I want to write everything I remember about the birth, so here goes: Waters broke early hours of Monday morning (about 2.30 am), went to hospital, they kept me in as I was only 36 weeks and 5 days, stayed on antenatal ward. Got a few contractions, then it all stopped. About 2 days later started getting bad contractions in early hours of morning, went to labour ward as soon as a bed was free, then was induced with hormone drip to speed up labour. Had gas & air plus epidural (which was topped up a few times), and was in actual labour (the painful bit) for about 19 hours. Don’t remember a huge amount about it to be honest! Bob was amazing….very supportive and helpful (feeding me water etc.), I had several drips in my hands, and several lots of antibiotics (due to waters breaking early a rise in temperature). Had to have forceps delivery in the end, as he was back to back. I remember our baby being put on my tummy, I cried. I also remember having stitches, but I think I kept falling asleep at that point. Our lovely munchkin was born at 5.15 am on 8th September (08/09/10). He weighed 6lbs 4oz. We called him Alexander Matthew Barker.
Baby was fine, had trouble breathing initially, but it was sorted very quickly. Had to stay in hospital a couple more days due to the amount of blood loss (a lot, apparently), and swelling (me, not the baby). Finally came home on the Friday, after the hospital offered me a blood transfusion as iron levels were so low, I said no as I really just wanted to go home (had been there for 5 days). So have to take lots of iron tablets and eat healthily now. But I’m much better.
Alexander is adorable, even if he does keep me awake for most of the night. 
