Well it’s [name_u]October[/name_u] guys! How’s everyone going? @K_rassy13 I imagine [name_u]Henry[/name_u] could be here any day now if not already?
I’m a bit tired and over it after having daily cramps for over 3 weeks now. Lost a bit of mucus plug yesterday but no sign of labour yet! I’m hoping/guessing this weekend will be our time (will be 40 weeks on Sunday) but I think I might be a little scared too which could be holding things up. I’ve been finding lots of ways to keep my brain occupied since going on leave but I can see that having some quiet meditative time could really shift things for us. [name_u]Will[/name_u] have to try slow down a little tomorrow, maybe do some journaling and see what comes up.
[name_f]My[/name_f] belly was tightening often for about three days, and the midwife on call said I was definitely having contractions and labor was imminent.
On [name_f]Sunday[/name_f], I was 2cm dilated, and my contractions got a bit more intense over Monday…Though, now it is 2:40am on [name_f]Tuesday[/name_f] and I’ve been up with increasingly consistent and strong contractions since 10pm! I’ve learned laying on my side makes them MUCH worse, so I’m sitting for now. [name_f]Every[/name_f] now and then I’ll get up and stretch but today is surely the day!!!
Good luck @elleplume and @K_rassy13, it sounds like you’re both very close now! I can’t wait to read your baby announcements. Wishing you both the very best birth experiences you can have, whatever that may look like for you!
@K_rassy13 my labour with [name_f]Juno[/name_f] was exactly like that: very gradual and stop-start over several days at the beginning. I know it’s so much easier said than done, but try to make sure you eat little and often (even just sweets!) to keep your energy up. I really feel that keeping my blood sugars up made a big difference to me in how quickly subsequent labours went. Very best of luck
HE’S HERE!!!
After two hours of pushing, [name_u]Henry[/name_u] [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] was born st 4:25pm on [name_u]October[/name_u] 5th! He weighed 9lbs 8oz (oof) and is 21 3/4" long.
I wanted to give up towards the end, but then all of a sudden, they were handing me my son!
I did end up getting an epidural even though I wasn’t fond of the idea, because I was back laboring and just couldn’t handle it.
We are both doing well.
@whatchamacallit I’ve heard consuming salt helps! Might have to look up a protocol though as I haven’t done it myself. It’s cold here so my swelling has been quite minimal (though definitely noticable these last weeks). Brewers diet is also supposed to help (specifically in treatment of pre eclampsia) but it’s hardcore.
40 ish weeks here and so many false starts! Still hanging on though. Had a feel around in the shower this morning and was sure I felt her head behind my cervix. Cervix is super soft but not really dilated as far as I can tell. I’m tired! All I do is nap and clean atm. And the occasional dog walk and shopping trip. That will probably be my day today… partner wants her to hang on 2 more days as he’ll be rained out of work from [name_m]Thursday[/name_m]. I’m soo ready though
No news it’s [name_m]Thursday[/name_m] now and the rains are here! This is my official due date according to first date of last period but I had calculated earlier due to shorter cycles and earlier ovulation. So I’m technically only somewhere between 40 and 40+4… could be a while yet. Partner and I have been fighting a bit lately too so not a huge amount of oxytocin going on over here!
Aww I’m sorry things are dragging out. Hopefully she comes soon! I’m sure that will put everyone in a better mood Is [name_f]Flora[/name_f] still your top choice for her?
I think so! We’re still seriously considering Anthea and my partner actually said he prefers it… But I can’t shake Flora personally! We will spend some time with her and see what feels right when she gets here
Our wee Flora was born on Sunday at 12.42 AEDT 17/10 via emergency cesaerean after 40 hours of back labour and no progress. Unfortunately she inhaled meconium deep into her lungs and remains in critical condition on respiratory support in the NICU. She has the best team of doctors around her and her mummy and daddy loving on her all we can. We welcome all the prayers we can get for her full recovery.
She has red hair and looks like a strawberry shortcake, just like I imagined her. She is a fighter and has already had to have extra sedation due to trying to fight off the ventilator. In light of this I’m really hoping to persuade my partner to use Maeve as her middle name in place of May to honour her fighter spirit. Maeve is a very red name to me, meaning queen in Celtic and purple flower in latin. To me it completes the vibe of her personality in a glorious way, Flora Maeve. Of course May has special meaning to my partner and I’m willing to compromise if it’s important to him. I will do a proper birth announcement when we settle on it
Congratulations and prayers for sweet baby [name_f]Flora[/name_f]! She sounds adorable! I pray she is out of NICU quickly and that you make a quick recovery from your surgery as well.
Looking forward to seeing your announcement!
Congratulations @elleplume and welcome [name_f]Flora[/name_f]!
I will be thinking about you all and sending the strongest healing vibes your way She sounds like a gorgeous little fighter; [name_f]Maeve[/name_f] would be a lovely tribute to that.
[name_u]Love[/name_u] and hugs from the other side of the world.
I am sorry about your traumatic birth, especially as a first time mum . That is very hard. I am hoping baby [name_f]Flora[/name_f] makes the most speediest of recoveries, she sounds fiesty, makes sense with some lovely red locks . If it’s any consolation my friends baby boy had a very similar birth. He was actually air ambulanced as it was so severe. He is now 9 and other than asthma he is perfect.
I hope you feel less sore in the coming weeks too and congratulations x
I’ve been drinking lots of water 
. That is very hard. I am hoping baby [name_f]Flora[/name_f] makes the most speediest of recoveries, she sounds fiesty, makes sense with some lovely red locks 
. If it’s any consolation my friends baby boy had a very similar birth. He was actually air ambulanced as it was so severe. He is now 9 and other than asthma he is perfect.
x