first thoughts

[my_lot]

i was just thinking back to the birth...as you do! to the things i was thinking and feeling at the time..

as you all know, cos i dont shut up about it!, ive had two v/births , a c-sect birth and now a VBAC..
during our time together here in the last 9 months ive read many posts from women wanting c-sect births...at first i thought why on earth would you want that!? then i came to see that this want to someone else was like my want for a vbac- its just a different way to enter the world -we still all stand together in our want for a healthy baby. (a big thankyou to icugal for opening my eyes to this)

and if id known that, had heard the thoughts and feelings from women who had wanted a c-sect and/or had a c-sect and been happy with this, before i had mine i would not have felt like id failed at "giving" birth and if id heard about women not being happy with their c-sect id have spoken out about my feelings rather than just kept it to myself.

so back to thoughts during the birth..

with my first i didnt really know that the final stage was the final stage with my first so i was quite shocked at the moment she slid out and it was over! whereas this time i knew the feeling and my thoughts were so different (ie: "thankgod its nearly over ill just push as hard as i can and it will be over soon") and with the c-sect i never expected to "feel" tugging and my thoughts were "what on earth are they doing!"


SO... id really like to hear what everyone elses first thoughts were during their labour birth and first moments with their baby. what you were thinking but never said outloud (or maybe you did?) what was going through your head...please copy paste and share with us.


thoughts during-


*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage-

*seeing your baby for the first time-

*hearing the first cry-

*the cord being cut-

*holdng your baby for the first time-

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth-

*the first time your other child/children saw the new baby-


*first feed, first bath, first car ride, first night at home...

feel free to add any others! or post one for all your births.

[NoMoreScuba]

Great idea for a threat my_lot...nice to put these thoughts down while it's still fresh.


*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage-

I didn't find the contractions too bad to be honest, right until the end. Once the urge to push started however I found that a really scary feeling. So out of control. I was partly crying as I was pushing, and trying very hard not to scream and waste energy. The midwives were brilliant and telling me I could push harder/longer, that it was all ok and natural. It just felt like something was wrong. When his head was crowning I was beginning to lose it, and the midwife just said "Do you want to feel your baby's head?". Touching his head as he crowned was for me the best bit of the labour, it was so intense, and so great to know the worst bit was nearly over. One more push and i'd done it. Such an enormous sense of achievement and disbelief.


*seeing your baby for the first time-


I couldn't believe he could fit in my stomach, he looked way too big! I thought he was very beautiful.


*hearing the first cry-

Relief, he was a bit blue from having the cord around his neck; hearing him cry was magic.


*the cord being cut-

DF had said all along that he didn't want to do it, which I completed understood and respected. When it came to it though he was dead keen to cut it and I was SO happy for him. He was brilliant.


*holdng your baby for the first time-

It was weird because it didn't feel weird, if you get what I mean. It felt so natural.



*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth-

I was scared that he was traumatised. I had ignored him through the vast majority of my labour as I was so deeply internalised, and it was only afterwards that I worried about how he was feeling about everything. He took the time to assure me everything was good, and told me how amazing the experience had been for him. Especially watching the midwives cleaning up my poo and wiping my bum. He found it hilarious!!! Boys will be boys...


*the first time your other child/children saw the new baby-

Not applicable to me, but seeing my parent's reaction was very emotional indeed. LOTS of tears all round, except from Charlie!



*first feed, first bath, first car ride, first night at home...

First feed - he wasn't interested. A couple of hours later though he got used to the idea and it was a very satisfying feeling having him suckle. I had thought it might feel a bit too strange.

First bath - terrifying. In fact, we're now on the 4th or 5th bath and I still haven't quite got round to relaxing with this yet...

First car ride - he was fast asleep, and both DF and I were crying as we left the hospital. Surprisingly emotional.

First night at home - he was pretty good. I just loved coming home, I was surprised how relaxed I was.

Wow, sorry for the long post. There's a million more things running through my brain as well...things like

First night in the hospital - when DF and my parent's left I cried. It wasn't just because I was tired and emotional, I was actually SCARED of being left alone with the baby. That feeling lasted 3 nights. The last night at the hospital I felt more in control of things.

First time you wake up to a baby (your baby!) crying - I sat so bolt upright in bed, it was like I'd been shot!

