Well after being exactly 1 week late here is the story of Xavier Robert's entry to this world. I'll try to keep it brief.

Born: 2.50pm Friday 3rd August 2007
Weight: 7lb 14oz
Length: 52cm
Head Circ: 35.6cm
Time in labor:- From water breaking = 9+ hours /From Contractions starting about 4 hours
Drugs: Only Gas

Ok, well this little story all starts at about 5.30 am, when I woke up looked at the clock, felt a funny feeling that I had something trickling between my legs. Quickly grabbed the towel I had beside the bed and made a dash to the loo, luckily just a trickle, but there was no mistaking, the journey had begun.

Contractions had not started so we took our time going into hospital, however once we did go in to get checked, about 7am, because I tested positive to strep b they did not want me to go too long after membranes had ruptured due to the risk of infection, so by about 11-11.30 I was induced to bring on the contractions.

Our midwives, Howard and a student Kelly were really good. They did not think that Xavier would arrive so quickly so I only received one course of antibiotics for the strep. Contractions progressed very fast and just as they were discussing letting me labor another 2 hours!! before making me have another internal, well he was not waiting that long as I suddenly started having this overwhelming desire to push.

By this stage it was about to be change over time with the midwives, so we were joined by our third Sara, also really nice.

For the actual birthing we were on the bed yet with a bean bag to lean over and my bum up in the air, Xavier started to squeeze his way out, which I could only ever describe as feeling like I was pushing out a rock melon. But what after, to me, seemed like forever (I've been assured it was quite quick), Xavier came into this world.

Because all I had was Gas, Xavier was able to feed right away and did so for a long time. We were able to have skin to skin contact for over 2 hours before he was weighed, which was fantastic.

The unfortunate side to it all was that i Had 2nd degree tearing, on the sides, which had to be stitched up. Luckily they let me have more gas while the local was being injected.

All in all, through the pain and the tearing, and the stitches I have been very lucky, because I have not needed any ice packs or anything, and haven't had anything stronger than panadein to assist with pain relief.

Still can't give a definet answer on when the next bub will be, but I've done it once I'm sure I can do it again.