My Birth Story

One word - FINALLY!

So we tried our absolute hardest to keep the little man cooking for as long as possible, but in the end - the pain became too much for me. He was lying in a transverse position, which basically means rather than being engaged and head down, he was lying across my abdomen. This was the reason for all of my rib pain, abdomen pain and muscle tearing. 

At our few last obstetrician appointments we had to make the call on definitely having a caesarian and booking a date in. We originally had the 14th of September booked in, but at our very last appointment I just couldn't take the pain any more, so we moved his birthday to the 10th! I am so glad I chose to have him through private health care, if I hadn't have, I definitely wouldn't have been given the option to make my own decision on when he would be born.

So!

NIGHT OF THE 9TH:

I was obviously anxious, maybe it was the look on my face or the fact that I was stuttering and fumbling around like a fool.. our ob suggested going out on a dinner date - which sounded really nice considering I hadn't been out of the house for a very long time. We booked a restaurant at Crown and headed out for our last meal as non-parents! Food was expensive and delish, but completely wasted on me. I of course could barely eat.. my stomach was full from butterflies. After dinner we headed to the casino and tables, I'm not much for gambling but this story is wayyyy too cute not to share. So here I am with husband at the roulette table. I always put my money on my lucky number 23 so as I place my bet, my husband says - I'm going to put $5 on number 10 (for the birth date obviously!) and BAM! The little white ball lands on number 10... a one in 30 something chance? WINNER! If that isn't a great omen, then I don't know what is!!! We had a little chuckle and a celebration, left and eventually we got home and you guessed it, I didn't sleep a wink. How could I? I was about to meet our son in just a few hours!!!

MORNING OF THE 10TH:

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! It's here!!! I looked like I had been hit by a truck but I was READY!

We were told to be at the hospital at 6am, and got there at 5.50am (thanks anxiety) - we were 'welcomed' at the day procedure desk by a lady who rudely told me that 'no one gets booked in this early come back in half an hour or take a seat'. I was so on edge already, I swear I looked like a cartoon character with steam coming out of my ears. My husband grabbed my waist to direct me to the chairs, I stopped and imagined myself jumping over the desk and strangling her to death, but instead, I politely smiled and took a seat.

At around 7.30am, the nurse came to get us and take us into an admission room. She sat us down and went through some questions and we got into our gowns/scrubs. I was nervously laughing and chatting, not really listening to anything anyone was saying and not really knowing what I was saying myself. For all I know she could have told me I was there for a boob job and I wouldn't have even known.

I was then taken into the very bright and cold theatre room to meet my crew and have the spinal done, this is something they do without your birth partner (which is stupid because it's definitely the most scary part!!!). My brain was in overdrive and I couldn't stop shaking. I had three or four people holding me down to try and keep me still, I was given an IV drip in my arm which distracted me from the huge steel rod I imagined was being inserted into my spine. It took a couple of minutes to kick in, and made me feel warm, like I had peed my pants. So awkward. 

Finally my husband arrived in the room and sat behind my head. He was so wonderful throughout the whole experience, he continued to caress my hair, speak gently into my ear and distract me, although I have no idea what he said.

I don't know why I was trying to look, but I couldn't see past the big blue sheet in front of my face, and I definitely couldn't feel any pain - but the most bizarre thing was being able to feel all the tugging and pulling. For example, just poke yourself in the leg - it doesn't hurt but you know you are being touched.

A couple of minutes passed and I vaguely recall my obstetrician saying 'you're a few minutes away fro meeting your baby!'. I was just so excited and overwhelmed. (I was also a little dazed by the drugs and adrenalin). I felt like it all happened so quickly, I could feel my eyes darting around, I was trying to wiggle my toes to make sure my spine wasn't permanently damaged (seriously wtf is wrong with me?)..

A couple of minutes later I heard a big, beautiful scream - and I began to cry. Actually, it was more like sobbing, that sort of cry that gets you really down low in your chest, like you can't breathe. I was a blubbering mess. I could hear my husband, but I don't remember what he was saying. We were both in awe. They held my son next to me and I fell in love the second I laid eyes on him. He was born with the most beautiful olive skin (thanks husband), a cute little button nose and a mohawk (I knew my son would always be a little punk like me). They quickly whisked him away to do some tests and give him his shots, I lay there trying to move and see him but obviously couldn't. The tugging continued while my obstetrician took out the placenta and stitched me up. He was then brought back to my chest and I lay there holding him, staring endlessly, while my husband held both of us. It was the single greatest moment of my life. The enormity of the situation hit me like a bulldozer. I had created a human life, I had created this little person with my perfect, handsome, loving, amazing husband and I had never, ever been so proud or in love.

I didn't want it to end.

The staff at Epworth Freemasons were absolutely incredible, and made it the most warm and magical experience. 

Thus, Elijah Alexander Richardson was born, and our lives instantly changed forever.