Disabled children's parents pay average surcharge of £5 an hour

After spending hundreds of pounds on childcare over the summer holidays, millions of working parents cannot wait for school to restart this week. But new research shows that the parents of disabled children have been particularly hard hit, having to pay up to £1,200 extra for childcare over the summer. Such parents effectively pay an average surcharge of £5 an hour for their childcare, according to the report by the charity Working Families.
Summer of disability woes: The Independent 1st September 2013

Branch Events September 2013

Bumps, Babies and Beyond

Friday 6th  10 - 11.30am

Methodist Church Hall
Chapel Street
Ely
(Map)
FREE ENTRY including refreshments and home-made cakes.


SPECIAL GUEST: We are going to be having a special guest in each month who provides a children's service or activity in the area. To kick us off "Music to Grow to" (a local, toddler music group) are going to be coming in to do a free taster session of their classes. This will be at 10.30am. Anyone is welcome to join in. 

School age children are also welcome and craft activities will be available to all however, this group is mainly for parents with children under 5. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding welcome. Parking available in St Mary's Street car park. Entrance to the church hall is through the blue gate at the back of the car park.

Open Houses

Monday 9th 2-3.30pm

At Sarah Ayello Wright's house in Ely

Monday 16th 10am - 12 noon

At Mags' house in Ely

Tuesday 24th 2-3.30pm

At Maxine's house in Soham

For more info about open house locations see our facebook page or join our facebook group. Alternatively call 0844 2436175 or email ely_nct@yahoo.co.uk.

What's On: Ely and Area Family Events - September 2013

Sunday 1 September

Welney WWT: Summer holiday activities, 9.30am-5.00pm

Daily activities include arts and craft, self-led pond-dipping, stamp trail and butterfly discovery trail. There is a timetable of led activities available each week at WWT Welney Wetland centre over the summer holidays. See website for details.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney/whats-on/2013/07/25/summer-holiday-family-activities/

Monsters University (U): Ely Cinema, 3.00pm

In this prequel to Disney’s hugely successful Monsters, Inc., we find Mike Wazowski (Crystal) and James ‘Sulley’ Sullivan (Goodman) aspiring to frighten the bejesus out of sleeping children and learning their craft at the infamous Monsters University.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/monsters_university_u_ely_cinema_3pm

Kettle’s Yard: Studio Sundays, 1.00-4.00pm

Drop in practical art workshops for all ages. Join us to make your own artwork inspired by our exhibitions and collection. A chance to explore, chat, sketch, make and play.

http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/education/kids_families/index.php

Museum of Cambridge Summer Holiday Trail: 'Travels, Tales and Adventures'

Go on a postcard trail around the Museum to discover tales and adventures of travellers heading to mystery locations. Also enjoy your own family holiday adventure into the past with games and activities along the way.

http://www.folkmuseum.org.uk/page.php?id=326

Church Farm: Summer Holiday Fun, 10.00am-5.00pm

Themed animals weeks, crafts, games, animal encounters and more.... Free crafts Monday – Friday. Prize quiz each week - Odd one Out! Games and animal encounters every day. Pig Racing is held every day at 2.30pm.

http://www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk/eventind.asp?EventID=65

Monday 2 September

Welney WWT: Summer holiday activities, 9.30am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Church Farm: Summer Holiday Fun, 10.00am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Tuesday 3 September

Welney WWT: Summer holiday activities, 9.30am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Church Farm: Summer Holiday Fun, 10.00am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Wednesday 4 September

Ickworth: A world of wings display, 1.30-2.30pm

One of the most unique bird displays & experiences in the UK. A world of wings join us for a display of some of their birds. With parrots, kingfishers, birds of prey, crows, and more this is a real treat to see these magnificent creatures in action.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth/things-to-see-and-do/events/#iframeEvents

Welney WWT: Summer holiday activities, 9.30am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Church Farm: Summer Holiday Fun, 10.00am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Thursday 5 September

Church Farm: Summer Holiday Fun, 10.00am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Friday 6 September