First morning in hospital - I woke up with a real 'boxing day' feeling - when you wake up and remember all the great presents you got the day before - boxing day on a HUGE scale!!! I also had an enormous sense of achievement after getting the birth I had wanted and everything going so well.

Anyway, I'm going to stop now. If I think of anything else I'll post again...

[juzzy]

good thread cause i have had so many thoughts since the birth of Cassidy and havent had a chance to let it all out yet!


*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage- as bad as it is initially i was disappointed that i ended up having a c section, even though i know that it was in the best interest of both myself and Cassidy so when she was finally lifted out of me, i felt like a bit of a failure as i had wanted to deliver naturally.

*seeing your baby for the first time- having said everything i said above, i was so relieved that she was ok, especially since knowing that her heart rate was dropping during labour.

*hearing the first cry- Cassidy didnt cry at birth! I didnt actually hear Cassidy cry until later that night when she was due for a feed, even then she didnt cry very much!

*the cord being cut- i didnt even know that this was happening which was kinda disappointing. DP saw it all happen, but i was losing blood and everything after the c sect so i didnt know they were cutting the cord

*holdng your baby for the first time- i didnt get to hold Cassidy immeadiatly after birth either, the epidural had an effect on my arms as well so i couldnt move very well. I held her later when i was transferred to the ward and it was again good to know that she was alright and a bit of disbelief that she was finally here. DP actually got to have the first hold

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth- DP was totally in awe after everything that had happened during labour and the amount of pain i had been through, so the actual birth was totally amazing for him even tho it was a c sect. He has since said that hes incredibly proud of me and cant believe that i went through all of that.

*first feed, first bath, first car ride, first night at home... her first feed was great, she watched me the whole time, her little blue eyes totally transfixed on me. It was lovely. Yes it hurt a bit but felt great at the same time.
Her first bath DP had to do, i was having trouble getting around, but i was there for it. She didnt cry and loved being in the water.
First car ride was coming home from hospital, she looked so tiny in her car seat and once again didnt cr, just fell asleep.
First night at home i didnt sleep at all, i was more concerned about her and how she was sleeping. i just wanted to watch her all night long!

All in all i was a bit disappointed with the way things worked out, i never imagined myself having a c section or anything like that. In a way i feel like i have failed but at the end of the day as long as we are both healthy and happy i dont have anything to complain about really.

[my_lot]

*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage-

i remember being very aware of what was going on this time.. though i didnt think about the c-sect scar or the fact that it was a vbac once during this stage of labour- just the fact that the head was crowning and it hurt a hell of alot more than my other 2 v/births. the "i did it" feelings came alot later on in the day!
i was watching the clock at each (pushing) contraction and thinking that they were not one on top of the other like id expected and at one point i thought if they were not coming a min apart i should make the most of it and have a sleep!... when the head was crowning i kept thinking it was nearly over and i should just push as hard as i could and it would be over...and i was running through that line with every contraction... and i did keep telling dp that it REALLY hurt! when his head was out and i was waiting for the body to come out i was thinking that he must be HUGE as this was the most pain i had every felt during my four births

*seeing your baby for the first time-

i was thinking oh jeez hes very white and i was expecting him to be alot bigger.


*hearing the first cry-
funny, this wasnt so important to me as knowing that he was breathing on his own.

*the cord being cut-
dp had said from early on that he didnt really want to cut the cord and dd8 really wanted to..i didnt know if she would go through with it or not so when she did i was very proud of her and seeing dp holding her hand was very special.

*holdng your baby for the first time-
when he was lifted onto my chest i was in shock..he was warm and wet and white and he was in my arms!...the first thing i said was "oh my God im holding him! i really am holding him and hes breathing! hes breathing!" . i just thought he was perfect. an hour after the birth i was still holding him skin to skin and i was watching his little face thinking no one was going to walk out with him, give him oxygen, put him in a box! blood test him til his veins collapse ect ect ect he was alive and healthy and he was all mine!

