...to becoming a mummy!
Jake arrived on the 2nd July, a week before my planned C-section after I experienced some bleeding and started going into early labour. I blame a trip round Ikea the previous day and an inexplicable need to clean the bathroom - what was I thinking?
I was so shocked when they said I would be having Jake early. The C-section itself was very straightforward and I have recovered from it very well -my scar is really neat, and although I feel a bit tender when I walk far, we have started getting out and about a bit.
Unfortunately, Jake had a slightly worse experience of birth, about half an hour after birth they realised he had wet lungs which needed clearing because he was coughing up gunk. He was brought back an hour later but then had a 'dusky episode' while breastfeeding - he basically forgot to breathe. He got taken to the Special Care Baby Unit and I wasn't able to see him for another 12 hours until my spinal had worn off. It was probably one of the most difficult times of my life, I couldn't wait to get wheeled down to see my baby.
Jake had no more breathing problems, but was kept in the unit for nearly three days. I was going up and down at all hours of the day to feed my baby, but was reliant on the staff to call the ward I was in.
When Jake was finally allowed out of SCBU, he had lost too much of his birthweight. This meant a round the clock feeding regime and a fight to keep breastfeeding, which was hard but I stuck to my guns. However Jake kept losing weight, and I felt like I was going to have a breakdown!
We were finally allowed out of the hospital just over a week ago when a consultant took pity and decided our home would be a better environment for Jake and me. Sure enough, as soon as we were home Jake started putting on weight and has been very happy and contented.
Becoming a mummy has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I know it's a cliche but it totally changes your life (in a good way!). Total unconditional love for another person, no matter how many times they wee, poo or vomit on you! I can't wait to spend the next year with my little man x x x
