I was convinced I wouldn’t go the 2 week stretch without going into labour naturally so spent the majority of that time feeling horrendously paranoid about every twinge and pain. It was nice to have that time to prepare for the baby, and I tried to get ready for baby’s arrival as much as possible by relaxing and cleaning the house.

The night of the 6th July we prepared our bedroom by getting baby’s cot ready; we’re using a BedNest co-sleeper. I didn’t sleep that much and we were up at 6am the next morning, ready to have a baby.

We got to the hospital for 7.30am and were shown our bed at 8.30. It was a 2 person ward but I would have it to myself. We were booked in for the second caesarian of the day and they estimated we’d be going down at around 11am. Time for one last bump photo!

I got given some SEXY support stockings that were to be the worst thing ever on the hottest day of the year…

I actually liked the hospital nighty I was given; it matched my dressing gown!

There was an emergency caesarian happening between c section number one and me so we had to wait longer than expected. Initially I was very frustrated at the long wait but then hunger took over (I hadn’t eaten since 10pm the night before and was nil by mouth) and it really helped take my mind off the wait. After having a final scan to confirm baby was still bum-down we were finally taken down to theatre at 1pm.

I walked myself in to theatre (which I wasn’t expecting!) and Will changed into scrubs whilst I got an IV line in my hand (ouch!). I was super paranoid that they would forget the local anaesthetic before my spinal and I remember reminding both anaesthesiologists quite a few times… I’m sure they loved me for that. I got attached to what felt like a million machines and the spinal was working within minutes. It was the most bizarre feeling, my bum went all hot before my legs started tingling and then went very heavy and numb. They rotated me round onto the bed quicksharp, laid me back and tilted me slightly to the left to take the pressure off my major veins before putting in a catheter. They tested my numbness with a very cold spray before beginning the operation.

I remember them breaking my waters and sucking them out as I asked if somebody was blowing their nose over the operation… it seems that when I’m nervous my sense of humour gets cranked up a notch (not necessarily a good thing).

After 10 minutes of what felt like a very vigorous tummy massage Elfreda Daphne was born (1.35pm) – feet first through the sunroof which Will said was a very bizarre sight to behold. It took her a minute or so to cry and it was wonderful when I heard her. Will trimmed the cord and took video of the midwife doing her initial checks before she was brought to me for photos and kisses.

I couldn’t believe that such a gorgeous little thing was mine, the feeling was so strange. I really couldn’t marry together the fact that before I was pregnant and now there was a baby, and the baby had come from me.

More photos were taken by the wonderful anaesthesiologist and midwife, who were both fantastic the whole way through and really made what could have been a horrible experience wonderful.

Then Elfie was weighed, a petite 6lbs 14oz, 1 oz less than me at birth and the exact same weight as her Uncle Josh.

She pinked up beautifully and had an APGAR score of 8 at one minute and 10 at 5 and 10 minutes.

They put a ridiculously massive terrycloth nappy on her and wrapped her in a blanket.

Meanwhile, I was being stitched up and was very impatient to hold her – Will was busy having lots of cuddles and I was jealous! I asked the midwife repeatedly how long was left. The feeling of my staples going in (15 in total) was a weird one and I was so relieved when this was over and I was transferred back onto a bed so I could finally cuddle my baby. Will was sent away to get changed back into his clothes and we were wheeled through to recovery.

Elfie was sucking her thumb before we got out of the operating theatre, and latched on as soon as we were in recovery. She just LOVES breastfeeding which has been fabulous for the most part.

We were feeding in recovery and having observations taken for around half an hour before being transferred back up to the ward. My mum, dad and brother came for a really quick visit about an hour later before leaving us to get to know each other as a family of three.

We were transferred to a private room the next day and stayed one more night, I was desperate to get home with Will and Elfie really didn’t enjoy sleeping in the hospital crib and would wail every time she was put in it (lots of sleepless fun for mummy…).

She was given her first bath!

And her Grannie H came for a visit.

At home she is fairly chilled out and happy: she still likes breastfeeding a lot but after being in a lot of nipple pain for a couple of days we’ve found out her latch is not quite right. I’m a bit disappointed as I asked the latch to be checked in hospital and again in my first home visit and was told we were feeding perfectly. But at my second home visit today the midwife gave us a real lesson in breastfeeding and it seems her attachment is a bit too shallow. This afternoon we’ve made changes and I can tell it’s getting better but we’ve already given her a couple of lots of formula over the last three days as my nipples have been way too painful to feed from in the evenings. I knew breastfeeding could be tough but I really didn’t realise it would be so painful and by using formula I’ve felt like I’ve let her down. I’ll be working really hard over the next few days to make sure she gets what she needs from me and we’ve been taught a couple of pumping techniques to help. We WILL master breastfeeding!