Church Farm: Summer Holiday Fun, 10.00am-5.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Saturday 7 September

40th Haddenham Steam Rally & Heavy Horse Show, from 9.00am

Haddenham Steam Rally is a traditional steam and country fair and has something for everyone. Whether you are an avid steam enthusiast or just looking for a day out with the family there is something for all to enjoy. There are over 600 exhibits from steam engines, Vintage Cars, stationary engines, vintage tractors and Lorries, to the old tyme fair. The extremely popular Heavy Horse Show will celebrate its 26th anniversary on Sunday 8th September, with competitors coming from all over the country to compete.

http://www.haddenhamsteamrally.co.uk/index.html

Fitzwilliam Museum: Family First Saturdays, 2.00-4.00pm

On the first Saturday of each month visit our Fitz Family Welcome Point (Courtyard Entrance) and collect drawing materials, activities and trails to use throughout the Museum, exploring a variety of themes.

http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/whatson/familyactivities/article.html?4112

Cambridge Botanic Garden: Love Lavender, 11.00am-3.00pm

Fill your house with the smell of lavender. We'll be making lavender hearts, bags and bundles and giving you lots of tips on how to grow and harvest it.

http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Event.aspx?p=27&ix=339&pid=2718&prcid=0&ppid=2718

The Duxford Air Show, 8.00am-6.00pm

The Duxford Air Show features an amazing array of aerial displays, from legendary historic aircraft to dynamic aerobatics. IWM Duxford will be open from 8am to 6pm. The flying display will start at 2pm and finish at approximately 5.30pm, leaving plenty of time in the morning to explore the whole of the museum, take part in activities across the site and soak up the atmosphere provided by trade stands.

http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/the-duxford-air-show

Pidley International Teddy Bear Freefall Competition, from 10.00am

Ten teddy bears are in the final tough stages of training for the annual Pidley International Teddy Bear Freefall Competition, raising much-needed funds for local charity Pidley Mountain Rescue Team. The charity jump starts at 10.00am on Saturday 7th September at Rookery Farm Fisheries in Pidley, near Huntingdon and is a great day out for all the family; over 500 supporters attending last year’s event with free-entry and parking. The dare-devil professional parachuting teddies, sponsored by local companies, jump one-by-one from a Cambridge Aero Club plane into the skies over Pidley village; each one focused on landing the nearest to the winning pot of honey. The event has plenty of other competitions and activities going on while we wait for the Teddy Bears to jump. Please bring your own well-loved teddy bears as supporters and dressed up in a costume to take part in the ‘Best Dressed Teddy Bear’ competition. Gulliver, our giant straw teddy-bear, returns to help our mascot Pidley Ted greet visitors as they arrive and Bomb Disposal Teddy Bear needs plenty of help in defusing a package using our giant wire buzzer game. The Somersham 1st Brownie Pack will be providing stretcher-bearer services and first-aid to the teddies and thanks also go to Cambridge Aero Club and host farmer Kelvin German at Rookery Farm for their contribution and help on the day.

http://www.pidleymountainrescue.org.uk/news.html

http://www.cambridgeshire.net/event/pidley-international-teddy-bear-freefall-competition/116155.aspx

Sunday 8 September

40th Haddenham Steam Rally & Heavy Horse Show, from 9.00am

For information, see 7 September. Heavy Horse Show takes place today.

The Duxford Air Show, 8.00am-6.00pm

For information, see 7 September.

Milton Country Park: Food, Farming & Countryside Show, 11.00am-3.00pm

This event includes the Milton Produce Show and the Milton Country Park Dog Show, plus local food stalls, information and activities from wildlife and countryside organisations. The Milton Produce Show: The categories include; fruit, vegetables, houseplant, home baking, handicraft and photography. The cost per entry is 50p (children's categories which are free). Please hand completed entry forms into the Visitor Centre, by Sunday 1st September. The Milton Country Park Dog Show: There will be 12 classes, which include a fun scurry, an obstacle course, a fastest sit competition plus cutest puppy, golden oldie and best trick to name but a few. Entries £1.50 per class, register on the day from 11.00am. More details on the Park website at www.miltoncountrypark.org/opus276.html

Open Day at Ely Police Station, 12.00noon-4.00pm

People have the chance to look behind the scenes at Ely Police Station at an open day this weekend.

