My 4th baby, 3rd gentlebirth baby arrived into this world in a hurry. The pregnancy was very easy but at 36 weeks we were thrown a curveball. I was very lucky to be attending outreach services than clinic as the midwife I saw was the same as 3 weeks previous. On palpation baby measured 3 weeks behind the same as she measured at 33 weeks. So off we were set to the fetal assessment unit where it was found the water around the baby was low. On advice from hospital went home to monitor situation but during the following night I felt like I was leaking waters. I was then admitted to the ward with the plan to review at a scan after the weekend.

While there I spend my time listening to my birth rehearsal and affirmations and catching up on sleep. I found it extremely hard to be away from my bigger babies and the app helped calm me.

It was found on scan that the water was still low so best decision was to stay as I was still only 36+5. After the scan myself and the husband decided that Wilton was a better place to spend the afternoon so off we went shopping. I was forever grateful for some couple time. It wasn't until Tuesday before the reg spoke to the consultant that best route would be induction. On Tuesday I rested between the Braxton hicks I had been experiencing and listening to the Positive Induction track. Although it was very hard to get into the zone in a hospital where there were constant other emergencies happening at the same time. 

On Tuesday my husband spend the day sorting the kids and didn't arrive to the hospital until after 9. At half 9 I was put on the trace awaiting the first gel. At 10.20 in the ward not induction suite like I assumed the gel was administered. As it was the ward the midwife proceeded to send him home which I found difficult to do. Within a half hour of him leaving the pains got extremely intense one after another. I texted him to say come back as I knew I was close to having this baby. At 1.15 I was taking to the labour ward. The surges were coming 2 at a time with a short break but 2 would come quite close together. At 1.45 he arrived back into the labour suite I was so glad to have my support back. It was so quick I didn't think to have my app on. The midwife turned off all lights and reminded me at each surge to trust in my body and I had this. At this stage I took the gas as the surges were extremely close. Whilst in the gap of surges we discussed delayed cord clamping and the 3rd stage. This was the last conversation I remember having before it got really intense. I always assumed with my history the 3rd stage would be managed and this was never an option. She was open to delayed cord clamping once bleeding was at a minimum at birth. Shortly after this she left the room.

With the help of the student midwife and my husband I got into an all fours position on the bed and with every second surge I felt the urge to bear down it completely took over my body.

At one stage I thought I had peed so went to the toilet and as I sat there she shouts I can see the head. I didn't even feel like it had moved down. I returned to my comfy all fours position and while the student did counter pressure to my back in rushes another midwife. The surges were so intense I got really primal with each and the overwhelming instinct to bear down wasn't something I could ignore. The midwife suggested to break my waters and I agreed as the pressure was so intense. I turned onto my back and the waters were released. Within a few seconds with minimal pushing I felt them unclip the belts I knew baby must have been nearly there. I looked down at this point to see her enter this world.

My amazing little miss was looking right at me as she was born facing right up. It was such a surreal moment to see her little face come into this world. As she was lifted up to me and her daddy we both got to see what she was and at the same time said we had a little Belle. The placenta pretty much arrived straight away and with it in the dish they let it pulsate for an extra few minutes which I was grateful of. I knew at this stage I hadn't bleed like on the others which was a relief. And even with her born sky facing I didn't need any stitches. The midwife that went for her tea during the labour says within the 4 minutes it took to heat her soup miss moo had made her entrance. I dunno if it was that fast though. 

I am truly grateful for the app getting me through the few tough days before her birth and the 3 amazing midwifes I had in labour. Bea, Triona and especially Mary went above and beyond for us. Must also give credit to my husband who hasn't stopped calling me his little wonder woman since. 

My family is truly complete with Belle Agnes Claire born at 3.16 a.m less than 5 hours after the gel weighing a very precious 5lbs 14oz.