Joshua's arrival
Babyworld member Lindaloo tells us about her emergency sectionMy baby boy Joshua Manuel Michael was born by emergency C-section on Saturday 29 May 2004 at 3.05pm, weighing 9lbs 2oz.
It was quite a stressful week leading up to the birth. I went in for an induction on the Wednesday before but they kept giving me only one hormone dose at a time as they could never give the second dose six hours later because the labour was constantly full. They were concerned that there would be complications. So, on Friday, after waiting for what seemed like ages, I eventually had a go at the midwives and the consultant and said that if they did not do the induction properly then I was going to go home and just wait for the baby to come naturally. At last they gave me a second dose after six hours (this was the fourth attempt) and quite severe contractions started.
Suddenly, everything was a rush
Unfortunately, the contractions only lasted for six hours before they stopped altogether. At least I got to use my tens machine and experience what natural labour would have felt like! I eventually fell asleep and woke up on Saturday morning with no pains. At this point, they decided to give me a final (fifth) dose of the hormone, as my cervix had still not dilated enough for them to break my waters. There was absolutely no response from my body, not even an inkling of a contraction, so it was decided that a C-section was the only viable alternative because the consultant felt that, even if I go home and wait a few days before trying the induction again, I would only dilate a few centimetres and probably end up with a C-section anyway. To be honest, after four days in hospital all I wanted was to have my baby.
They had told us to expect to wait for quite a while before they could do the C-section, as the labour ward was very busy. We settled down to another long wait. However, next thing I knew they were putting me into a hospital gown and putting those horrible pressure stockings on - I even had to call my husband on his mobile as he had gone to get a cool drink. It was such a rush that they walked me through to the labour ward and still had to shave my pubic area but couldn't find a bed. The midwives were arguing with each other because things were taking too long. It was incredible I had waited such a long time for things to happen and now they were rushing me.
I was taken into the theatre and just had time to remind my husband to get the camera. The C-section was an incredible experience. I was so nervous but everything went well and when my baby boy was born, he screamed immediately and had an APGAR of 9 out of 10 at one minute! He was perfect, even though I really had thought that I was having a girl.
After sewing me up, they wheeled my through to the recovery suite. Joshua was given to me and we managed to start breastfeeding immediately. As he was a big baby the midwife had to check his glucose levels but, luckily, all was well. He was perfect. At this point I still couldn't quite believe how quickly it had all happened. Yes, I had waited for four days but the C-section was really fast. After a few hours we were taken through to a private room so my husband could continue to stay with us.
Even though I am slightly disappointed that I did not get to experience a natural labour delivery I am thrilled with my baby and am just happy that we are both well. Also, when you have a C-section baby they come out perfect as they have not had to go through the birth canal so I think he is very handsome.
Where to next?
- Read the full birth story
- Read accounts of different types of birth
- Read accounts of other caesarean births