She waited and said it might make me feel more sick after a few minutes I said “I’m going to die” in my mind and I spoke up again and asked for maxolon they gave it to me.
I once again zoned out DH was stroking my hair and I heard him say, “did you hear that!” I didn’t respond but I had heard a slight screaming baby sound so I opened my eyes, the had already dropped the screen down and were pulling him out his head was out I could just see it, the screaming got more evident and he was making his arrival known and with a final pull he was out and held straight up to me to meet him, he peed immediately and I was extremely lucky not to get a face full! I got told, “that’s what you get when you ask to see your son being born!”
They clamped his cord and took him off to be dried, then wrapped a warm blanket around him, the nurse took my gown down so I was fully exposed and they handed him to me un-wrapping him so he got skin to skin contact he was so warm! I started to talk to him and he calmed down I was so emotional I could barely talk and could not stop looking at him he felt so tiny in my arms DH was right there beaming away as they congratulated us. After about 5 mins it started to get awkward holding him so I said for DH to take him, which he did I asked that he got weighed at that point and dressed. Off they went. I closed my eyes and was just thrilled with how things had gone so far.
I then heard the nurses and DR’s talking about his weight and how they thought he was huge but not that huge, I asked how big he was “10lbs 1oz” the porter said, I was thinking no way, there is no way I was carrying a baby that darn huge! I asked again same answer, DH came back and handed him back to me, I asked him what does he weigh? He said the same thing! I couldn’t believe it, It was quite hard holding him laying down so he went back to his daddy within 10 mins I was all sewn up and ready to go to recovery.
They got me into a bed and gave me my baby and said “no need for you to go to recovery everything went so well, so we shall just take you to a private room to enjoy him”
WOW no recovery I was OK I didn’t nearly die, I had the most amazing caesarean and I was going to a private room to be with my new born son and to meet back up with my family and friend I said “really my family can come in now 40 mins after he has been born”!
DH went off to collect Eliza, my sister and friend.
My friend J walked in the room, I was over come with emotion at being able to share this time with her, she has been the most amazing support and friend my entire pregnancy, to see her was very exciting and I handed Jeremiah over. In to the room came a very excited Eliza and my sister more tears of joy!
More cuddles from everyone and shock and disbelief I was OK and not dying!
Eliza climbed up onto the bed and met her brother for the first time she said “Mya came out!” She fully understood and gave him a kiss, it was at this point he started to cry so I decided to try and latch him on, this was a concern of mine as Eliza is still breastfed, he went on like a pro and Eliza was fine about it all.
So all in all I had the most amazing experience. It couldn’t of gone better it was all I could of hoped for and more. I had a great team of DR’s and support network around me.
I came home after 2 days in the hospital the DR’s were amazed at my mobility and recovery.
I am in no way disappointed about not having a HBAC I was worried I would be but I’m not. My son was born in a respectful manner in a controlled environment where my wishes were carried out. I am thrilled.
Welcome Jeremiah Jacob!
11th June 2008
16.27
Weight: 10lbs 1oz
From the day I found out I was pregnant; I started to plan my Home-birth. Not just any home-birth a Home-birth after Caesarean otherwise known as a HBAC. After my initial appt at the hospital I explained that I was planning a HBAC the booking appointment midwife said it would be unlikely I would be given permission to birth at home due to my previous caesarean and the fact I had also torn and had a post partum haemorrhage. I was very determined not to be pushed into a hospital birth and get what I wanted for my baby and myself. I sought help from an organization call AIMS and found a support group online, the women I met here had been through what I had and with their experience and knowledge I started on my mission to get my rights to birth at home satisfied. I wrote to the prime minister, I wrote to the Chief exec of the hospital, I wrote to the supervisor of midwifes. I got replies from them all bar the Chief Execs!
I got my right to HBAC and support from the community midwifes. Each visit was met with the same “but you had a Emergency section last time and a bleed” every visit was met with an anxious me and the determined me,
Quite often at the end of a visit the midwifes would compliment me on my knowledge of facts and the strength to fight for my rights, saying most women back down or just don’t even bother to attempt to go for thier rights out of pure fear of rejection. I was always so proud that I was getting closer to my hopes and dreams of my HBAC
As my due date approached I grew anxious he would be late adding pressure to the already delicate situation. At 40 weeks the midwife came and announced I was now at term and still pregnant I pointed out pregnancy actually can go to 42 weeks, all the while thinking I am so not going to be one of those women!
She offered me a stretch and sweep I declined I was only just 40 weeks although according to my dates I was 41 weeks the temptation to get one was huge I was very uncomfortable and in pain daily. I had been in pre-labour for about 3-4 weeks and desperately wanted to give birth, yet wanted it to be natural and not mess with nature. She arranged for me to have a post date scan for 10 days post EDD I was OK with this as I was certain he would be born before then.
After much thought I decided that I would rather let nature take it’s course and after speaking to the midwife she said that the appt would also be to arrange my “elective c/section” that scared me and I said “but I don’t want a c/section, I haven’t fought for this long and waited to have an “elective”. SO I cancelled the appt and decided if I was still pregnant at 42 weeks I would get a scan then, but I was still going to wait regardless, I would only book a c/section if the placenta was deteriorating or the baby was in stress.
