Induction day 3

The title of the blog is misleading, because today was what the doctor's called a 'rest day', where they gave my wife nothing in the form of drugs to continue bringing on labour. Technically then, today was not part of induction, while at the same time it was.

However, despite the doctors not doing anything, my wife's body decided to kick it up a notch. All day she has been getting contractions. They started properly this morning, in the early hours. I received a phone call just passed six o' clock, informing me of tightenings. As the name of my blog suggests, I've never had a child before, so my first reaction was to get dressed and get to the hospital as fast as I could.

I met my wife outside the ward, realised quickly that, no, we weren't having a baby just yet, and then went and sat in the waiting room because, regardless of my ten to seven arrival, visiting hours for dads don't start until ten o' clock.

The day went more slowly than yesterday, which was nice, because my time with her felt like it lasted longer. Her contractions continued all day, fairly irregular at first, but gradually building up to five every ten minutes. I've found that as a first time expectant parent, uncertainty takes up a lot of your thinking time. My wife confirmed that the same applies to her when she said, "I think my waters have broken... maybe?" We informed the midwife, who gave my wife a pillow - sorry, a sanitary pad (the size of both are very similar) and after checking the... contents, confirmed that yes, the waters had broken.

I think that the two of us were expecting to be ferried over to labour ward, but after an examination the midwife explained that my wife's cervix was still quite high and long, when it needs to be low and short. So, no labour ward yet, then.

So after multiple walks, a visit from my wife's father, exchanging gifts on Animal Crossing, some snacks and a bath (not for me), it was time for me to leave. Again. The clanging of the bell the midwives ring made sure of that.

So I'm here, at home with the cats, waiting. Bed time is approaching, and I wonder if tonight is the night I'll be woken up to a phone call, or will I wake with my alarm and make my way to the hospital for ten o' clock.

It's a journey, regardless, and it's only really just begun.

Kael