Induction

Another busy day ahead of me so I'd better write up the births.

D*'s induction was on Tuesday 8 August 2000 and D* was being induced at term because she was worried about having a very fast labour and an unplanned home birth.

The hospital was full up in the morning so start time was rescheduled for 1:30pm. The first room D* was in was room 4 which is one of the cubbyholes. Initially D* was prepared with CTG tracing, IV leur, and the epidural was sited.

The vaginal examination and artificial rupture of membranes was done at 3:15pm. D*'s cervix was only 50% effaced. Following the ARM D* started contracting, but walking definitely got them going.

Nothing major happening so a further ARM done on noting on V/E that membranes not definitely ruptured. The ARM was very uncomfortable for D*. She actually needed entonox because of the fundal pressure N* asked me to apply.

This time the ARM did the trick and contractions strengthened. D* requested the epidural medication and she found that immediately after it she was not able to be upright without feeling nauseous.

When D* was able to, we walked around the ward. The walking was marvelous for getting things happening.

D* was fully dilated at 8:47pm and she started pushing at 8:55pm. Baby C* was born at 9:08pm according to N*'s watch.

Blood loss was practically nil and N* got me to help with controlled cord traction for active management of third stage.

Reflecting on the experience now I am able to say that I really feel that the epidural slowed things down for D*. She didn't think she would be able to deal with a fast labour without it. You're damned if you do, and you're damned if you don't.

I had thought I would be really emotional at my first birth, but I was more focused and practical and was watching for the placenta, and other signs that all was well.

I was amazed at the amount of documentation required. Epidural information, partogram, progress notes, drug chart can all contain the same information. And if things aren't written down immediately as they occur, often the time sequence can be forgotten.

Time is another thing - the birth time of the baby is determined by the midwife's watch. What if the time on her watch is wrong? That could be quite significant to some people with interest in astrological charts.

I learnt soemthing from experience about the variability of birth. Not all of them are like mine. Not all women want to be in control or see the pain as natural. Not all women will breastfeed because it's the best thing for their baby. I knew all of those things, but really understanding the variability of women and birth will develop as I get more experience.

D* and S* left the hospital to take baby home at about 10:30pm. I watched N* complete the paper trail and went to meet up with Adrian. What a day and what a great experience and memory to cherish!