Visitors can have their fingerprints taken and check out the CCTV systems between 12pm and 4pm on Sunday (September 8). Officers will also be on-hand to discuss local issues and there will be representatives from the ambulance service, Neighbourhood Watch and alcohol and drugs advisory services. There will also be a host of activities for children including a Speed Gun Challenge. Simply turn up on the day between 12pm and 4pm.

http://www.cambs-police.co.uk/news/newsitem.asp?NewsID=7777

Wednesday 11 September

Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups...Ugly Bug Ball, 10.15-11.45am

Seasonal fun, craft and adventure for under 5s. Come and party bug style! Fun and games with an insect-inspired twist. Booking essential.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wicken-fen/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Ickworth: A world of wings display, 1.30-2.30pm

For information, see 11 September

Thursday 12 September

Wicken Fen: Mucky Pups...Ugly Bug Ball, 10.15-11.45am

For information, see 11 September

Friday 13 September

Ely Heritage weekend - Open Night at Ely Museum, 5.00-8.00pm

Take this free opportunity to visit our bright, friendly local history museum.  Displays include original prison cells, fossils to touch and Roman remains.  We will also be providing free children’s activities.   Last chance to see ‘The Old Gaol’ special exhibition. No pre-booking necessary.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-heritage-weekend-open-night-ely-museum

Ely Heritage Weekend - Open Night at Oliver Cromwell's House, 5.00-8.00pm

Ely’s visitor attractions are opening their doors, free of charge, so you can experience these atmospheric buildings after hours. Visit this impressive historic house after dark and experience domestic life in the 17th Century in our re-created period rooms. Venture into the Haunted Bedroom if you dare! Complete your tour with a sample of Cromwell’s Cider and listen to the medieval tunes of Ely’s authentic Pied Piper. No pre-booking necessary.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-heritage-weekend-open-night-oliver-cromwells-house

Ely Heritage weekend - Open Night at Ely Cathedral, 6.30-8.30pm

The Cathedral will be offering Twilight Tours of either the historical West Tower or the world famous Octagon Tower. Places for the tours are limited to two tickets per person. Tours are free but pre booking is essential via website www.elycathedral.org

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-heritage-weekend-open-night-ely-cathedral

Ely Heritage weekend - Open Night at the Stained Glass Museum, 6.30-8.30pm

Housed in the South Triforum of Ely Cathedral, we are the only museum dedicated to the art of stained glass in the country. View our many stunning stained glass windows, which date from 1200 to the present day. No pre-booking necessary.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-heritage-weekend-open-night-stained-glass-museum

Saturday 14 September

Heritage Weekend - Open Tours

Free events/tours are taking place in the city throughout the day:

·         Old Palace – 10 am to 4 pm, departing every 40 mins

·         Ely Cathedral – West Tower Tour - 10:00am

·         Ely Museum – 11.00am

·         The Stained Glass Museum – 11.00 am and 2.00 pm

·         Ely’s City Guided Walking Tour - 11.30 am

·         Ely Tales Guided Walk - 2.30 pm

·         Oliver Cromwell’s House – 3.30 pm

See link for more details.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-heritage-weekend-open-tours

Sunday 15 September

Ely Heritage Weekend - Open Houses

Free open houses are taking place throughout the dayPlaces for the tours are limited and must be pre-booked via our website at www.elycathedral.org

·         Prior Crauden’s Chapel – 10.00 am to 4.00 pm

·         Silver Street Cottages – 11 am to 4 pm

·         St Peter’s Church – 11 am to 4 pm

·         Old Porta – Tours, courtesy of Kings School and Ely Society, will run at 2.00, 2.30, 3.00 and 3.30 pm

See link for more details.

http://visitely.eastcambs.gov.uk/events/ely-heritage-weekend-open-houses

Kettle’s Yard: Studio Sundays, 1.00-4.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Wednesday 18 September

