C-section

We're ready to go on the c-section. Sue's had the epidural top up, and I'm in my scrubs.

She's going to be in hospital for about 3 days so I'll be making a few trips back here.

Regardless, looking like a 15 march birthdate. One of our NCT friends texted this morn to say they had a baby at 5.34 this morn. Sharing birthdays! Cool.

Cervix issues

Had a horrid sleep (though not as bad as sue who is hooked up to wires and machines, etc).

Sue's just been examed again and told that things aren't progressing that well. There's to be THREE more hours of syntocin before a plan B is considered. However, the dreaded c-section is now looking quite possible, especially as we're told we could have a "long day ahead of us".

Bouncing

Sue is bouncing along on an exercise ball trying to move baby along. Apparently it's easier exercise than walking.

I've just run down to the car to retrieve the video camera. Even though it's a borrowed rover 100, Sue swears blind thieves will target it for our video camera.

Also erected a "baby on board" (something something Burt Ward) hanger in the window. NOW I feel like a father.

Sue's had some drip attachment jammed in her hand so the Syntocin can be administered. That should be soon I think.

Moved to Labour Ward

Down in the labour ward now (second floor in the Women's Health Centre at St. Helier's Hospital).

It's still touch and go whether they'll force Sue's waters tonight or not. It's looking like they want to get things under way asap.

More soon.

in the hospital

Sitting in the hospital with Sue and she's having contractions, according to the monitor she's hooked up to. I think the baby is on it's way. More soon.

Still a bit quesy

At ante-natal class tonight we did the usual stuff, talking about labour and pain and what we can do to help the wives and such.

Then we had some photos passed round of the actual event, blood, guts, baby heads, etc.

Having actually felt physically queasy, I've decided that I am still easily queasy, blood wise and that during labour I will not be venturing anywhere near the business end.

Apparently, if I faint they just walk over me, so that would no use to anyone!

NCT AnteNatal classes

Did our first ante-natal class tonight and it went quite well.

As the topic was on labour, all my worries and fears about money and whether we'll give birth to a drug dealing chav were replaced by all sorts of labour-related worries.

We discussed the pros and cons of home birth over hospital birth, got to know some other new parents to be (and realised we're the only ones in the class not going to Mayday hospital in Croydon), shared some tea and biscuits and basically figured out that come labour time, there's going to be no rest for the wicked or the parents to be.

First time labour can last up to 24 hours, so I'm gearing up for quite an emotional day or two come early March.

Not sure what we're discussing next week, but I'm looking forward to it.