I’m trying to remember that I’ve had a major operation and need to relax but it’s difficult as it feels like there’s so much that needs doing. I’ve been making sure I take a nap with the baby in the afternoon to get extra sleep though she’s only waking up once in the night at the moment for a feed and change, long may it last.

]]> http://www.thealice.co.uk/2010/07/happy-birthday-elfie/feed/ 18 http://www.thealice.co.uk/2010/07/being-almost-39-weeks-pregnant/ http://www.thealice.co.uk/2010/07/being-almost-39-weeks-pregnant/#comments Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:27:18 +0000 Alice http://www.thealice.co.uk/?p=510 - Greys Anatomy has been my saviour from Maternity Leave boredom this week. I love it – LOVE IT! Unfortunately it’s a bit of a ritual that Will and I watch it together at the end of a long day, but to his dismay I can’t wait for him any longer. So I’m averaging 4 episodes a day and am currently whizzing through season 5, whereas Will is stuck at the start of season 4. Barring Desperate Housewives it’s my favourite show and it is the reason Will is looking forward to scrubbing in for real at my caesarian. I am really jealous that he’ll get to wear scrubs…

- I have never had Acid Reflux before in my whole life but it turns out that’s what the weird feeling in my throat is. I’ve had it a few times over the last fortnight and thought it might have been something to do with the fact I’m still averaging 2 bags of ice a week, but after a nasty 12 hours of near-vomiting and a Google of my symptoms I have discovered I have the reflux. And reflux sucks.

- I’m tired. I feel like I will always be tired. It doesn’t help when people say “make the most of your sleep, it’ll be a distant memory soon, hur hur hur”.

- On that note, the unsolicited advice I seem to be receiving off anyone and everyone was fine at first – almost welcome. But now I’m hot, tired, and uncomfortable I’m feeling pretty antisocial and just would like people to back off. My body, my baby. Get lost*

- While we’re at it, don’t touch the belly. It’s especially annoying if I don’t know you.

- We bought a car! A fairly new Renault Laguna, nice and safe for baby. However, what initially seemed to be a great bargain from the car auction turned out to be a bit of a money drain to get it into shape (£600 garage bill, £135 for 6 months tax… ouch). I need to keep reminding myself that between us Will and I used to spend £260 a month on public transport in London, not including taxis, so in the big scheme of things it’ll work itself out. And it feels brilliant to be able to hop in the car whenever we like… especially as it’s a fancy automatic.

- I’m still having contractions on and off, not enough to get excited about but enough to make me go “oof” occasionally.

- I’ve given up on my swollen hands and taken my rings off, they were getting uncomfortably tight. I can still wear my wedding ring on a chain around my neck but I’m looking forward to getting both rings back on my finger where they belong.

- Similarly, I’ve given up on wearing anything that isn’t stretchy as even my arms and legs are swelling up in this heat. I can’t get either pair of my maternity jeans over my calves without wincing so it’s jersey only.

- Make-up is also a thing of the past. Who can be bothered in this heat? Ditto contact lenses.

- We’re definitely going to have a baby this week. How crazy is that?

* of course I am far too polite to say any of this in real life and instead choose to seethe inwardly at all the ‘helpful’ comments I’ve been receiving..

- ICE. Oh god, ice. I love it so much. Current daily intake: 3 pints. YUM. Thinking about ice makes my mouth water.

- I put on my maternity jeans (Topshop Baxters, the type with stretchy pockets, size 10) this morning and it was a lot tougher to get them over my thighs. I think pregnancy weight is finally catching up with me…

- I have not ‘done’ my hair since I left for Greece (i.e. blow-dried/straightened). Instead I’ve been leaving it au naturel, which means curly. It’s nice for a change but I wish I had the energy to dry my hair properly. I’m thinking this is good practice for when the baby gets here, I’m sure blow-drying will be the last thing I’ll want to do.

- Work is now officially a drag. I worked from home twice last week and once the week before as my SPD was just horrendous, it goes away fairly swiftly with a good rest but comes back when I walk. Because of this I’ve brought my maternity leave forward by a week, meaning I will leave on 11th June. That’s 8 working days! I can’t wait.

- …because of this we have brought our moving date forward to 13th June. Which means we have less than a fortnight to pack up our London lives. Eek.

- I no longer have ankles. I have cankles.

- Baby is still breech which is not only worrying but really uncomfy – I’m going to Argos this evening to purchase a gym ball and will do my best to bounce her the right way up.