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth-
right after the birth- i only looked at him after id told my mother that the baby was breathing! (she had watched the birth and was standing on the other side of the bed. lol but she had also seen the last two births where it wasnt as happy a time)
dp had his face against mine as we looked at our new son and i whispered to him that he was breathing... and he was prefect- he kissed me and kissed our baby and said "i know" he was crying and i knew he was thinking just the same thing. (they then checked me for tearing and the pain hit me all over again and i said to dp "that hurt so bad and i dont want anymore!" :laughing: )

*the first time your other child/children saw the new baby-
dd8 watched the birth and i felt so happy for her when i saw her face as she looked at her brother right after he was born.i thought it was something she will walk through life with and how special it was that i had been able to share this birth with her. dd10 saw him right after school that day. i was in the shower when my friends came in with her so i came out to the lounge room to see her baby gazing..it was the sweetest thing. i felt very proud of her for making a decision that was best for her, she didnt want to watch the birth, and it had worked out just fineshe was in love with her little brother! she suddenly seemed so grown up- my first born holding my hours old baby.

i picked up ds later that afternoon and had left the baby in dp arm while he was still half asleep. ds4 went straight into our room and climbed over dps shoulder and looked down at his new baby brother and gently touched his face...i was thinking oh my three boys all together. i could see how happy ds was and was thinking jeez i hope it stays this way and he doesnt get jealous... ds then said "is he really a boy mum? does he really got a doodle?"


*first feed, first bath, first car ride, first night at home...

first bath- we did that when he was one week old. dp bathed him while the kids took pics and video of it. im not over fussed about the bathing. i had a shower with him when he was 3 days old- this is much more special to me. its just us and he was so relaxed. i loved the look on his face as the water came down on his body...i held him on my shoulder and looked at him in the mirror from the rolls around his neck to the wrinkles at his toosh and the amazement that i gave him life and he is ours.



first feed was right after he was born. i wasnt going to but the midwife just kindof moved his face and he latched on! it felt strange, didnt hurt and was so soon after the birth..

first car ride- dp had to go home to get the carseat! then he put it in wrong so i had to fix it in the carpark! then i put the baby in and he threw up all over himself while we were still in the carpark! that first drive was a very emotional time for me. i couldnt get my head around it that theyd LET me take him home! i remember thinking that the nurses at the hospital hadnt even seen me change a nappy or him have another feed! how were they so sure i could look after him and that he could feed ok! such stupid things to think of now looking back on it! guess i was just still in premmie mode! and i soon found out that i was in premmie mode when buying clothes for this baby too- everything was too small!

first night at home- i was a little scared about having him at home. (dd2 had stopped breathing her first night home and was rushed back to hospital in an ambo) dp knew i was worried and we took the baby out for a walk after grandma and the kids had gone to bed. it was nice just being us and chatting away about the baby..


sometime later that first night dp stopped me mid walk, kissed me and thanked me for giving him a wonderful new son and i stood there thinking oh my God i just gave birth this morning- i really did it i had a v/birth! i felt very proud of my body for keeping him in so long and then having the v/birth...and sad that my pregnancy was now over.

[LMenz]

Great idea my_lot :thumbsup:

Here goes....

*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage- Weird feeling as he was a forceps delivery. I could feel the forceps around his head and as he was born very quickly it was such a being "pulled out feeling" but it did feel wonderful that he was finally out. My DH said my tum dissappered before his eyes

*seeing your baby for the first time- Quiet speechless, relief as he was in a bit of trouble. I remember checking to make sure he was a boy. Not as emotional as I'd imagined it to be......this came the day we came home. I think both DH and myself had had time to process the birth and just couldn't believe how amazing and beautiful Jack was and how much love we already had for him

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u299/lmenz/IMG_0993.jpg

*hearing the first cry- Relief

*the cord being cut- OB had to do it as it was wrapped around Jack's neck. A bit dissapointing for my DH as he really would have liked to

*holdng your baby for the first time- wonderful, relieved, stunned, amazed...such a mix of almost every emotion. I didn't cry which I was surprised at...I just couldn't believe he was finally here

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth- I think my DH was stunned a bit....he saw a lot more of what happened to me than I did (epidural, episiotomy, blood loss) He didn't touch Jack for a while. We were both so exhausted after such a long labour...terrible to say but we both just wanted to go to sleep :o

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u299/lmenz/IMG_1002.jpg

*first feed, first bath, first car ride, first night at home... First feed was traumatic...I had an awful time in the hospital. The midwives idea of breastfeeding was to grab my boob and grab bubs head and shove them together - Very upsetting to both of us!! Jack wasn't able to suckle properly for the fist two days so most of the time he was being spoon fed colostrum. Once we got home we worked it all out together and he is now feeding and sucking well (too well sometimes).

