I have never been happier! The chronic sleep deprivation, debilitating worry, chewed nipples and pee puke and poo are nothing compared to the sheer, soaring joy I feel at the birth of my son.
Carter was born on the 22nd of March – after a 2 day labour. Leading up to the birth, one of my many concerns was whether I would know when labour started. I knew. Superman knew. The poor cabbie that drove us to hospital knew, and half the population of the hosipital knew by the time I got there.
After the initial shock of the pain of final labour – with the contractions 7 minutes apart – and having refused pain relief, I focused on breathing through the almost other-worldly pain. It wasn’t easy, and I may have passed out – I certainly lost track of time but my baby was born happy and healthy and has remained so.
If you are lucky enough to have willing help for the first few weeks, TAKE IT. I could not have survived without the help of my wonderful mum who moved in for a month and of course Superman as well as other family and friends who dropped in when they could. Helping hands to run errands, get things done around the house or just to watch baby while you get a much needed break are essential and will preserve your sanity. You will be more tired than you thought humanly possible.