Hello All,

So this is probably the blog that you have all been waiting for since my very first blog written in the early stages of my pregnancy. I must admit, I did not expect to be writing this blog in August and I did not think I would be in a fit state to do so less than 48 hours after giving birth. I thought it even less likely that this blog would be written from a normal post-natal ward with our beautiful baby boy next to me in bed who was in the end born at 37 weeks plus 3 days. I had expected to be sat by an incubator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a premature baby hooked up to machines.

So as stated in my most recent blog, I was admitted to  hospital last Wednesday so that my bladder could be monitored as baby was squashing my already damaged nerves. Unfortunately, the planned induction for 2nd August 2019 was delayed as the hospital was too busy. It was strange to be categorised as ‘low priority’ for a change given my complex medical history.

I was induced at 6pm on Saturday 3rd August 2919 but was told that, based on initial examinations, I would probably not have any symptoms for 24 hours. The induction was expected to take even longer than average due to me not being able to stand and mobilise which usually brings on labour. So I sat back and watched a film and within 2 hours my pelvis and back became very painful. All I wanted to do was stand to relieve this but this is obviously not an option for me. I then vomited throughout the night due to the hormones given to induce labour. The midwives said it was likely the baby moving down the birth canal and not labour itself. I remember thinking that I should have had a C section and questioning how I would cope when labour really set in because my legs were already spasming and I could not take any regular medication due to being sick.

The consultant came to see me on Sunday morning (4th August 2019) and said I had reacted very well to the initial induction so I was taken to delivery suite. We waited a while for a specialist Anaesthetist to insert an epidural. This was not something I wanted initially but given the pelvic pain I had experienced the previous night, I thought I should have the epidural fitted as I was so sure I would not get through labour and would need a C section. I had been told that given my double curvature of the spine and extensive spinal rods and screws, inserting an epidural late in labour would not be a likely option for me and I would need a general anaesthetic if my baby mended to be removed urgently via C section.

The Anaesthetist scanned my spine and inserted the epidural. Due to the extensive spinal surgery I have undergone, there was a lot of scar tissue. I could hear the needle hitting the tissue. Not a nice sound. Louie had to sit in front of me to prevent me shooting backwards during a spasm. The epidural failed completely the first time due to my metalwork. Fortunately, the second attempt Was more successful.  Unfortunately however, the epidural only numbed one side of my abdomen so I felt every contraction on my right side. This is because of the abnormal nerve pathways from my back to my lower body. Following the epidural,  I then developed severe neurological hip pain which again is probably due to abnormal nerve function and pathways.

 My waters were broken at around 4pm and a few hours later I was started on a drip to encourage contractions.

By 11pm I had developed a slight temperature and the pain in my hip was terrible. I was worried baby was getting stuck.

The midwife was also concerned that baby’s heart tracing was a bit sluggish so a consultant was called. She was not concerned with baby but I asked for a C section due to the hip pain and my concerns about baby getting stuck. She examined me and said I was fully dilated and ready to start pushing. It is rare for first time mums to be ready to push less than 36 hours after induction begins. My contractions were painful on the right side but they were manageable for me. Unlike other pain I have experienced, I was able to breathe through them and the relief between them helped. I still think the worst pain I have felt was when 8 of my ribs were broken during spinal surgery to try and straighten them. Unlike contractions, this pain was terrible as even breathing hurt.

I agreed to put up with the pain for a further couple of hours to allow baby to move downwards. This was tricky as my hip was so uncomfortable. Additional pain relief was put through the epidural but still did not numb the right side of my tummy.

I began pushing at 01.15am on 5th August 2019 and was told it could take up to two hours. However, at 01.40am our beautiful baby boy, Arthur James Scotto Di Perta was born after a few pushes. Not being able to walk means my abdominal muscles are strong and so although the pushing was tiring, it did not take too long. He weighed a healthy 6 pounds 5 ounces.

He was placed onto my tummy and Louie cut the chord. I thought these two steps would not be possible as I was so sure he would need support due to my medication.

I was given an injection to encourage delivery of the placenta but this caused my blood pressure to increase. I felt unwell for the next few hours but did manage to feed Arthur before going back to the ward at 5.30am.

He is just perfect. He is showing no adverse effects from my medication and is feeding well.

I tried breastfeeding uptight but at the moment, doing it laying on my side is easier for me given my spinal curves.

We have both been on antibiotics as a precaution as I had a temperature. Arthur had to have a cannula fitted in NICU a few hours after he was born. I wasn’t strong enough to go with him so Mum did. It was horrible to think of him in pain and I now realise what it must have been like for my Mum and Dad when I was so very poorly in the hospital across the road 29 years ago. However, our blood results came back clear tonight so we are free of all tubes.

I am now looking after Arthur independently at night and am strong enough to lift him in and out of his cot for feeds. I can do all of his nappies and am feeling more confident with him by the day.

Louie and my Mum were an incredible support during labour and I have been so fortunate
 to have been cared for by amazing staff at St Michael’s Hospital.

I still cannot believe that Arthurvis so perfect despite coming out of my body. He will have his kidneys and brain checked in the next month but so far the doctors seem happy.

Louie and I have been overwhelmed by the amount of kind wishes we have received. I set out to do this blog to raise awareness of pregnancy and disability. I hope I have done this and I promise to reply to each and every one of your lovely messages. It may just take some time. I will also keep you updated on our progress.

Lots of love to you all and thank you again. Xxx