First car ride was fun....I couldn't quiet believe they let us leave the hospital with a baby. I felt so proud when we walked out he doors of the hospital....people on the street were looking and smiling. It was really lovely. Jack slept the whole way home. He looked so cute and small in his car seat.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u299/lmenz/IMG_1026.jpg

First night home was great...I was so happy to be home (we left hospital a day early....horrid midwives) So glad to be back in our bed. I felt like I needed to be close to my DH. Jack was very well behaved. I wasn't scared at all.

First bath was done by DH in the hospital... Jack didn't enjoy it too much but it was lovely to see my DH with him. He just loves him so much....... Now were home and more relaxed Jack loves a bath.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u299/lmenz/IMG_1019.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u299/lmenz/IMG_1024.jpg

[CJandMum]

*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage-
I couldn't really see this part... I had drapes in front of my face for the c-section. The doctor had asked me if I would like to watch the entire operation (being and RN I've seen a few c-sections) but it's different when it's yourself. I didn't want to watch myself being cut open. I felt that I wouldn't recover from seeing it. I don't regret it but DH didn't turn on the camera when she was coming out.. only when she was being held up.. so I missed out on her head being lifted from my abdomen.. :thumbsdown: That's ok, DH said, next one he'll know better! haha

*seeing your baby for the first time-
I couldn't believe that she had just come out of me! I don't really remember much actually. I was in complete shock and disbelief that she was mine. Even though I had a planned c-section, it was so surreal! I have watched my birth video more than 100 times and I still can't believe it.

*hearing the first cry-
She definately came out crying. I knew that everything was ok even though she did need a little oxygen after the birth. I didn't believe that she was real until I heard her little voice for the first time.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/grek_ts/DSCN1321.jpg

*the cord being cut-
The doctor did that part but Shane got to cut the rest. I don't really know his feelings about it but he couldn't wipe the smile from his face.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/grek_ts/CJsCord.jpg


*holdng your baby for the first time-
This was an akward moment because she was placed on my chest for the first time all wrapped up in the hopsy blanket. I felt like I was going to drop her because I was still in theatre.. luckily Shane was there to hold her with me. I loved her from the time I set my eyes on her! Although she looks just like her daddy..haha.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/grek_ts/CJDalupan.jpg

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth-
This is forever marked in time by the video because you can hear his reaction on the video.. 'oh my god, oh my god'...lol. It was beautiful

*the first time your other child/children saw the new baby-
She's our only child so far.. but not for long!

*first feed
It was a great feeling feeding her for the first time. Although I was still numb from my spinal so I didn't really feel a thing. After the effects wore off, I saw the damage she had done to my nipples. She nearly ate them to bits. The midwife I had didn't have children and she kept telling me that Charlotte was on correctly, etc. but after a day it was obvious that she wasn't. It was very traumatic and I have yet to recover from my sore bleeding nipple experience. On day three I pumped for two hours overnight to help with the let down of my sore swollen hard boobs. And with bleeding cracked nipples, it wasn't a nice experience. I want to cry just thinking about how horrified I was at the time. I'm so hesitant to put her back on the breast but I'm slowly getting her back on, at least during the day and bottle feeding at night.

*first night as a mum
It was rough! I spent half the night with the RMO because my blood pressure went down to 70/39 overnight. I wasn't able to see the bub all night all because of it. I didn't sleep a wink.

*first bath
Hubby bathed her for the first time, he was a natural. (then again he'd bathed plenty of babies as an RN who works in a paediatric ward..:laughing:)
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/grek_ts/DSCN1340.jpg

*first car ride
I felt like I was stealing something!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/grek_ts/DSCN1377.jpg

*first night at home
I got much better sleep in my own bed than I did in the four nights in the hospital. It was a wonderful feeling to finally see the cot actually have a baby in it after all that time being empty and to put her in her own night clothes for the first time was wonderful. Waking up as a mum in my own home was a great feeling!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n65/grek_ts/OurBub006.jpg

[icugal]

Timeline of events

29/01/07
ARM at 9:15am
Syntocinon at 9:30am
2cms dilated at 2pm
Epidural at 4pm
4cms dilated 7:30pm
Fully dliated 10:30pm


30/01/07
Kaelan born via caesar at 12:08am

*the Labour
With the inductiion, I was monitored from go to whoa, so I wasn't able to move around at all. I know most girls hate the thought of this... but I loved it. I loved being able to watch the baby's heart rate and watch the figures as the contractions hit. It kept me rather entertained for most of the day.