Ickworth: A world of wings display, 1.30-2.30pm

For information, see 11 September

Saturday 21 September

Cherry Hinton Festival – Family Fun Day (Spinney School), 12.00noon-4.00pm

Enjoy our FREE activities including: Dress up as a Polar explorer with the Polar Museum and pack a Polar suitcase ready for an expedition to the South Pole; Meet some real scientists from the British Antarctic Survey and see the field camp and tent used in the Antarctic; Physics based experiments to wow the mind; An interactive LED map of the different recycling sites in East Anglia; a Victorian rubbish sorting activity and a 3D glasses making activity with The Museum of Cambridge; Guess what old farming artefacts were used for and make your own cow with the Denny Abbey Farmland Museum; Hands-on maths activities with the volunteer staff and students from the University of Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics; Try 'Smashing Plants' with the Cambridge University Botanic Garden; robot-making workshop; Learn circus skills; Come and enjoy Sausage Fest, with five different sausages for you to choose from. Plus, ice cream, tea and coffee, candy floss, face painting, inflatables and local children's groups. Remember to bring a one pence coin and we will show you how to make and launch a rocket!

http://www.cherryhintonfestival.moonfruit.co.uk/#/family-fun-day/4578093135

Sunday 22 September

Monsters University (U): Ely Cinema, 3.00pm

In this prequel to Disney’s hugely successful Monsters, Inc., we find Mike Wazowski (Crystal) and James ‘Sulley’ Sullivan (Goodman) aspiring to frighten the bejesus out of sleeping children and learning their craft at the infamous Monsters University.

http://www.adec.org.uk/index.php?adec/eventdetail/monsters_university_u_ely_cinema_3pm1

Wednesday 25 September

Ickworth: A world of wings display, 1.30-2.30pm

For information, see 11 September

Saturday 28 September

Welney WWT: Bumblebee survey, 2.30-3.30pm

Each month this summer we will be surveying the bumblebees found at the WWT Welney Wetland Centre.  Join our warden to help us conduct important conservation work for the Bee Conservation Trust. These surveys depend on good to fair weather and take place out on the reserve.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney/whats-on/2013/09/28/bumblebee-survey/

39th Soham Pumpkin Fair 2013, 1.30-5.00pm

Events include Children's Sports Races, Performances by Soham Fenlander Majorette Troupe and St. Andrew’s & The Weatheralls Primary School Pupils. There will be a Funfair along with a wide range of Stalls & Car Boot Sales, Vintage Cars, Tractors & Bygones. There will be a special visit from ‘Mr Pumpkin’!

http://www.sohampumpkinfair.co.uk/

Sunday 29 September

Kettle’s Yard: Studio Sundays, 1.00-4.00pm

For information, see 1 September

Grafton Kids’ Club, 11.00am-4.00pm

All craft activities are FREE for members of The Grafton Kids' Club – and there is no fee to join. If you would like your child to join The Grafton Kid's Club come along to one of our events, they're on the last Sunday of every month. As a member you will receive a membership card and a free gift every time you attend. Join Gordon The Grafton Gorilla and his gang on the last Sunday of every month, where he will be hosting a 'get-together' between 11am and 4pm. This month: Harvest Festival – kids make and decorate Autumn Food Hampers.

https://www.graftoncentre.co.uk/childrens_club.aspx

Ramsey Rural Museum: Plough and Country Fayre Day, 11.00am-5.00pm

Plough and Country Fayre Day is one of the Museums most popular days during the year, hundreds of people come from all around to watch ploughing in all its forms, machines and Horses.  The shire horses, prove to be very popular.  The day normally consists of:

·         Tractor Ploughing competitions

·         Heavy Horse ploughing competitions

·         Fun Ploughing

·         Vintage Vehicles

·         Stationary Engines

·         Craft and Trade stalls

·         Food Stalls

·         Licensed Bar

·         Miniature Steam Traction Engines and much more

·         Bargain Barn & Book Sale

·         Refreshments available

·         Children's Activity area

http://www.ramseyruralmuseum.co.uk/

Do a Cycletta for the NCT!

