Danielle's story of Zachy's Birth

I had been shopping for a few hours and came home for a rest on the couch before teaching my friends how to dance for their wedding. Mum and I started watching 'Father of the Bride 2' and as the daughter in the movie went into labour, it was time for me to get ready for the dancing lesson.

At 4.50pm, I sat up from the couch and as I did, I felt (and heard) and pop. I hadn't felt anything like that before so asked Mum what it could be. She had a concerned look on her faceand we just stared at each other for a while hehe. I stood up and my waters gushed out. I had planned on staying home until the contractions were a few minutes apart but given it was 6 and a half weeks earlier than my due date, I rang the hospital (and my doula) for advice. I wasn't in any pain so took my time around the house, getting a few things together and calling the most important people in my life. An hour later, Mum and I headed off to the hospital and on our way there, I felt a mild cramp. Two minutes later, another one, then another. The contractions were no less than 2 minutes apart from the start. I was starting to realise this was it.

My wonderful doula Jane and amazing friend Kat met Mum and I at the hospital. I was examined (not the nicest of things) and they said they wanted to try and stop the labour. They put me on a monitor to keep track of the baby's heart rate and gave me 3 tablets, 20 minutes apart but they didn't do anything, he was coming, that's for sure. My contractions got gradually stronger but I focussed on breathing deeply and staying calm. I kept thinking, they're going to get worse but it certainly wasn't unbearable.

Three hours later I needed to move around but standing up wasn't very comfortable, nor was lying on my back. Being on my side was perfect.

I had a wonderful support team being my Mum, doula and friend who were offering words of encouragement and constant support. Jane was massaging my back which was great. In between contractions I was cracking jokes with the hospital staff. We were all enjoying the experience and felt very connected as a group.

I didn't think about having any drugs but wondered to myself how long I could endure contractions 2 minutes apart. After 3 and a half hours, I hoped it wasn't going to be too much longer but what are the chances of having a short first labour? Before I knew it the contractions had become an intense indescribable pressure and I knew he was coming. Jane was massaging my back, Mum and I were holding each other and I had my foot up on Kat's shoulder and after 17 minutes of Stage 2 labour, Zachy was born. I had my eyes shut for the majority of the last hour, holding Mum and that made me feel secure and private. Unfortunately, as he was so early, he was whisked away as his lungs weren't fully developed and he needed to be on a monitor. We had a brief cuddle and I was floating. I felt like I had been drugged as I was on the most amazing high. One of the first things I said after he was born was "I could do that again." I was so proud of myself.

Within the hour I had showered and was in the special care nursery with Zach. I don't think I could've had a better labour and I am so thankful to my support group. After 4 weeks of being in special care nursery, he is now home with me and it's fabulous.

Zachy