Myles William Peter

Here is the birth story for our little son:

On Saturday afternoon I started to feel that my Braxton hicks were getting stronger. Barney was at work and I was no in pain but beginning to feel quite uncomfortable. He came home around 9:30pm and at this point I was already in the bath tub as the contractions were beginning to feel like the real thing.

(This sums it up! Exhausted!!)

My contractions were around 6-7 minutes apart but not too regular. We both agreed to head to bed right away and try to get some rest. No chance of that! The contractions were building and were still anywhere between 5-8 minutes.

I called the hospital around 11:30pm and they said I had to wait until my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and regular. We do have an hour drive to the hospital so we had to plan things out carefully. I jumped back in the bath tub and took some Tylenol but things were not easing.

I called the hospital around 1am and told them we were on our way as I couldn't handle the pain anymore. We arrived at the hospital around 2:30am. Upon arrival, I was 4cm dilated which I was pretty happy about. The midwife said it was still early and because my contractions were irregular and still about 4-5 minutes apart. She said we could go home (ha!) or stay. I wasn't going anywhere.

I jumped in the shower and didn't want to get out! I actually fell asleep between contractions sitting on the chair in the shower. I was already so exhausted I didn't know how I would go further. I got out of the shower and that was a big mistake so I jumped back in. At this point I told Barney to get me the midwife so I could have an epidural. She told me to try the gas instead.

I was in the birth centre part of the hospital where things are done all naturally (besides gas). If I wanted an epidural, I would have to go to the other part of the ward and would sacrifice the water birth I wanted.

The gas was wonderful! I could still feel the contractions but I was as high as a kite. I had tested positive to GBS (Strep B) so I had to have a to have antibiotics and an IV drip. They did this while I was in the shower and I don't remember it at all. I was doing so well I never needed the IV hooked up.

I hopped out of the shower and I was 7cm dilated by around 8:30am. (I'm roughly guessing times because I don't remember). I then hopped into the bath tub. Shortly after I was told that the midwife certified to do water births was with another patient and I might not be able to birth in the water. I do recall saying it was bullshit. Thankfully, the other lady birthed and I could stay in the bath!

Shortly after my body began to push on its own. I was told to stop but I couldn't help it. At one point the midwifes told me to start pushing so away I went. My contractions were never regular and even with his head half out, they were still 3-4 minutes apart. The midwifes told me to stop the gas so I was conscious during his arrival. Soon enough it was all over and he was out! The kept him underwater for a few seconds then brought him up to me.

I couldn't believe it was all over. We hopped out of the bath and had skin to skin in bed. I had to get stitched up (Sorry if that's too much info) so Barney learned how to change his first diaper and Myles got his first round of vaccinations.

We were all feeling well and we both passed all our tests so we were allowed to go home if we wanted. Barney's parents came for a visit then we all went home 7 hours after Myles was born. I didn't think I would be allowed to since I was GBS positive but was happy we went home. We get daily midwife visits until they think we are well settled at home.

The first few days have been days of learning. Barney and I are learning how to parent and take care of Myles' needs and Myles is learning how to feed and to trust his mum and dad.

We are exhausted but feeling good for the most part. I am still healing and my milk has just come in so things are a bit sore. Myles is doing fantastic and we couldn't be more proud! We have only had a couple of visitors which was been a blessing really. We love that people are excited for us but its nice to not have to stress about people being around while we are still learning.

Myles William Peter Webb, born Sunday March 9th at 10:22am. He weighed 7lbs 10oz and was 50cm long. William is after my grandfather and Peter is after Barney's dad who passed away when Barney was a teenager.

We are happy and so in love with each other and our precious son.

Thanks for all of the love, support and well wishes.