Been a long time since I visited here!

She arrived 3 weeks early, I hadn't even finished packing my bag yet.

My waters broke at 11pm on the 6th, I called my mother and she picked me up. Called the midwife and as nothing else was happening, decided to try and get some sleep. Gave up on that idea at 5am.

Contractions started about 7am and went up to the hospital as it had been a length of time since waters broke. Was examined and only 3cm dilated. 6pm on 7th, I was starting to not manage the pain. 7pm, started on the gas and air 7:03pm it was my best friend! Thought I'd have a 07/07/07 baby, but she didn't make an appearance until 2:31 am on the 8th, after two 10mg doses of diamorphine, AND and epidural.

Heres the scary part, so if you dont want to know, dont read on!

it took 3 people 45 minutes to stitch me up internally and externally. I lost 2 litres of blood, and there was talk of a hysterectomy (but that was avoided). I contracted 3 infections in total (including e-coli) and it took me 8 weeks after the birth to totally recover.

Due to the amount of drugs, she was a little dopey when born and I was in hospital for 3 days. I wanted to breast feed, but the drugs, her early arrival and lethargy, she just couldn't suckle, meaning the milk didn't come in for a week, even with use of an electric pump. She ended up on formula which I'm bitterly disappointed about, but at the end of the day, she needs to eat and that was what was available at the time.

During this time, my mother had an operation on her feet and I ended up being responsible for the house since she couldn't walk. It was tough, but thankfully Carys is so content and easy going. She barely ever cries (unless I'm too slow with her bottle) and at 12 weeks old I had 2 night in a row that she slept through the night... hasn't happened since though, but we're getting there.

She keeps me going. I would give up everything for her. She is the most precious thing I will ever have in my life.

Previously, her dad wasn't sure whether he wanted anything to do with her, but as soon as he saw her, he fell in love with her, so he sees her when he can.

My life is totally complete.

xx

Sounds like you had a rough time of it.
I am due in 7 weeks and this is not my first but I have not had a baby in 10 years so it feels like the first.
I am very scared as it seems so many things have changed since I had kids.
Congratulations and good luck with the sleeping.

Wow, that's quite an ordeal! Good work and congratulations!