Sorry I haven't been on for ages to update you all! The short version is that Thomas Patrick was born at 15.53 on Monday 24th October by caesarean section.

Long version! I went to hospital on 20th October for a presentation scan as baby had turned transverse a few times in the last few weeks and they wanted to check his position. The scan showed that baby was transverse again and also that I had extra waters and that baby was measuring at an estimated 11lb this was all at 37 + 5. So they said I had to be admitted until I had him as if my waters went while he was transverse then the cord could prolapse and baby would have to be out immediately. I was really upset by this point as it meant I'd be separated from Stephen for ages and I'd have to wait for them to fit me in for a section (which I didn't want) when I reached 38 weeks. Thankfully though after initially telling me that they couldn't fit me in for 10 days, someone delivered early and I was booked in for Monday 24th.

The anaesthetist was brilliant after my last rubbish one who didn't believe me when I told him I could feel the operation! He had loads of trouble getting a canula in me so I'm really bruised from that and my bp kept plummeting during the op but he was very reassuring and looked after me. The section itself turned out to be really complicated as there was loads of damage from the infection I had after the last section and the head consultant had to be bleeped to come and help. Basically loads of bits were stuck to other bits like bowel to abdomen wall etc. the doctor said 'it was a right mess' and the longest section she'd ever done I started to panic when I heard the anaesthetist ask the doctors how much longer they would be because he was worried if the spinal block was going to wear off [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] They also had to remove all the scar tissue from last time because there was so much

Anyway the important bit is that Thomas arrived at 15.53 and was only a tiny 8 lb 15 oz! He looks so little but is absolutely gorgeous and the spitting image of Stephen! Unfortunately he had some difficulty in breathing as there was some fluid on his lungs so he had to spend a couple of days in special care That was horrible being separated from him! They took me to see him that night but unfortunately whilst I was there I collapsed and they had to put a crash call out as the doctor couldn't find my pulse, I don't remember much till I was back on the ward surrounded by loads of people fussing! Anyway the next day they said I could try again and go and see him. Unfortunately as they were about to wheel me back to the ward I passed out and was unconscious for about 10 minutes I think. So I was banned from special care for causing too much trouble!

Then later that day, all of a sudden I had excruciating chest pain and suddenly couldn't breathe. It was visiting time so I caused a bit of a sensation! They had to bleep the doctors again and had me on oxygen, poor hubby saw all this so was really upset. It passed eventually but they were worried that it was a blood clot on my lungs so I had loads of tests and a chest scan and ecg but all was clear so they have decided that it was just my body reacting to the extensive surgery. Hubby is currently putting his foot down and says that I'm not allowed to have anymore babies as he won't see me go through it again

Sorry that was long! I'll try and get some pictures up of Thomas soon. We were allowed home on Friday night after some persuasion so I'm just recovering slowly at home with my gorgeous boys xxx

wow!!!! that's a story and a half, im so glad you both came out of it fine, and i hope you are taking it super easy and you have some help with stephen! love the name and the weight was just right by the sounds of it congratulations again

Wow hun, what a story.....you didnt half go through it didnt you!

It sounded similar to me to start off with, because I too was admitted due to transverse lie, too much water, and pre-e.....and they were also trying to get me to 38 wks.

Im so sorry you didnt get the birth you wanted, and for all the trauma you have gone through to get him her......BUT congratulations on the birth of your new baby boy!!

Btw, did you have him at Ormskirk, im back working now xxx

Congratulations. Sorry didn't realise you'd even given birth. Sounds very dramatic and sorry you didn't get the natural birth you wanted but glad his here

Congratulations, sounds traumatic but hes here safe and sound now and thats the main thing x

Congratulations on the birth of Thomas Patrick and poor you!! Youve certainly been through it!!!hope you make a full recovery xxx

congratulations hun but what a scary time.xxxx

Oh my gosh what a birth story!! you poor thing, and scary for your hubby, but so glad you're ok and Thomas is here. Congratulations!!xx

God how scary! Glad to hear you're all getting better and little man is well.

awww wow what a story! Glad your all ok and congratulations again hun x

aww wow what a lovely story (besides all the complications)..glad hes finally here and you are both well many congrats! xx

It sounds like you had an awful time of it. Im so glad that Thomas is here safe and sound and that you are recovering.

Congratulations xx

wow what a scary time of it...you best put ur feet up and chill
congrats on thomas patrick gorgeous name muchos love xoxox

Congratulations lovely! Sounds a very traumatic time for you all , so glad you are all home safe and well.

Take it really easy,

Mandy xx

Thank you everyone. Thomas is just gorgeous and Stephen keeps giving him kisses [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] As for me, I've got another flaming wound infection so still trying to get over that But he's worth it though!

Lisa, yes it was at Ormskirk, have to say that they did really look after me and I'm glad I went back! xxx

Wow you really went through it huh! Hope you heel up soon hun!

Congratulation on his arrival! xx

I'm so pleased your both ok, the things we go through for our babies xx

He's beautiful, love your pic on fb x

Blimey what an ordeal for you both! So pleased you are all home safe n sound and settling in for a good recovery.

Love and hugs x Em

I keep forgetting to look in here. Congrats, hes safe which is the main thing and even if you dont have anymore you hae two wonderful boys to run you ragged for 20 years xxx

wow what a birth sotry! glad every thing is all okay now xx