Birth story in brief

Thought I would tell you about the actual birth but in a short edited version:

We arrived at the hospital at 8am, scheduled to have the operation at 09.30am.

When we arrived we were told we had to wait until 11am, as there was an emergency caesarean before us. Then at 11am, we were told there was another emergency and so we had to wait until lunch time.

Around 12.30, we were told yet another emergency caesarean was taking place and it was unlikely we would go in before 5pm.

Finally, at 3.30pm we were told to get ready and change in to our clothes to prepare for the operation. Then the doctor arrives at 4pm and tells us that they do not want to proceed with the operation until the next day as there wouldnt be enough staff on hand.

Words can not explain how disappointed we were but as if Alva had heard our prayers - my contractions started! Alva wanted to come out! So the doctors then had no choice but to go ahead with the operation. Thank you Alva!!

We went in to the operating theatre and I was given the epidural and a spinal injection to numb my body from the shoulders and down.

Not much to say about this, apart from the fact that Klaus almost passed out watching the needles go in to my body! ;-)

I lost all feeling in my right leg at first and then it followed up my whole body. It was a scary feeling not being able to feel any part of your body.

I kept annoying the doctors (and Klaus) by asking them if my legs were still there! The operation then started and Klaus was amazing support, talking to me about holidays and food (at this point I hadnt eaten for almost 24 hours!) to keep my mind off things.

I felt the doctors move around in my stomach but I felt no pain at all.

Then, at 18.38 I heard a screaming and the screen was lowered so that we could see our beautiful daughter! Alva arrived!

She was wrapped in a blanket and put on my chest for me to kiss her.

I dont think Klaus and I have ever felt such happiness as we did when we first saw her little face.