Cycletta is the leading woman-only cycling event that takes part all year round across the UK. The event hosts bike rides set in beautiful, family friendly venues. The event is supported by Olympic Gold medallist Victoria Pendleton.

The distances of the cycle routes are between 20km, 40km and 80km. These distances offer a ride for all abilities and even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years, they are challenging but achievable.

You can take part in a Cycletta near you to not only get fit but also raise money for NCT’s leading work in providing pivotal support for parents across the UK.

Zoe Bastyan from Southampton branch took part in Cycletta New Forest last year and raised £220 for the NCT last year. She said that Cycletta was perfect for her as she ‘needed her own personal mini-adventure’ and was achievable as ‘there was minimal training involved’.

These are the Cycletta which you can take part in for 2013:

CYCLETTA SCOTLAND - 15TH SEPTEMBER 2013

CYCLING HOLIDAY (Mallorca)- 25TH TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2013

CYCLETTA BRIGHTON - 29TH SEPTEMBER 2013

CYCLETTA NEW FOREST - 13TH OCTOBER 2013

We are asking all those who want to do a Cycletta for the NCT to raise a minimum of £150. If you are interested in taking part, please apply via the Cycletta website (http://humanrace.co.uk/events/cycletta)for the bike ride of your choice.

The entry costs for the Cycletta vary from £28-£42 depending on the length of your bike ride.

Once you have applied, please contact the Community Fundraising at teamnct@nct.org.uk to inform them and they will be happy to provide you with fundraising support including a complimentary fundraising pack to help you reach your sponsorship target.

The deadline for fundraising will be two months after the event.

Maternity leave: 50,000 women a year don’t get jobs back

Up to 50,000 women who take maternity leave each year are unable to return to the jobs they left behind because of discrimination by employers according to figures analysed by the House of Commons library. The research found that as many as 14 per cent of the 340,000 women who take maternity leave every year find their positions under threat when they try to return. Some are told that they cannot do their old job part-time and are forced into roles with less responsibility while others are effectively constructively dismissed. Those who do return to the same job sometimes find it harder to get promotion, leading to a growing pay gap between men and women in later life.
Maternity Gap - The Independent 27 August 2013

Days Out Review: Wicken Fen, Pond Dipping and Bug Hunting

by Helen Johnston

I took my five year old son and two year and four month old girl to the Pond dipping and Bug hunt at Wicken Fen during the heat wave in July. As a first time visitor to Wicke

n Fen I was happily surprised with the lack of parking charge and also that we did not have to pay an entrance fee on top of the activity  as the activity was taking place outside the Fen area.

We arrived slightly early for the Pond dipping but were guided to a craft and activity area which was supervised by a very helpful and friendly volunteer. We spent the time whilst we waited colouring in crowns and pictures of insects which kept my two children happily occupied.

When the activity began the small group of pond dippers were given a talk on what to expect and what they may find in the pond. The talk was short enough to hold the children’s attention and delivered in a lively and age appropriate way. The volunteers had kept a newt to show the group which had been caught by the previous group, which provided some interest.

Once the pond dip was underway the volunteers supported the parents and children to pond dip correctly and if (like us) we weren’t very successful they gave us a few bugs to look at. Throughout the activity we were regularly visited by a volunteer who gave us interesting facts about the creatures that we found in the pond.

The second half of the activity consisted of a bug hunt; this was introduced by a lively volunteer who had the children in stitches of laughter. Unfortunately by this time my son was hungry and irritable with the heat so he did not engage well with the bug hunt but my little girl Edie loved looking at the spiders and woodlice. Again as in the previous activity the volunteers were on hand to tell us some interesting facts about the bugs that we had found.

We all had a great time and I found myself learning something too, I would thoroughly recommend this activity, which lasted an hour. Edie really enjoyed it, however she may have been slightly young to get the most out of it. I would perhaps recommend the ideal age group for the activity to be 3 -8 years. I would also advise anyone wanting to book an activity to book in advance through the website or booking line.

