The Very Short Birth Survey in Scottish Meanderings

I’m trying to stick to my goal of writing one entry a month but it’s been a very rough month so I’m struggling a bit to get April’s in. Hence this short survey in lieu of a proper entry then I’ll try harder in May!

Only Child

Father in Room
Yes. Not so sure how keen he was - he was working that day so arrived at around lunchtime then apparently it got very boring after I got diamorphine and I wasn’t making much sense so he went off to the Chinese across the road and got himself a carry out! He did stay till the bitter end (of the labour) though and I saw him wiping his eyes at one point when I was in quite a bit of distress and things had been going on for far too long. It was only when I was a ‘birthing partner’ myself to Nikki that I very much appreciated how tedious it all is and how much in the way you feel most of the time.

Induced?
Yes - I went 10 days over time so was induced on the 7th March - spent a very boring day and sleepless night in hospital then my waters were broken at 9.30 the next morning. I walked about dripping everywhere for a while (much to the consternation of the domestic staff who were taking the chance of a relatively quiet spell to try and clean each labour room) then when the contractions started in earnest, spent a lot of time on a beanbag which was great for moulding yourself into different positions although not so great for getting out of! When Boyd went off for his Chinese around 2 p.m. this lovely calm midwife came on duty with a trainee and gave me that wonderful shot of diamorphine and all I remember for a few hours after that (before hell descended) is bright sunny curtains blowing in the breezy March sunshine and the three of us all being together in this endeavour to get me through the pain. It was very Earth Motherish in there for a while.

Hours in labour?
15 I think - I’m never very sure when they count it from? I took it from the time my waters were broken and contractions started to the time she was born - 19 minutes past midnight.

Forceps needed?
Yes. I was getting nowhere for a long time despite being put on the Oxytocin drip and then I think Nikki passed muconium eventually so suddenly I was jacked up to these awful stirrups and a giant pair of forceps produced which almost made me faint at the sight of them and knowing where they were very obviously going. There then - unbelievably - ensued an argument between 2 obstetricians - in between my legs - as to how to use them!!

Knew gender?
No it was 1988. I didn’t even have a routine scan. I envy all the scans mums get nowadays.

Due date?
February 27th.

Birth Date?
March 9th.

Morning sickness?
No but a horrible severe nausea throughout the whole damn pregnancy - I had 2 days of feeling okay in the whole 9 months although one was a Bank Holiday so ..... small mercies an’ all that.

Cravings?
None that I can remember - I seem to recall cottage cheese and jam sandwiches in white starchy bread worked with the nausea to a degree but I don’t think I was eating anything weird (well some might disagree in light of that previous statement).

Gender?
Girl. (I still remember the joy at hearing the words "Congratulations! You have a gorgeous little girl!" and looking up to see this beautiful, long baby. The relief was palpable - Boyd had not wanted kids so I knew I was only getting one 'shot' at this and was desperately hoping I would get a daughter :)

Place of birth?
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.

Weight?
8lbs 14.5 ozs.

Name?
Nikki.

Age now?
31.

Just thought - maybe I should do this for all the grandchildren from the birthing partner's point of view!!

The Clark family with fairly new addition. My face isn't dirty - there's a mark on the ancient photo which I don't have the skills to get rid of!


All grown up with the newest member of the next generation - excuse the blurriness - Lily took it and hasn't quite mastered the art of keeping the phone still when taking a photo :)