I was very suprised that the contractions weren't as painful as I was expecting... infact I've had some period pains that have been as bad/worse over the years. They were starting to get a bit ouchy later in the afternoon, which is when I said to midwife that I would *consider* getting the epidural soon-ish. Suprisingly, the anaesthetist rocked up about 5 minutes later to do it. Even though I think I could have gone much longer without the epi, I figured I'd better get it done whilst the anaesthetist was actually available.

I don't know how to describe what I'm about to type... but when I look back, one of my most favourite things were the contractions that I had whilst I was getting the epi put in. The syntocinon was at maximum rate (and had been for hours), the contractions quite painful and literally on top of one another... but I felt fantastic... it was like... I don't know... I was so proud of myself that I had gone 7 hours without any pain relief at all. And even though I was in pain... it was such GOOD pain. Really, I'm so lost for words to describe this.

When they finally decided that I was to have a caesar, I was sincerely disappointed that my best friend Belinda (who'd been with me all day) wouldn't get to witness the birth that I'd promised her. And yet, on the inside I was secretly jumping with joy (and relief) that I wouldn't have to push !!


*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage-

Ok, so I was excited to get my caesar.. but once I got onto the operating table and saw those big lights above my head... I have to admit, I completely freaked out (only my DF knows this). I became very tachycardic and hypertensive (my BP was about 200/120) and they ended up having to give me medication to try to improve my vital signs.

Because my epidural had been so lop-sided during my labour, I was absolutely petrified that I was going to be able to feel them cut into me.. and I think that's why I got a bit stressed.

Kaelan was well and truly wedged, so I very much felt all the pressure as they were trying to "reverse birth" him (they had to pull him backwards through the cervix). Whilst it wasn't pain per se, what I felt was so uncomfortable, I literally felt like my pelvis was about to be crushed. (DF just told me now that from he could see, they were "brutal" in extracting my son from my uterus)

*seeing your baby for the first time-

When they finally got him out, they held him up by the feet, but they didn't drop the screen low enough, so all I could see were two purple legs and a willy (so I knew it was a boy). It was until probably 5-10 minutes later that I saw his face. I remember the first thing I said was "Oh, my god... he's so cute !!"

*hearing the first cry-

I got a little warning that he was about to be pulled out then I heard the cry and remember thinking... "Oooh... that must be my baby !!"


*the cord being cut-

Being a caesar, they initially cut the cord to seperate Kaelan from me, but they left it long enough, so that DF could cut it again (as a token gesture) once he'd been checked out by the doctors.

*holdng your baby for the first time-

He was briefly given to me for a photo op before being quickly whisked away to Special Care. Then after I'd been to Recovery, the wheeled me up to Special Care in the bed so that I could hold him again before I was taken to the ward. So I didn't see much of him for the first 10 hours.

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth-

I didn't really see DF's reaction. He was with bubs from the moment he was lifted out of my tummy.. but I know that DF was proud as punch :)



I know I probably make the caesar sound like such a bad experience... but it really was fantastic, and I look forward to the next one.

I'm sorry that this was so long, and I may even continue with more thoughts at some stage.

(BTW, photos of the above are on Kaelans site)

[Roopee]

Hmmm, i will try to do it for all the kidsif it'll fit.
*the Labour
DS6- went to hospy because i was bleeding quite heavily. When i arrived they put me on the monitors to see if i was contracting and yes, i was but very mildly. They told me to go home and wait it out. By chance another midwife came in and said she wanted to examine me before i went. She did an internal and found i was 7 cms dilated:eek:. I went straight to the birth suite.

DS4- No doubt whatsoever that i was in labour. The contractions were nearly killing me and very close together..
DD2- Got to the hospy while i was having mild contractions but had been told to get there as soon as i thought something was happening a my other labours were fast. The contractions were regular but mild, when i got there she told me that i would be there a while as i was only 5cms. She was born 15mins later. Midwife was shocked but not as shocked as me.
DD-cody- Again i was warned to get there quick so i went thinking they would send me home as my contractions were weak and irregular. I knew they were BH though but still thught i would be in for the long haul. The contractions never got intense at all so the midwife didnt class me in established labour till 24 mins before bubs was born. I remember thinking- god, im never doing this again, its bl00dy ridiculous LOL.