Emily's Birth Story

Emergency Caesarean after spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) and 40 hour labour ordeal

by Clare Perriss – Weymouth & Dorchester NCT

My birth story begins with being diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 34 weeks. I was referred to an Obstetrician specialising in gestational diabetes, and she was really great. I voiced my concerns and my preference for a natural birth and she was able to tell me what she honestly thought the risks were in our personal situation, and from there we made a plan.

Instead of the stock standard, "We'll induce you at 38 weeks," she compromised and said that she would like me booked in for induction at 39 weeks. I spoke to her about wanting to do what was possible to get my body prepared prior to induction so that I was given every chance that my baby would come without needing induction. A series of stretch and sweeps were scheduled leading up to the induction date. I also made arrangements to have some reflexology and moxibustion done around these dates.

I had my first session of reflexology/moxibustion just before 38 weeks, and it was wonderful - very relaxing, and I was given a moxa stick that I used at home also. I had my first stretch and sweep a couple of days later, at 38 weeks 1 day. The midwife came out with a show, and said she thought the cervix was quite soft, I was 1cm dilated and the baby was starting to engage. I was so excited! I thought that this could mean that my body and my baby were really getting ready to go and we would be able to avoid induction. That night, I started having more painful tightenings when I went to bed, and a few woke me up at night. However, they had stopped by morning.

My next stretch and sweep was at 38 weeks 4 days. The midwife informed me that I was 1-2cm dilated, and that things were looking very good. She came away with a good show, which continued during the day but stopped by the evening. I was very excited, and I said to my husband Stephen that I thought something might happen overnight. The next morning, 16th December, I woke up at about 7.15am to a very strong tightening, and feeling warmth on the sheets. I immediately knew what had happened - my waters had broken! I jolted out of bed as fast as was possible at 38+ weeks pregnant to avoid staining the bed too badly, and waddled over to the loo with my legs closed tight, leaving a dripping trail behind me!

I called the midwives at the hospital who said to come in and be monitored. Stephen helped me get ready, and off we went, a 45 minute drive to the hospital. I was a little nervous, but there was a calm about me as I knew this was it. Our baby was finally going to be here with us before too long. Stephen was calm, but I could tell he was nervous also.

I brought a number of towels and sat on these in the car, although it seemed that sitting down was the one thing that stopped the flow! By the time we arrived at the hospital, I had completely soaked through my tracksuit pants, and walking to the maternity ward only made matters worse. I arrived in maternity very clearly showing that my waters had broken, with dark patches almost down to my ankles! I was put on the montitor, and baby was doing very well.

I changed my tracksuit pants, and as the morning went on I continued to have irregular tightenings, some quite painful, others barely at all. Each time I had a tightening, a heap more fluid would leak, so I ended up going through another 3 pairs of underwear, a packet of maternity pads, and another pair of tracksuit pants! Stephen went into town to buy me some more, as I think he felt like he needed to do something. He came back with pyjamas, tracksuit pants, and even a new pair of lovely slippers!!

I spent a lot of that day walking briskly around the maternity ward and leaning on all fours over a chair, trying to help things along. I was excited and frustrated by equal measure, as I really thought things would have kicked off by that point. By afternoon, nothing was happening aside from the irregular tightenings, so a consultant came to talk to me.

I made sure they were aware that I wanted to give my body and baby a chance to start things naturally, and the consultant was pleased and happy for me to continue as I was, up to 72 hours after my membranes ruptured to avoid the risk of infection. We made a decision to stay in hospital at that point, as it was a long drive home and back again - I felt quite calm and safe in the hospital, having spent a bit of time there for tests and scans associated with the diabetes.

I asked to have the monitor put on that evening just so I could hear baby's heartrate for some reassurance before bed, and at about 8.30pm I was hooked up, and I settled down to listen to our baby for a while. After about 10-15 minutes where I had a couple of moderate tightening, as I’d had on and off all day, I suddenly got the most painful, prolonged contraction that lasted almost two minutes from start to end. It had me really groaning, and the midwife heard me from the next bed and came to check on me.

