Dearest Jordan Neihana, Born 5th August 2007
I'm being a bit of a lazy mummy today, I am still in bed but that’s okay because I have you asleep next to me and I cant help gazing at you wondering what's going through that little head of yours. Its been a long 9 months getting you here and I loved you from the moment I knew you were growing inside my tummy, very often I would lay in bed rubbing my growing tummy and be overwhelmed by the love I felt for you and shed a tear or two of joy.
Well your due date was here and 4th of August, seemed like the usual, Daddy had some things delivered and at about 10:45 I went to the loo and had some show, after Daddy unpacked everything we went to a child show and had a look around, We also went for a walk to get fresh air at about 7.30pm. |
Later that night approx 9:45 I was lying on the bed with my laptop, when I got up I thought I had wet my pants, lucky there was a towel next to the bed, my waters had broken and were a slow trickle, I decided it wasn’t much so they must be my hind waters, I placed a towel between my legs and went and snuggled up on the couch with daddy and watched DVD's till midnight, during this time I had a few mild Braxton Hicks.
At 2am I woke up, my tummy was cramping and it was feeling different to earlier, I lay in bed checking the time, at 3am I realised they were contractions and were regular, every 5mins and lasting 30secs, I woke daddy up to tell him the news and that we should get some things ready. I was not a lot of help so I went and had a shower, daddy called Nan to tell her you were on the way while I tried to get comfy on the couch, its now 4am and daddy has started timing the contractions they are coming more often now and lasting longer, we decide at 5am to page the MW to let her know also that you were on the way, her backup called and asked us questions, then she let our MW know and to call us as well, Daddy then proceeded to fill up the pool.
At 6am I climbed into the pool and it was just so nice and relaxing, at about 6:30 Nan arrived and was put onto timing contractions duty and also boiling water for the pool, Daddy stayed with me holding my hand and making sure I had water when I asked for it, he also became very good at holding a cold wet cloth on my forehead, Our MW called us again at 7am and decided she will head over, she got here 45mins later. The contractions continue to get more intense and longer, and your heart rate is being checked often, it is so lovely to hear you are doing so well and seem unphrased by the going ons, meantime my back is hurting as you are posterior and need to turn and I’m trying different positions in the pool to try and ease the pressure, what I really wanted to do was rest my head on my hands while kneeling on all fours, but really not a good idea when in the water, but that’s ok because daddy got a wheat bag for my back and it was fabulous. I declined to have a VE done at 8:20 as I felt I had a long way to go until I needed to start pushing, even thou I had no idea of the time.
At 9am I consented to a VE, your head was well applied to my cervix and I was 8cm dilated, I had a 2cm lip anteriorly, I tried moving around in the pool to help move the last of my cervix out of the way, just before 10am the contractions started to feel different with pressure in my bottom being felt, the back up MW was called and was also now on her way over. The contractions were still getting stronger and I was starting to make a lil noise when they peaked, I was starting to feel tired and knew I needed to rest up, I even nodded off a few times between the contractions, 11am I am starting to push a bit with the contractions but it still feels a little early and not coordinated, 11:30 and everyone is ready for a birth except me and you, your head still has some descending to do and your heart rate is still nice and strong. Daddy is still being fantastic looking after us and is sitting on the edge of the pool with his legs either side holding my hands.
12:30 and the decision was made I needed to get out of the pool as it seemed I still had an anterior lip as progress had slowed down, so I strip down to my birthday suit so I don’t drench the carpet (it's only 4wks old) and go lay on my back on a mountain of towels, during the next few contractions the MW was able to push the remainder of my cervix over your head, a rather uncomfortable experience but not bad, I guess I was focused on having to push really hard to do my bit to push your head thru that little bit more, then it was off to the toilet for a new position and to help you descend some more, your poor daddy kneeled on the floor in front of me the whole time so I could grip his shoulders, it was now nearly 1pm and I was feeling very tired, your Nan then told me to focus on the ring of fire, I wanted to laugh at her and could only do so in my mind, as I didn’t have the energy.
