Grace in labour agony before pethedine. When the pethedine wore off and the pain was intense, Grace was put on an epidural which was much easier. But. after pushing valiently for a log while - no go! The baby's head pressing on the cervix caused much swelling (oedema). The Anglo/Filipino baby was too big for her Filipina pelvic hole. We were told that this often happens in Caucasian/Filipino marriages. The obstetrician gave us the choice of resting for an hour to let the swelling subside before re-trying or he could perform a caesarian section. If we waited she might develop eclampsia which was threatening. We asked about the operation and he listed the possible adverse effects. They were those of any other abdominal operation. We opted for the caesar!Preparing Grace for her caesar. One midwife (back to camera) watches the trace from the foetal monitor while the other gives a little trim. There is an intravenous infusion entering Grace's L. arm. In her back is the epidural tube delivering the anaesthetic which numbs the pelvis and legs. Grace is pressing the button to the epidural pump to self-administer a booster of anaesthetic. Grace on return to her birth suite. She'd had a general anaesthetic contrary to our intentions of receiving the operation under epidural. This in spite of the obstetrician talking us into the latter. The arrogant anaesthetist gave a general. (complaints are pending!) Blaise Paxton, our new baby, is by her side. When she was roused, a wide, drugged smile split her face as she laboriously stroked his face. Then back to sleep!

Blaise hits 2 weeks. Sucking to overflow. Sleep, cry, wake....etc. All systems go!!

October 2002 at 7 months Balise now thinks that it was all good fun!