- I think we’re all ready for the arrival of baby, with the exception of being in the right city (let alone the right house). This weekend we went shopping for all the final bits; hospital essentials, bottles and steriliser (I will be breastfeeding but want Will to do one feed a day), baby monitor, newborn sleepsuits….

- I bought a pack of 2 breastfeeding bras from M&S. They are possibly the least sexiest item of clothing I’ve ever laid my eyes on, but BOY are they comfortable.

We have lots of decisions to make over the next few days – including whether or not to leave London. If I’m not tied here for my job (as of June 18th), and Will can work from anywhere in the country it seems silly to shell out £1,200 a month in rent when we can be paying a lot less, plus we have a lovely three bedroom house in Nottingham currently empty as the tenants vacated a month ago… We shall see.

In other news:
- My ankles are still swollen – not in the mornings, but always by the end of the day. They are not attractive!

- I can’t eat enough ice! I love the stuff and have taken to bringing a Tuppaware container of it into work with me every morning. I also really love the feel of the shower on my tongue at the moment and have been drinking stacks of icy cold water, I think I have some sort of oral fixation.

- Work has been very busy over the last couple of weeks with the launch of a big project (which is why I was unable to attend the Huggies Mummies meetup on Tuesday, though in hindsight I wouldn’t have been very good company with the news of Will’s job!). I have 19 working days left until maternity leave and I can’t wait.

- Still tired

- I weigh 11 stone 2 lb, oh my goodness! I pacify myself with the fact that I have no stretchmarks and I still don’t look pregnant from behind.

- Naughty baby has gone from being head-down to being in the breech position; I’m going to give her until my next checkup and then I’ll start the yoga moves to try and turn her.

- I’ve had a couple of cramps in my calf (never happened before, very weird). The last one woke me up at 4am and I screamed in agony, Will thought I was giving birth.

- It makes me so angry how rude Londoners are – a woman pushed past me yesterday to get the last seat in a circle line carriage, as did a man on my train into Old Street yesterday. This really didn’t bother me before but I’m feeling more and more like I NEED to sit down.

- I have bad wind. Oops.

Note the laptop in the background: this week will be filled with more work than sun

Back when we lived in Nottingham and we had a lot of spare time, I used to be really into my photography. I’d spend hours and hours on Flickr and probably bored everyone to tears with photos of the dog (the only willing subject I’ve ever known). I want to get back into it with the arrival of summer and the baby, and will make sure my camera is a permanent nappy bag fixture. I’m going to attempt to do every single Gallery prompt from now on to get this resolution kick-started.

This week’s Gallery theme is ‘Portraits’, and Will took one of me this morning for a work project. It was snapped in our bedroom with the sun streaming through the curtains – despite my cold I think I look healthy and happy. It’s rare I like a photo of myself this much so I wanted to show it off:

Very Terry Richardson, don’t you think?

I get tired. Not just sleepy tired but physically exhausted tired. Stairs and hills are my nemesis – I can’t handle them and I’m sure I’ve pissed off many people by struggling up them. You can’t see I’m pregnant from my behind (and this is a good thing!) so I expect I get lots of dark looks from people walking behind me.

My feet have started swelling. There’s nothing unusual here and I have asked for advice from my doctor who has assured me it’s a combination of the warm weather/end of the day/third trimester. But it’s reeeeally unattractive and makes my feet hurt. None of my shoes fit any more!

My blood pressure is going up – again nothing unusual or alarming as I have low blood pressure normally. It was about 110/68 at my last appointment which is a raise of around 5 points. I will be keeping an eye on it but I have been certified by my doctor as safe to fly to Greece on Sunday!

Speaking of our trip, whilst we’re over then I plan on reading my birthing books and putting together some sort of birth plan. After that I guess the next step will be to pack my labour bag…

Baby has turned and she is now head down with her back on the right hand side. I felt a leg (or maybe an arm?) by my belly button earlier on this week and she is constantly poking her bum out at us. It’s nice to be able to feel where her back is, I think she likes us rubbing it.

I have put on 17lbs in total and now weigh 10st 7lb. Pretty good going – I lost a lot of weight last year going from a size 14 to a 10 and weighed more than that before I dieted! I think my metabolism is pretty speedy as I’m still fitting into my maternity 10’s and normal sized 12’s…

…which is great as I am SO HUNGRY. If It’s standing still I will eat it – I can’t get enough. Ravenous is the word I’m looking for. I’m trying hard not to feel guilty for the amount I’m eating – I feel so gluttonous! I had a footlong Subway for lunch as we’re eating at ‘botanical’ restaurant Saf tonight and I was worried about not getting fed enough. Greedy guts!

