Fairy Girl

Thursday 10th December, I had hardly any sleep, probably because I was nervous, scared and excited for the next day. THE DAY – Barend and I finally meet our little princess.

On Friday morning 11th December, Barend and I had a quick cuppa before leaving for the hospital. I wanted to leave earlier, in hope that Linda (midwife that delivered Abigail) would still be there (she worked the night shift). I was really hoping that she would assist with Logan’s delivery, my fingers were crossed.

We arrived at the maternity ward and were greeted by Linda, suddenly my nervousness disappeared. I introduced Linda to Frances Marie a client of mine who is studying medicine and would like to specialise as a gynaecologist (we had permission for her to watch the birth). Linda took me straight to the delivery room, where she told me she was not allowed to assist with the delivery as she had just worked a 12 hour shift. I was a sad, because I really trust her and she is wonderful to have by your side. She left Barend and I alone for awhile. I got undressed and waited for her to return to connect me to the foetal monitor.

Linda arrived back with some good news. My gynaecologist had agreed that she could break my waters. She connected the monitor to see how baby was doing and to see if I had any contractions. Barend went to the reception to complete the necessary forms.

The time had arrived……………….it was 6:40 am and my waters were about to be broken. I was scared because the last time I had it done it was excruciating. Linda tried three times but nothing happened, she did an internal and confirmed baby Logan was very, very low and that I was 3cm dilated. One more try, we agreed upon and WHAM there was a sudden gush of water AND it was painless. She did another internal and within that short space of time I had dilated to 4cm but there was no pain. Linda felt the dilating as she did the internal and said this baby is going to come out quickly, quicker than Abigail.

It was almost time for her to leave and the new shift to take over. I was introduced to Zola and Estie, both sisters I’d met before and I was rather comfortable with them.

I lay in bed for about half an hour with contractions coming and going but nothing painful. I decided to take a walk in hope that it would bring on the contractions faster and stronger. Oh my life, it certainly brought them on alright.

The pain was bearable for a while. Zola did an internal and confirmed I was 7 cm dilated. I asked if I could have a pethadine shot (one would swear I was addicted) just to take the edge off. She rang my doc and he said it would be fine. Still standing with the phone in her hand and her finger on the receiver, I shouted “she is coming”. She called Doc again saying baby is on the way.

In less than 3 minutes my Doc came running in. He was very agitated because the bed was not prepared for natural delivery and the stirrups weren’t up. There were midwives running around trying to get everything sorted. Eventually everything seemed to be in place. By this time Estie had taken over from Zola.

You’re fully dilated and yes! she is on her way, said Doctor Potgieter. The pain was all in my back and very different to that of Abigail’s birth. The contractions were also very different – one very strong one that lasted for a minute then another for 30 seconds which was mild.
I could feel she was on her way and there was that urge to push. I gave about four pushes but she kept slipping back. I eventually asked my Doc to just cut her out. He winked at Barend saying “you’ll have her on the passage floor if I wheel you into theatre”. I obviously did not find that very funny.

My Doctor and Estie encouraged me to give one last big push and Estie started counting 1, 2 ………and on 10 little Logan arrived. What a joyous moment, I was so happy to finally meet my little girl. The little one that gave me heart burn, that made my tummy look like a tidal wave at times. Our very own little creation.

Taking a rest between contractions

Baby Logan has arrived

She was very porkie and had a mop of black hair. Estie put her on my tummy and she lay there for quite some time. Barend and I were ecstatic. It’s a moment you can’t explain to others. The feelings are just so hard to describe.

Proud mommy and daddy

Finally I have arrived

Tired after her long journey

Peek a boo

My Doc had to give me a few stitches cause I tore a wee bit and while doing so he explained to Frances Marie how the stitching was done and showed her the placenta etc. etc.

After I was all stitched and cleaned up little Logan was put to my noombie, where she latched and happily sucked away.

The hospital was very, very full. They had to convert the tea room into a three bed ward. When I arrived Linda told me I may have to stay in the delivery room as there was no space. I didn’t mind because it was pretty much like a private room, just a lot bigger.

A few hours later I was told I was going to be moved into a private room. I think I was given a private room because I had natural birth, the same happened with Abigail. Zola went out of her way to find me a room, we were very grateful.

Logan was born at 8:45 and weighed 3.58 kg. Her APGAR was 9/10 and 10/10.

Perfect in every way

She is perfect in every way.

Proud daddy with his little girl

Barend was truly amazing during the birth. He rubbed my back and held my hand. Encouraged me to push. He was very much apart of Logan’s birth. “I love you with all my heart”

Getting ready for my first bath

My first bath

Brotherly LOVE

Our beautiful children Logan, Josh and Abi

Abigail taking a nap on mommies bed at the hospital