Family Matters

[Tizer]

I was a big baby and I've still got the indentations on my head from the forceps used to help bring me into this world!

[Marilyn]

I refused those!!!! They told me I could do this on my own, and I was flaming well going to get there!

[Stanley]

Latest report I have is that Jess was still at home at 23:00 last night. Contractions about ten minutes apart. Susan said "slow progress but she’s managing them, just was not prepared for it to take this long. Hospital are happy with what’s happening, she’s gone to try and sleep for a while. I won’t leave her now"
No news since. I am reasonably happy, she is being looked after well and everyone is ready to spring into action when needed.

[Marilyn]

My husband would have strapped me in the back of a utility and driven me over every speed bump he could find by now!

[Stanley]

Margaret did suggest that yesterday.... We are both shouting at Susan on Whatsapp, we need an update!

[Stanley]

Jess is still at home, having regular contractions but it's slow and steady. Her waters haven't broken and at the moment she is sleeping. The plan is for her to have him at home and the hospital is fine with that. His vitals are all fine so no panic. So we watch and wait......

[Marilyn]

Is this the longest labour in history?

[Stanley]

Couldn't say but Jess seems fairly comfortable and the hospital aren't concerned.

[Cathy]

Hope he doesn’t overcook

[Whyperion]

My husband would have strapped me in the back of a utility and driven me over every speed bump he could find by now!

the addition of a curry and a brass band helps as well (its all about the bass)

[Stanley]

Susan tells me he was kicking yesterday and she shouted to him to come out to play. I have christened him Slo Mo.
No news this morning.....

[Marilyn]

Crikey! This is agony...

[Marilyn]

What was her due date?

[Stanley]

Don't know Maz. All I know is that the team are monitoring her very closely and both she and the baby are fine. Jess is of course very tired of this but Susan says she is keeping her head and giving him time.
Cathy, I don't think it will be long now.....

[Marilyn]

This child wants a red carpet and gold leaf invitation!

[Cathy]

I think Jess is just enjoying a rest ‘while she can’.

[Marilyn]

...by now grandma should be ready to play catch! That child should be ready to fall out if Mum sneezes!

[Stanley]

The report is no news, but that means no bad news!

[Cathy]

He’s had his test-run, he’s just resting now before the big event.

[Marilyn]

His amniotic fluid must contain that stuff that people stick their dentures in with so they don't move!

[Stanley]

I am assured that Jess is definitely 'on the trajectory' as they put it. We watch and wait.....

[Marilyn]

...after 4 days of "labour" she has to be on some trajectory!!!!...
( I would have accepted chemical help by now. It is only a dissolvable tablet tucked under the tongue. Not a big deal or terribly invasive)
(And no point feeling the guilty parent thing before he is even born and put you through 20+ years of stress!)

[Stanley]

Message from Susan. Jess exhausted but baby is fine. Susan says"Going to hospital in a bit". Not clear if that is to stay or what. We will no doubt hear more when things become clearer.

[Stanley]

All becomes clear. Jess and baby were given a full check over in hospital by the big guns. Verdict is that labour is established but slow. Mother and baby vitals are fine. If full on labour doesn't start inside 48 hours from yesterday they recommend inducement. Meanwhile the local midwife is being a tower of strength. Nobody is worried, just alert.
Most important, Jess is reassured and trying to rest as much as possible. Nobody is rushing anything.

[Cathy]

All good news