As she did, the monitor started beeping, and our baby's heartrate couldn't be picked up. She tried to find it, and eventually did on the other side of my stomach and it was very low. Panic stations. She pressed the buzzer and about six people came running in. I was a bit shellshocked and wondered what was happening. My baby's heartrate recovered, and everything settled down, but I was moved very quickly to a labour room and set up on the monitor in the new room.

Stephen had gone home for the night at about 7.00pm as nothing seemed imminent, but he was called back in as there were thoughts about whether our baby would need to be born quickly. He arrived around 10.30pm. Our baby had done a complete twist during that full-on contraction and we realised by the next morning she had moved posterior, with her back completely on the opposite side of my body to where it had been.

I was kept on the monitor for quite a while. Everything with baby went back to normal with her heartrate and eventually I was taken off the monitor. From that first initial very strong contraction at 8.30pm, every contraction I experienced after that was strong and I would need to breathe heavily through many of them. They were not coming anymore regularly than 6-7 minutes apart, so Stephen was advised to go get some rest, as was I.

Stephen went to his parents’ house at about 12.30am for some sleep as it was much closer than going home again. I had a very restless night as I was having hard contractions every 5-6 minutes that I often needed to get on all fours for, or lean over the bed - sitting in the chair or lying down was very uncomfortable. I could not sleep for more than a few minutes between contractions here and there. It was also proving very difficult to monitor the baby on and off overnight as it had moved into this posterior position and it was hard to keep track of its heartbeat consistently.

At about 5.30am it was suggested that an internal examination be done to see how things were going and to place a scalp monitor on. The internal showed I was 3cm dilated and only 70% effaced, so there was a long way to go, and the scalp monitor was placed but unfortunately wasn't giving any reading.

Stephen arrived at about 9.30am and I was still in early labour, still only having about 2 contractions in every 10 minutes or so. They were painful, and I was tired, but felt encouraged by the internal I had early in the morning. As the day went on, my contractions did not get any more frequent, but remained very painful. In fact, at times they would stop all together, particularly when I was moving about and not resting. Another internal showed that I was still 3cm dilated and not fully effaced. I was trying to relax, but was finding it more and more difficult.

By late morning the midwife who was looking after me started mentioning augmentation via a drip, as a different consultant who had seen me that morning was concerned about infection becoming a possibility as time went on. It had been more than 24 hours since my waters broke and active labour showed no signs of starting. I had a lengthy discussion about the pros and cons of going on the drip with the midwife and decided that if I hadn't made any more progress in a couple of hours that I would think about it properly. I had been sitting on a birth ball for hours, and at about midday an anaesthetist came in to insert a drip into my arm to give me some antibiotics and have everything prepared in case of induction.

In the meantime I had requested a TENS machine earlier in the morning as my contractions were getting progressively more and more painful. I was groaning through all of them, often rocking on the birth ball. If I moved around or got up and walked the contractions would stop until I was sitting back down again, except when I went to toilet and as soon as I sat down on the loo, I would have an awfully strong one!

I had not been allowed to eat breakfast, so I had not had any food since dinner the night before, and I asked to have some food and a shower to try and perk me up a little. The drip was taken off, TENS was unhooked, as well as the monitor and I had a shower after having a bite to eat. I thought it would help with the pain, but as soon as I was moving again the contractions stopped. The shower was lovely though - I felt refreshed.

I was hooked up again and I had another internal at 2pm, and this time I felt really disillusioned. I was still at exactly the same place as I had been at 5.30am. A new midwife shift had started and a wonderful, professional but sensitive and soft-spoken midwife was assigned to me. I voiced my concerns about augmentation again, and my fears about how painful it was going to get as I was already finding the contractions in non-established labour so painful. I wanted to do everything I could to avoid pain relief.

The midwife explained that the syntocinon would not make things more painful than they would get naturally in a progressed labour, it would just ramp up the intensity of how quickly they would get more painful. This made sense to me, even though I was really frightened of how much pain I could bare. At this point though, with her guidance and knowing that this midwife would look after me I agreed to go on the drip and everything was set up.