*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage-
DS6 (9pd-4oz)- i can honestly say i didnt make a sound and i didnt think it hurt at all. I know this will sound silly but i just couldnt feel it and i'd had no drugs. I remember feeling a huge sense of physical relief though when he came out- like i could finally breathe. No stitches.
DS4(8pd 12oz)- I was screaming like a banshee, again i'd had no pain relief. It hurt sooooo much and i literally begged Peter to take me outside and shoot me. I wanted to die. BUT in the meantime i was also watching footage from the Bali Bombings on Tv. I was transfixed by it and couldnt believe something so horrific was gong on while i was about to give birth. Again, no stitches.
DD2(7pd 12oz)- Well this one hurt too. I'd not been in labour long (total of 48mins) and i couldnt believe i was at the pushing stage so soon. I remember whispering to DH "i wanna go- lets sneak out and i'll come back tomorrow and do it- really cant be bothered". That ring of fire was intense and not something i wanted to experience again. I started begging for drugs but i'd left it too late and couldnt have any.
DD Cody(7pd 6oz)- I was a bit shocked again to be going thru another quick one. One minute, im sitting on the end of the bed thinking how lucky DH was to be snoring and looking at the clock, it was 5 am) and the next i threw a wet face washer at DH to tell to get the midwife coz i wanted to push. I was about to be told to go home as my labour hadnt really progressed, contractions were still weak and irregular and i hadnt had any pain relief.. The midwife flew in and freaked coz she hadnt given me an internal yet and no one had any idea how far along i was. She quickly called to OB who i was asked to wait for:rolleyes: . As soon as he arrived, he had to break my waters as she wasnt engaged. As soon as he did though i pushed once and she literally flew out.Total time elapsed-24mins. No stitches again.
*seeing your baby for the first time-
DS6- I couldnt believe he was ours. I was in total awe of what my body had done and i just felt this amazing affinity with our baby.
DS4- Again that awe but i ws also so proud of myself for bringing 2 boys into the world. I was also in a bit of shock for the quick birth. I remeber looking at him and saying how much he looked like his brother, it was like having the same baby twice.
DD2- Ahhhh so happy to have a little girl. I couldn't believe that i could be so fortunate to finally get a little girl. She looked just like the boys but was alot smaller. It all went wrong from there though as she stopped breathing for about 1.5mins and it all got very scary.
DD Cody Well, i was absolutley stunned to hear her cry before she was fully out. I was bawling and saying she's crying she's crying (DD1 never did that). She looks exactly like her siblings and i just felt like i now had the perfect family for us and that she was soooo cute.
hearing the first cry-
DS1- I was relieved but i was also a bit distant from it all? I remeber thinking "omg what is that noise, oh, yeah thats right"
DS2-I went into shock pretty quick after the birth. I asked if he was ok and then just layed back thinking "what the h3ll just happened"
DD1- Because she didnt cry for so long i was hugely relieved and just started crying and crying, these great racking sobs of relief. I had thought my baby was going to die so to hear that noise was the greatest sound in the world.
DD2- Because of what had happened to DD1 i was worried and to hear her cry before she was properly out was amazing for me. It was like a sign that everything was going to be ok.
*the cord being cut- This will sound terrible but i didnt notice any of that, i was too wrapped up in my baby to notice anything else. It was like everything that happened after that moment was irrelevent.

*holdng your baby for the first time-
DS1- "umm what do i do with him?"
DS2- so this is what its meant to feel like
DD1- Thank god for that. I was so glad to be holding her i dont think i put her down for days.
DD2- Looking into her eyes was truely amazing. She was so alert from birth that we just layed there staring at each other. I didnt want to let her go and i still sometimes will just walk around the house with her in my arms or sit down and hold her to me so i can feel her warmth. When people ask me if they can nurse her, if i have her in my arms at that time, i really dont want to give her over to anyone. I know this is selfish but shes the last baby im going to have so i feel like i need to really savour it.

