Lovely Jacqueline has generously shared her birth story in her own words:
22nd June 2017
“Off to KEMH today again, for another check up, ECG/ultrasound to make sure baby is still cephalic and monitor heart rate etc because fluid is a bit low and I’m over 40 weeks now so you know, panic panic. I’m bummed because even though Bub has turned from breech to cephalic I still can’t have a homebirth, due to low fluid, I’m actually devastated, not just bummed. I am going to have to move on from this feeling otherwise Bub is not going to come EVER and I am NOT being induced. Sex it is haha.
I am home, and I feel deflated, Bub is fine, moving beautifully, heart rate is great yet I’m not only being pushed by the hospital for an induction, but now also my “stand in” community midwife ............my usual CMP is off duty at the moment. I’ve spoken to CMP and have been swayed to have a stretch and sweep, I’m ok with this. If it gets things going then WINNING.
Stretch and sweep done. Been crying to Aidan [husband] because I feel like it’s been a repeat of my first birth, I’ve had to fight the system AGAIN. He suggested to look into private midwife who would be willing to let us have the home birth. Did I hear right? This from the guy who was a big fat NO to a homebirth at the beginning of the pregnancy?! I got in contact with my doula friend, who got in contact with her private midwife and we got things going. Sigh of relief. The private midwife told me she would be happy to take me onboard but if I went into labour that night she wouldn’t be able to, we organised to meet in the morning.
Having chatted to Aidan and the midwife I feel relaxed again, I feel like I can breath again, and have gained the attitude of what will be will be again.
7PM - Low and behold... I’ve had the bloody show. I know it’s not necessary going to be “IT” but I kind of know it is. Mary [toddler] has been tucked into bed already so let’s see what’s happens. I’ve had some cramping, but I’ve had “some” cramping for the last week. Wait, wait, there is some more cramping... and more... I’m bouncing away on my birthing ball while watching a movie in the theatre room with Aidan... decided to time them just to see. 11 minutes, 8 minutes, 8 minutes, 7 minutes. Yep I’m pretty sure this is it. I decide to call midwife and tell her what’s up, she advises to get to hospital. I call Carla and Mum and let them know not to rush but shit’s getting real. (Carla is my sister and my birthing partner, Mum is my amazing Mum who will chill at home and watch our toddler, Mary) I have decided to move to our living area where I was meant to birth, and put my hypnobirthing and relaxation tracks on with all the candles lit. My surges were coming in every 5 minutes and lasting about a minute. I called Aidan in and asked him to switch off the TV and be present. I wasn’t ready to go to hospital yet. The contractions were getting pretty intense now.
Carla and Mum arrived around 9PM - I’ve had 1 or 2 contractions whilst they were here, 1 was pretty intense which makes me think we need to get going. I tell Aidan he needs to call Cat the “birth photographer” - Aidan didn’t know I had hired her... he couldn’t argue with me now, I was in labour (plan worked) hahaha. Cat did my maternity/family photo shoot and the photos are amazing, she is amazing. So we let Cat know and got in the car for the daunting 40 minute drive.
Half way to KEMH [hospital] and Aidan is speeding like a crazy man. I think he is petrified I am going to have this baby in his beloved Nissan Patrol. He has been timing my contractions and tells me I’m having them every 2 minutes. I had actually zoned out listening to my hypnobirthing tracks.
It’s nearly 10PM and we have arrived at KEMH. Malita (CMP midwife - another new face) is in the labour suite waiting for us, Cat arrives shortly after. Carla sets up my diffuser and puts my relaxation music on. The contractions are all in my belly, intense squeezes. I can’t help but reminisce about the intense back and hip labour feels when I was having Mary a short 20 months earlier.
Malita [midwife] comes over and advises that due to low fluid the hospital wants continuous monitoring, I decline and say I’m ok with intermittent doppler checks if necessary, and also ask whether I can labour in the bath. They want to check to be sure Bub is still cephalic and hasn’t turned back to breech; if Bub is still head down all is good for me to labour on the bath.
Bub is head down so off to the bath. I’m advised I can’t actually birth in the water so once things step up they will get me out and we will go back to the labour room.
The walk to the bath room wasn’t too bad, I can’t remember whether I had a surge/contraction or not. But god I remember the sheer relief that washed over my body when I lay in the water and my body was weightless - such a relief. The warm water hugging every inch of my body, and my belly floating, it was bliss. My first surge in the bath felt incredible, I could move freely yet every movement I made, the warm water moved with me and gently washed over my belly and back and nearly massaged me.
It felt like things were slowing down in the bath and I was able to catch my breath and relax… I could breath. I had fleeting moments where I was wondering when the next contraction was coming and why was it taking so long. But then it would come in all its mighty glory. I couldn’t help but move with it, it’s nearly like a dance. I sway with the intensity, the only way I am able to get relief is move with it and breath through it. And just as quickly as it rises, it falls again, moments to enjoy the calm and just breath.”
