Birth Journal - I am 5 days away from giving birth for the 1st time...

[mummy2tristan]

...to my 2nd child.

I am the 31 year old mum of one very independent, self assured and loving 3 year old boy. I am currently 37 weeks and 3 days pregnant with my 2nd child - a daughter. On Friday I am having an elective c section and I am so excited that I am going to be giving birth for the first time! I am going to write a journal everyday - tracking my thoughts up to this amazing event.

Firstly, lets qualify a few things - to those 'anti c-section, there is no other way than VBAC' ladies. Yes - I am giving birth even though she is not coming out of the usual orifice.  I have plenty of reasons as to why I am having a c section - which are all my business but I'll happily tell you all about them in a PM should you be that desperate to know - that is not my point.

3 years ago I went into labour spontaneously at 37 weeks. The whole pregnancy had been traumatic and so I was relived when my waters broke and I knew I was on the final leg of my journey. After a long labour and complications, I had to have an emergency c section. My epidural failed and could not be re sighted and so I had to be put to sleep - there was not the time to keep faffing and trying - the baby needed out. An hour or so after being put under I awoke to this strange noise that the midwife told me was being made by my son, who was then given to me for a cuddle. The love I had felt during my pregnancy did not rush over me - it was already present; I had finally met my life time aim - to be a mummy. However, over the next few hours I wanted answers - what had been the first words he heard? Did he cry straight away? Who held him first? Who dressed him? Did he cry when he was being weighed? What did his dad say to him? How long was he cuddled for?.... and so the list went on. I'd missed the first hour of his life and it still now makes me sad.

On friday - I am hoping I will be awake. I won't be in labour (with some luck), there will be no rush - the epidural will be placed and if they want a million attempts then so be it - anything to achieve consciousness. I am nervous and excited at the same time too. When they make that first cut, gaps will close. When Madeleine is born, her brother will be too. I will piece together a jigsaw that has eluded me for 3 years - and I cannot wait!

[BuzyMamma]

Sep. 7, 2009 at 7:39 AM Would like to say best of luck on friday. I hope u get hold ur baby the min she comes out. God bless u, ur sound like a sweetheart. : - ).

[..Sarah..]

Sep. 7, 2009 at 8:58 AM

I'm so happy for you Sophie!!!  Looking forward to seeing pics of your new one. :)

[little.knickers]

Sep. 7, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Best of luck to you and hope it goes spiffingly! Look forward to seeing pics of your little lady :o)

Im sorry you had a hard time first time around, but glad you are looking forward to Friday. Who cares how you give birth? So long as both mummy and baby are happy and healthy...a happy birth is one that suits all of the family.

People have different definitions of the birth they want, just because someones differs from someones own, does not make it wrong! So if anyone bashes you, save a bit of placenta and throw it at them ;o)

best of luck! And try na dget plenty of sleep!!!

[EthanBabe]

Sep. 7, 2009 at 10:14 PM

It's been a long road for you and soon the prize will be yours! Congrats and I'm excited for you too!