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth-
This applies to all of my babies. I will never, as long as i live, forget the look of pure love and adoration my DH has given me after the births of our babies. Its like he is in total awe of me and my body if that makes sense. In all our time together i never feel as close to my DH as i do in those first few hours after giving birth.
*first feed
DS1- this was pure hell and it went downhill from there. I tried to do it but i just couldnt. It was awful and i truley think that had i of carried trying to BF any longer i would have ended up with severe issues. Never have i experienced such feelings of inadequacy and pain.
Others- i was FF so it was pretty nice to be able to look them in the eye and know that i didnt have to do BF again.
*first night as a mum- I was petrified and lonely. I was in a hospital far from home and i flt like i was the only woman to ever feel like that. I didnt want my DH to leave me. I felt like i was inadequate( horrid midwifes) and horrible. I was totally in love with my baby but i didnt know how to look after him.
*first bath- I couldnt believe a little baby could cry so loud! Mine detested the water till they were about a week old so bathtime was not the promised relax time at our house.
*first car ride- I couldnt believe i was aloowed to leave with any of them, i too felt like i was stealing something. I expected a strong hand on my shoulder at any moment.
*first night at home- I was so excited to get home and sleep n my own bed again. All i wanted to do was get into bed and snuggle with DH. I was relaxed but a little aprehensive at the same time.
*the first time your other child/children saw the new baby-
DS2- Cooper wasnt quite 2 so he looked at the baby as if to say " who owns that". He was really good with him though and loved him from the start.
DD1 and DD2- Both of the boys looked her like she was gold. There little faces were so happy and eyes so wide- they couldnt believe they had a sister and too this day still call her "princess". Watching their first looks at her brung tears to my eyes. They were the same with Cody and DD1 loves DD2 to bits. Always walking up to her with her arm outstretched saying "my turn my turn". Its a beautful thing to watch siblings see each other for the first time, i dont thin there is anything that could describe it.

[Roopee]

Hmmm, i will try to do it for all the kidsif it'll fit.
*the Labour
DS1- went to hospy because i was bleeding quite heavily. When i arrived they put me on the monitors to see if i was contracting and yes, i was but very mildly. They told me to go home and wait it out. By chance another midwife came in and said she wanted to examine me before i went. She did an internal and found i was 7 cms dilated:eek:. I went straight to the birth suite.

DS2- No doubt whatsoever that i was in labour. The contractions were nearly killing me and very close together..
DD1- Got to the hospy while i was having mild contractions but had been told to get there as soon as i thought something was happening a my other labours were fast. The contractions were regular but mild, when i got there she told me that i would be there a while as i was only 5cms. She was born 15mins later. Midwife was shocked but not as shocked as me.
DD2- Again i was warned to get there quick so i went thinking they would send me home as my contractions were weak and irregular. I knew they were BH though but still thught i would be in for the long haul. The contractions never got intense at all so the midwife didnt class me in established labour till 24 mins before bubs was born. I remember thinking- god, im never doing this again, its bl00dy ridiculous LOL.