At about 11 days post dates I had a huge breakdown and cried my eyes out to my husband claiming I couldn’t take any more and that I wanted an elective I couldn’t take being in pain and having so many false starts it was starting to affect me mentally and my body was tired. He calmed me down and reassured me I was doing just great and presently not in the right frame of mind to make a choice of what was going to happen with that he sent me off to bed to sleep and think about it the next day,
12 days post dates The next day I rang the midwifes and asked them to come and visit me, I arranged it for a Sunday so my husband could be there I had no fight left in me and knew if they were pushy I would give in. The midwife that came was very nice she did push for another stretch and sweep but again I declined. I explained to her I didn’t want to be induced and have a failed labour and another emergency section and if it came to that I was booking an elective she was quite shocked but wrote it down anyway. I agreed to a scan for 14 days post dates.
14 days post dates and the day of the scan I decided I was going to book an elective c/section and aim for the most positive out come I could aim for a maternal assisted c section. I went along to the scan with my closest friend and Eliza for support. I was checked out and it was decided I would return to the hospital the next morning at 8am and my caesarean would be carried out that day. I was thrilled to be honest as I was in control as much as I could be anyway.
Wednesday 11 June
With my bags packed and a few nerves DH Eliza and myself got into a taxi and headed off to the hospital we arrived at 8am. We checked in and waited my friend J turned up she was there to be a support person for Eliza who we still wanted to be involved as much as possible. My sister turned up at 11ish and was also there to help with Eliza and to be there for the birth.
We all went to a café where everyone enjoyed a drink except me as I had to fast for surgery. We headed back and were told that my op would be at 2pm so we headed to our room. J and my sister and Eliza weren’t allowed in to the ward at this point so they took Eliza for a walk and a sleep and DH and I went and spent the last couple of hours on our own. We reflected on our journey so far and were both really at peace at our choice to have the c/section. At 3pm they called for me to go to theatre. Off we went in true glamour style of theatre gowns and support stockings.
Upon arrival at the OR the anaesthetist came and spoke with us at great length, she explained she the whole epidural spinal procedures, she provided statistics on the dangers she said of course they are there and they happen. I actually started to feel more fear then I did! I ran through some questions I had and explained what I wanted to happen in regards to an emergency.
I showed her my birth plan I really wanted a maternal assisted c/section and although I knew not everything was possible I knew most of what I wanted could be accomplished. She agreed the only compromise was handing him to me over the sterile field I was fine about that not happening as long as he came to me before anything else was done.
I was sat up on the table for the epidural. I zoned right out and breathed deeply I focused on a tree in my mind and away she went explaining every step and what sensations I might feel I talked through them as it happened and it was done. They lay me down and waited a few mins then they did the cold test to see how numb I was, all was good and they set to work.
Within a few minutes I started to feel nauseous and memories of Eliza being born and the nausea was indicative of my hemorrhage I spoke up and said I felt sick and to give me maxolon now! She waited and said it might make me feel more sick after a few minutes I said “I’m going to die” in my mind and I spoke up again and asked for maxolon they gave it to me.
I once again zoned out DH was stroking my hair and I heard him say, “did you hear that!” I didn’t respond but I had heard a slight screaming baby sound so I opened my eyes, the had already dropped the screen down and were pulling him out his head was out I could just see it, the screaming got more evident and he was making his arrival known and with a final pull he was out and held straight up to me to meet him, he peed immediately and I was extremely lucky not to get a face full! I got told, “that’s what you get when you ask to see your son being born!”
They clamped his cord and took him off to be dried, then wrapped a warm blanket around him, the nurse took my gown down so I was fully exposed and they handed him to me un-wrapping him so he got skin to skin contact he was so warm! I started to talk to him and he calmed down I was so emotional I could barely talk and could not stop looking at him he felt so tiny in my arms DH was right there beaming away as they congratulated us. After about 5 mins it started to get awkward holding him so I said for DH to take him, which he did I asked that he got weighed at that point and dressed. Off they went. I closed my eyes and was just thrilled with how things had gone so far.
I then heard the nurses and DR’s talking about his weight and how they thought he was huge but not that huge, I asked how big he was “10lbs 1oz” the porter said, I was thinking no way, there is no way I was carrying a baby that darn huge! I asked again same answer, DH came back and handed him back to me, I asked him what does he weigh? He said the same thing! I couldn’t believe it, It was quite hard holding him laying down so he went back to his daddy within 10 mins I was all sewn up and ready to go to recovery.
They got me into a bed and gave me my baby and said “no need for you to go to recovery everything went so well, so we shall just take you to a private room to enjoy him”
WOW no recovery I was OK I didn’t nearly die, I had the most amazing caesarean and I was going to a private room to be with my new born son and to meet back up with my family and friend I said “really my family can come in now 40 mins after he has been born”!
DH went off to collect Eliza, my sister and friend.
My friend J walked in the room, I was over come with emotion at being able to share this time with her, she has been the most amazing support and friend my entire pregnancy, to see her was very exciting and I handed Jeremiah over. In to the room came a very excited Eliza and my sister more tears of joy!
More cuddles from everyone and shock and disbelief I was OK and not dying!
Eliza climbed up onto the bed and met her brother for the first time she said “Mya came out!” She fully understood and gave him a kiss, it was at this point he started to cry so I decided to try and latch him on, this was a concern of mine as Eliza is still breastfed, he went on like a pro and Eliza was fine about it all.
So all in all I had the most amazing experience. It couldn’t of gone better it was all I could of hoped for and more. I had a great team of DR’s and support network around me.
I came home after 2 days in the hospital the DR’s were amazed at my mobility and recovery.
I am in no way disappointed about not having a HBAC I was worried I would be but I’m not. My son was born in a respectful manner in a controlled environment where my wishes were carried out. I am thrilled.
Welcome Jeremiah Jacob!