About 1:15 and I had to try waddle back down the hallway to the lounge, not easy with your head stuck down there you know, but we somehow made it just before the next contraction hit, time for a new position, daddy sat on the couch while I squatted in front of him with his knees either side of me, which I held onto for dear life, it seems this was the best position and we made some really good progress, everyone was getting excited because you would be here soon, I was just thinking you were meant to be here ages ago and didn’t want to get my hopes up. Then at about 1:45pm we headed to the pile of towels that had the waterproof sheeting underneath etc, in the middle of getting up I had another contraction and only just got to lay down in time when another one hit me, I had daddy kneeling behind me holding me and being so encouraging, the backup and Nan both had a foot each braced against their hips and our MW was between my legs, telling me how you had so much hair, I had to push hard and hold it as nobody wanted you to slip backwards, then I felt the ring of fire, finally I thought to myself I am having a baby, the MW placed a warm cloth on my perinium and I could feel your head trying to escape, I really had to focus and just give little pushes and pant then push, I did this for about 2 or 3 contractions before your head was born, then I just had to relax and wait for the next contraction which was not long at all and with one last push you were born.
You were placed immediately onto my tummy and a warm towel was put over you and we had our very first cuddle, I had waited 9 very long months to have you in my arms and I was just so happy, I couldn’t stop looking at you, it was announced you were born at 2:00pm. After you were born I was told your head was in a bad position, and you came out a little sideways and on an angle, which is why I felt a lot of pain in my back and why you did not descend as well as expected. For the next 20mins your Daddy and I just looked at you, made sure you were all intact and giggled at your toes, they are so cute, Daddy during this time also got to cut your cord and I got checked over and perinium was intact. Then it was time for daddy to cuddle you while I gave birth to the placenta that did an amazing job of helping you to grow. Your apgars were 9, followed by a 10. Then we had a go at feeding, once I figured out how to hold you, you latched on and suckled away like a natural.
I found this the following day written by your daddy in the notepad he was using to time the contractions "She is so beautiful I am nearly crying but I'm holding my shit together for her, she is very relaxed between contractions, breathing deep and well", Also Nan left us a note as well before she went home saying "Congratulations on your darling perfect son. Mummy and daddy are doing a lovely job and coping well, just go with the flow as everyday will be new and exciting. Love each other, Eat, drink and rest and take lots of photos, Love always Mum/Nana. She is 100% right everyday we love you more and each day has brought new exciting experiences.
Loving you forever, Your Mummy
PS: I forgot to tell you your Daddy was so amazing, I don’t know how I could have done it without him being so strong and supportive for me. He was my rock that day, i was tired, teach me for got going to bed earlier and only getting 2hrs sleep.
At 2am I woke up, my tummy was cramping and it was feeling different to earlier, I lay in bed checking the time, at 3am I realised they were contractions and were regular, every 5mins and lasting 30secs, I woke daddy up to tell him the news and that we should get some things ready. I was not a lot of help so I went and had a shower, daddy called Nan to tell her you were on the way while I tried to get comfy on the couch, its now 4am and daddy has started timing the contractions they are coming more often now and lasting longer, we decide at 5am to page the MW to let her know also that you were on the way, her backup called and asked us questions, then she let our MW know and to call us as well, Daddy then proceeded to fill up the pool.
At 6am I climbed into the pool and it was just so nice and relaxing, at about 6:30 Nan arrived and was put onto timing contractions duty and also boiling water for the pool, Daddy stayed with me holding my hand and making sure I had water when I asked for it, he also became very good at holding a cold wet cloth on my forehead, Our MW called us again at 7am and decided she will head over, she got here 45mins later. The contractions continue to get more intense and longer, and your heart rate is being checked often, it is so lovely to hear you are doing so well and seem unphrased by the going ons, meantime my back is hurting as you are posterior and need to turn and I’m trying different positions in the pool to try and ease the pressure, what I really wanted to do was rest my head on my hands while kneeling on all fours, but really not a good idea when in the water, but that’s ok because daddy got a wheat bag for my back and it was fabulous. I declined to have a VE done at 8:20 as I felt I had a long way to go until I needed to start pushing, even thou I had no idea of the time.