*the final part of the birth ~ the push/ head crowning or being lifted out stage-
DS1 (9pd-4oz)- i can honestly say i didnt make a sound and i didnt think it hurt at all. I know this will sound silly but i just couldnt feel it and i'd had no drugs. I remember feeling a huge sense of physical relief though when he came out- like i could finally breathe. No stitches.
DS2(8pd 12oz)- I was screaming like a banshee, again i'd had no pain relief. It hurt sooooo much and i literally begged Peter to take me outside and shoot me. I wanted to die. BUT in the meantime i was also watching footage from the Bali Bombings on Tv. I was transfixed by it and couldnt believe something so horrific was gong on while i was about to give birth. Again, no stitches.
DD1(7pd 12oz)- Well this one hurt too. I'd not been in labour long (total of 48mins) and i couldnt believe i was at the pushing stage so soon. I remember whispering to DH "i wanna go- lets sneak out and i'll come back tomorrow and do it- really cant be bothered". That ring of fire was intense and not something i wanted to experience again. I started begging for drugs but i'd left it too late and couldnt have any.
DD2(7pd 6oz)- I was a bit shocked again to be going thru another quick one. One minute, im sitting on the end of the bed thinking how lucky DH was to be snoring and looking at the clock, it was 5 am) and the next i threw a wet face washer at DH to tell to get the midwife coz i wanted to push. I was about to be told to go home as my labour hadnt really progressed, contractions were still weak and irregular and i hadnt had any pain relief.. The midwife flew in and freaked coz she hadnt given me an internal yet and no one had any idea how far along i was. She quickly called to OB who i was asked to wait for:rolleyes: . As soon as he arrived, he had to break my waters as she wasnt engaged. As soon as he did though i pushed once and she literally flew out.Total time elapsed-24mins. No stitches again.
*seeing your baby for the first time-
DS1- I couldnt believe he was ours. I was in total awe of what my body had done and i just felt this amazing affinity with our baby.
DS2- Again that awe but i ws also so proud of myself for bringing 2 boys into the world. I was also in a bit of shock for the quick birth. I remeber looking at him and saying how much he looked like his brother, it was like having the same baby twice.
DD1- Ahhhh so happy to have a little girl. I couldn't believe that i could be so fortunate to finally get a little girl. She looked just like the boys but was alot smaller. It all went wrong from there though as she stopped breathing for about 1.5mins and it all got very scary.
DD2 Well, i was absolutley stunned to hear her cry before she was fully out. I was bawling and saying she's crying she's crying (DD1 never did that). She looks exactly like her siblings and i just felt like i now had the perfect family for us and that she was soooo cute.
hearing the first cry-
DS1- I was relieved but i was also a bit distant from it all? I remeber thinking "omg what is that noise, oh, yeah thats right"
DS2-I went into shock pretty quick after the birth. I asked if he was ok and then just layed back thinking "what the h3ll just happened"
DD1- Because she didnt cry for so long i was hugely relieved and just started crying and crying, these great racking sobs of relief. I had thought my baby was going to die so to hear that noise was the greatest sound in the world.
DD2- Because of what had happened to DD1 i was worried and to hear her cry before she was properly out was amazing for me. It was like a sign that everything was going to be ok.
*the cord being cut- This will sound terrible but i didnt notice any of that, i was too wrapped up in my baby to notice anything else. It was like everything that happened after that moment was irrelevent.

*holdng your baby for the first time-
DS1- "umm what do i do with him?"
DS2- so this is what its meant to feel like
DD1- Thank god for that. I was so glad to be holding her i dont think i put her down for days.
DD2- Looking into her eyes was truely amazing. She was so alert from birth that we just layed there staring at each other. I didnt want to let her go and i still sometimes will just walk around the house with her in my arms or sit down and hold her to me so i can feel her warmth. When people ask me if they can nurse her, if i have her in my arms at that time, i really dont want to give her over to anyone. I know this is selfish but shes the last baby im going to have so i feel like i need to really savour it.

*seeing your partner/support persons reaction to the birth-
This applies to all of my babies. I will never, as long as i live, forget the look of pure love and adoration my DH has given me after the births of our babies. Its like he is in total awe of me and my body if that makes sense. In all our time together i never feel as close to my DH as i do in those first few hours after giving birth.
*first feed
DS1- this was pure hell and it went downhill from there. I tried to do it but i just couldnt. It was awful and i truley think that had i of carried trying to BF any longer i would have ended up with severe issues. Never have i experienced such feelings of inadequacy and pain.
Others- i was FF so it was pretty nice to be able to look them in the eye and know that i didnt have to do BF again.
*first night as a mum- I was petrified and lonely. I was in a hospital far from home and i flt like i was the only woman to ever feel like that. I didnt want my DH to leave me. I felt like i was inadequate( horrid midwifes) and horrible. I was totally in love with my baby but i didnt know how to look after him.
*first bath- I couldnt believe a little baby could cry so loud! Mine detested the water till they were about a week old so bathtime was not the promised relax time at our house.
*first car ride- I couldnt believe i was aloowed to leave with any of them, i too felt like i was stealing something. I expected a strong hand on my shoulder at any moment.
*first night at home- I was so excited to get home and sleep n my own bed again. All i wanted to do was get into bed and snuggle with DH. I was relaxed but a little aprehensive at the same time.
*the first time your other child/children saw the new baby-
DS2- Cooper wasnt quite 2 so he looked at the baby as if to say " who owns that". He was really good with him though and loved him from the start.
DD1 and DD2- Both of the boys looked her like she was gold. There little faces were so happy and eyes so wide- they couldnt believe they had a sister and too this day still call her "princess". Watching their first looks at her brung tears to my eyes. They were the same with Cody and DD1 loves DD2 to bits. Always walking up to her with her arm outstretched saying "my turn my turn". Its a beautful thing to watch siblings see each other for the first time, i dont thin there is anything that could describe it.