She's Here!

After feeling pains all day wedensday like back ache and stomach cramps I hoped the big day was coming.. By the time thursday came I was experiencing cntractions from as early as 10am. Due to moving house I was staying at my parents while my partner decorated our new house, so by the time we reached the flat it was as late as 11.30pm. By now I was having strong contractions and was using my TENS Machine to combat the pain, I kept telling myself I was fine and I could sleep through them but 5 mins later we were heading to the hospital..

Once at the hospital I was led through to the labour ward where I had my own room, bright orange - my favourite colour, only had to share a bathroom with one other person AND a birthing pool - YAY! lol

My midwife at that time was lovely, even if her name - Bambi - was that of a cartoon deer... She told me I was the calmest person in the labour ward that night, another woman on the ward was 1cm behind me and was screaming her head off apparently lol.

Early labour was fine, I could cope with just my TENS Machine, 2nd half of labour was more painful, Bambi broke my waters for me, an experience I shall never forget, which sped up labour but made it more painful. As I was heading into the third stage of labour I was able to use the birthing pool/large bath... The water was so warm, felt like a hot bath and was so relaxing until the contractions hit. I had my gas and air at this point as the pain was increasing constantly.

I was completely knackered as I hadnt slept since 6.30am Thurs and now it was about half 7 friday morning. I was nodding off then suddenly realising I was in water... After soooo much time went by it was finally time to push.. It was the most painful thing I've ever experienced but when her head was finally free and her little body was lifted out of the water onto mine it was the best experience I've ever had!

After being awake for over 33 hours straight I was finally discharged Friday 3.30pm as I refused to stay over night. My little girl was happy and healthy - the birth hadnt fased her at all - her heart beat was steady all the way through and as all the midwives and the doctor she saw today have said she's absolutely fine, happy and healthy.

So even though I'm now lacking sleep and am completely exaughsted - It's 100% worth it!

She looks so much like her dadda it's unreal and like everyone has said she doesnt even look newborn, she looks a few weeks old! But honestly she's only 4 days old now and I love her to bits!

Ellie Rosey Seal - straight after birth - 7lbs 13 and a half - born 25-03-2011 - water birth at southend hospital at 10.48am