At 9am I consented to a VE, your head was well applied to my cervix and I was 8cm dilated, I had a 2cm lip anteriorly, I tried moving around in the pool to help move the last of my cervix out of the way, just before 10am the contractions started to feel different with pressure in my bottom being felt, the back up MW was called and was also now on her way over. The contractions were still getting stronger and I was starting to make a lil noise when they peaked, I was starting to feel tired and knew I needed to rest up, I even nodded off a few times between the contractions, 11am I am starting to push a bit with the contractions but it still feels a little early and not coordinated, 11:30 and everyone is ready for a birth except me and you, your head still has some descending to do and your heart rate is still nice and strong. Daddy is still being fantastic looking after us and is sitting on the edge of the pool with his legs either side holding my hands.
12:30 and the decision was made I needed to get out of the pool as it seemed I still had an anterior lip as progress had slowed down, so I strip down to my birthday suit so I don’t drench the carpet (it's only 4wks old) and go lay on my back on a mountain of towels, during the next few contractions the MW was able to push the remainder of my cervix over your head, a rather uncomfortable experience but not bad, I guess I was focused on having to push really hard to do my bit to push your head thru that little bit more, then it was off to the toilet for a new position and to help you descend some more, your poor daddy kneeled on the floor in front of me the whole time so I could grip his shoulders, it was now nearly 1pm and I was feeling very tired, your Nan then told me to focus on the ring of fire, I wanted to laugh at her and could only do so in my mind, as I didn’t have the energy.
About 1:15 and I had to try waddle back down the hallway to the lounge, not easy with your head stuck down there you know, but we somehow made it just before the next contraction hit, time for a new position, daddy sat on the couch while I squatted in front of him with his knees either side of me, which I held onto for dear life, it seems this was the best position and we made some really good progress, everyone was getting excited because you would be here soon, I was just thinking you were meant to be here ages ago and didn’t want to get my hopes up. Then at about 1:45pm we headed to the pile of towels that had the waterproof sheeting underneath etc, in the middle of getting up I had another contraction and only just got to lay down in time when another one hit me, I had daddy kneeling behind me holding me and being so encouraging, the backup and Nan both had a foot each braced against their hips and our MW was between my legs, telling me how you had so much hair, I had to push hard and hold it as nobody wanted you to slip backwards, then I felt the ring of fire, finally I thought to myself I am having a baby, the MW placed a warm cloth on my perinium and I could feel your head trying to escape, I really had to focus and just give little pushes and pant then push, I did this for about 2 or 3 contractions before your head was born, then I just had to relax and wait for the next contraction which was not long at all and with one last push you were born.
You were placed immediately onto my tummy and a warm towel was put over you and we had our very first cuddle, I had waited 9 very long months to have you in my arms and I was just so happy, I couldn’t stop looking at you, it was announced you were born at 2:00pm. After you were born I was told your head was in a bad position, and you came out a little sideways and on an angle, which is why I felt a lot of pain in my back and why you did not descend as well as expected. For the next 20mins your Daddy and I just looked at you, made sure you were all intact and giggled at your toes, they are so cute, Daddy during this time also got to cut your cord and I got checked over and perinium was intact. Then it was time for daddy to cuddle you while I gave birth to the placenta that did an amazing job of helping you to grow. Your apgars were 9, followed by a 10. Then we had a go at feeding, once I figured out how to hold you, you latched on and suckled away like a natural.
I found this the following day written by your daddy in the notepad he was using to time the contractions "She is so beautiful I am nearly crying but I'm holding my shit together for her, she is very relaxed between contractions, breathing deep and well", Also Nan left us a note as well before she went home saying "Congratulations on your darling perfect son. Mummy and daddy are doing a lovely job and coping well, just go with the flow as everyday will be new and exciting. Love each other, Eat, drink and rest and take lots of photos, Love always Mum/Nana. She is 100% right everyday we love you more and each day has brought new exciting experiences.
Loving you forever, Your Mummy
PS: I forgot to tell you your Daddy was so amazing, I don’t know how I could have done it without him being so strong and supportive for me. He was my rock that day, i was tired, teach me for got going to bed earlier and only getting 2hrs sleep.