Zits. On my back. I don’t want to say anything else about these.

I have another cold and I literally can’t take any more of my stuffed up nose. One of these days I will photograph myself in my Breathe Right nighttime strips and you will realise what a good man Will is – waking up next to that face can’t be pleasant for him.

I’ve been forbidden from buying any more baby clothes; all that’s left to get now is a cot mattress, the BedNest, breast pump and microwave steriliser alongside a few bottles so Will can help out with feeding.

(Sidenote: I never thought I’d see myself buying paper knickers and what looked to me like puppy training pads. I’m going to love the day I put them under our sheets in case of my water breaking at night!)

* the outfit in the photo was due to the fact I felt so crappy yesterday – it was the closest thing I could get to wearing pyjamas to work  whilst still looking vaguely presentable. Plus it’s never too early for baby to wear her very first nightclub tshirt as she has the coolest music promoter daddy in the world.

Men, specifically ones around 30 – 40, seem terrified of the bump; they back away from it, with a horrified look on their face. One guy I encountered on the way into Pret a couple of days ago practically leaped out of my way, his eyes fixed on my belly. I think this is down to pregnancy being the great unknown for a single man – a stellar example of this is one of my work colleagues who is terrified of ‘womb juice’ as his calls it.

Builders react well to the bump. I get my morning catcalls and winks, though thinking about this it might be the two expanding lumps above the bump that get them going more than the baby belly?

Mums like the bump – they give me smiles and “good mornings” – I like this a lot more than my builder’s greetings.

My mum LOVES the bump and rubs it like a genie’s lamp when we get together. I don’t mind her touching it and have been lucky enough not to get total strangers put their hands on my tummy, but I’ve heard some horror stories about this. I tend to let people I know (and like) touch it because pregnant bellies are pretty fascinating and they always ask first, but touch it without asking and I might have to bite your hand off.

Finally, I think Will is the one who is most in love with the bump. He gets to touch it as much as he wants and he doesn’t even have to ask first. That’s a good thing because I’m going to get him to take over cocoa butter rubbing duties (really helps with the mad itching).

It makes my back hurt, but I love it too:

It feels wonderful to be halfway there. Not only have my worry levels dropped significantly recently (thank-you hormones), I’m really pleased that the time isn’t dragging anymore. I’m concentrating on enjoying the pregnancy – easier now I look pregnant rather than a raging Krispy Kreme fan. I’m feeling a lot more like my happy, healthy self (minus the sickness bug) and all is good.

The weekend before last was a big one. Will works in the live music biz here in London, and he had a couple of nights of big shows; Faithless on Friday night followed by Simian Mobile Disco on Saturday. We had friends from Nottingham staying on Friday so dined with them at Vivat Bacchus (OK – would go again for their TopTable offer) and went on to see the show. I’m pleased to report I wore sequins (see photo, me and my gorgeous friend Su who I know reads my blog so here’s some blog fame for her!), drank a special treat glass of champagne and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I got a bit tetchy about 4am as it was slightly wearing to be the only sober party-goer, so a taxi was procured and our group retired. When we got home I went straight to bed rather than taking part in the post-night-out toast and tea/Top Gun feast.

The next night I was treated to a dinner at Gaucho with SMD and friends (I LOVE Gaucho) before meeting my brother to say ‘Happy Birthday’ and bed for 2am. What a partygoer!!

I have to admit, these two nights out plus the Baby Show on Sunday totally exhausted me, though the impending Norovirus certainly didn’t help. From now on I’m a strictly midnight-bedtime gal.

So, here’s a quick bullet-point roundup of how I’m feeling at Week 20:

- I love the movements and kicks I’m feeling! They were awful when I was sick as I had horrendous stomach cramps and they seemed to magnify them but now I’m well again I could lie back and feel my stomach all day. Unfortunately I have to go to work instead.

- I’m drinking a lot and my dehydration is well and truly under control. I haven’t had a headache since 18 weeks and have come to terms with the fact I have to pee around 12 times a day.

- The sinusitis has been really getting me down, in the cold weather my nose just won’t stop running and it seems to have spread to my ears which pop and crackle in the wind! I’m hoping this will improve in the warmer weather and if not I know it will definitely disappear when the baby comes.

- I’m sleeping like a log and feeling fresh when I wake up. It’s great and I’m making the most of it!

- I’ve had some hormonal spots along my jawline. Quite normal, aside from the fact they itch like anything and look almost like mosquito bites. OUCH.

- I lost the 6lb I gained in my second trimester with the sickness bug, but am working on getting that back. I feel lucky that I haven’t put on a lot of weight but have been making sure I get my 5 a day in moderation.