Was birth what I expected it to be? Absolutely not!
I was praying that during this crazy pandemic life I'd be in and out of hospital within a matter of hours but it didn't quite play out like that . . .
After a 48 hour labour, I then ended up having an emergency C section. I can't lie, I was absolutely terrified. My birth plan was to 'have a baby' as I was very aware whatever you plan will no doubt go out the window, that was probably my only correct prediction I made!
The only request I did write down on my pre printed out NHS birth plan was 'I don't want a C section', and that's the one thing I ended up with! When it comes down to it though, after 48 hours it was all about getting this baby delivered as safely and as quickly as possible and we are thrilled that little Arthur is perfect. Born on Feb 18th weighing 8.6lbs.
During the 48 hours, I went from being low risk to high risk and literally worked my way up the floors of the hospital, experiencing different levels of care to suit the forever changing state of the baby.
He went from being in the correct engaged position, to spine to spine.
My waters had to be forcibly broken and many other bloody awful pokes and prods occurred!
I lost count of the amount of sweeps, catheters, cannula's, injections, I received over the 48 hours.
The midwives and doctors were absolutely amazing and all though I was petrified, I felt that I was in good hands. Due to the lengthy labour, we worked our way through 3 midwife shift changes. All fantastic and extremely attentive.
Having a C section while awake was one of the most surreal situations I have ever been in. Walking into an operating theatre and laying down on the bed ready for the op was so bizarre. After all the complications and stress of the labour, the moment we heard his little squeaky cry, we knew it was all so beyond worth it. I was in constant anticipation to hear him from beyond the other side of the curtain (while they performed the op) and to know he was safe and healthy. The emotions that run through your body when you hear that crying noise!!!
After the arrival of Arthur (aka munchkin), I spent a week in hospital and the care was fantastic. Don't get me wrong, it was extremely stressful but it was like being nurtured by a tribe of highly experienced midwives and doctors! I lost loads of blood during the C section op and ended up having 2 blood transfusions, all while little Arthur was by my side.
My husband could only see me and munchkin during the 2 hour visiting window which was so tough. Saying goodbye to him everyday was torture. On the plus side he brought me McDonalds, Starbucks and M&S buffets!
And so our new life as 3 begins!
My little man, by my side while I had a double blood transfusion.
He was like a little guard!
That epic feeling when you finally take the hospital gown off,
shower and get into your own pyjamas!
The day we got the news we could go home, the hospital bag Moet got cracked open!
Moses basket life! Bought from Scandiborn, linked here. The first morning at home, with a hotel chocolat velvitised treat for breakfast!
My arm was still covered in bruises and sticky marks from all the canulars.
Love this personalised muslin square by That's Mine, linked here
The first stroll out and about (obviously to get hot chocolate) with our silver cross pram.
We went for the Wave set in Charcoal, linked here.
I got this Mulberry rucksack to use as the nappy bag.
It's from the menswear department but I love it's simplicity.