It took about an hour or so, but the contractions started to come on more frequently as the dose was slowly increased. I could not sit on the bed anymore, and moved back to the birthing ball, swinging around or leaning up against the bed with my elbows and head on my arms, bouncing away. I requested gas and air as the intensity increased. It took a few goes, but I got the hang of the gas and air quite quickly.

Eventually, I could not sit any longer through contractions and I started standing through them, swaying my hips and getting quite vocal! The gas and air like made me feel extremely ‘drunk’ which took me away from the pain and gave me some hallucinations at first. My awareness of time was going as I started to lose myself in the pain, being detached from it when the affects of the gas wore off. Stephen and the midwife were helping me to breathe deeply. I don't have much recollection of this at all.

The next thing I was aware of, I was on the bed having an internal with the midwife was trying to get me to focus on her and telling me "Clare, you're still only 3cm dilated". I was absolutely devastated. Even though I have very little memory of the time leading up to the internal, I do remember how much I was focusing and continuing to think this whole time, "Each contraction is dilating me and helping my baby to come. I can go through this as I am getting closer each time". And to find out that all the time on the drip had been for nothing and that I was going nowhere was the worst thing possible. I felt completely beaten. I think I was pretty desperate at this point, as I know I was convinced it was going to end with a caesarean, and I was asking for an epidural. Stephen tells me I was yelling a fair bit!

After my epidural was administered the midwife turned the syntocinon down as I was having contraction after contraction without pause, and it was too full on. As the contractions dropped in frequency I started to regain my awareness as I was having breaks in between using the gas and air. A consultant came to talk to me and said that we would give it another two hours to see what was going to happen, and then we would need to talk about the next option.

I started to feel less pain as the epidural took effect, but realised that it was only working on one side quite quickly. Still, it was much better than it had been - the pain was much more tolerable as it was taken away by half! I was tilted over to try and see if the drug would balance on the other side, but it did nothing. I had gone back to having about four contractions in 10 minutes, which seemed much more manageable than before.

The time until the consultant came back went by quickly, with a new midwife seeing to me, and when the consultant did an internal at 9.30pm she said I was 3-4cm dilated and she tried to attach another scalp monitor for the fourth time. I was exhausted and not taking things on board so well now. I was extremely emotional, I was still no further. We talked about caesarean and the consultant was very kind – I remember her taking my hand and saying to me, "Clare, you have done everything you possibly could to bring your baby into the world, now we need to give you a hand to finish it off. You should be so proud of how much you have done to this point." It helped me regain my composure, and we prepared for a caesarean and it was like a load was lifted from my shoulders.

The epidural was switched off, as well as the syntocinon and I shakily signed a consent form and we were off. Stephen held my hand until he had to get dressed up, and I was wheeled into theatre. The anaesthetist was so very kind and gentle, he said that he was going to replace the epidural with a spinal block and he was sorry that it had not worked correctly to begin with. I was crouched over for the second time, trying to stay still during my contractions (my own natural contractions were now very full on even with the syntocinon and epidural gone). Once the spinal block was in, it was like the sweetest relief I have ever felt. I felt no more contractions, after 26 hours of pain amounting to nothing and 40 hours since my waters first broke.

Stephen was seated at my head, never letting my hand go and the fear of what it would feel like to be cut open was quickly abated when it was all happening and I realised I could feel nothing. Before long - such a short time! – our baby was hoisted above the curtain at 10.46pm on Wednesday 17th December and Stephen and I saw her for the first time, all squishy-faced and red! It was a miracle!

Our baby was taken by the midwives and cleaned a little and wrapped before quickly being placed in Stephen's arms. He found out her sex for himself as we asked no one to tell us, and she made her first sounds in his arms – the sweetest most incredible sounds ever. We named her Emily Acacia there and then. The world narrowed down to myself, Stephen and our baby, and it was the most special, intimate and amazing experience of my life, all in front of a dozen busy people. I turned to my anaesthetist and said, "Thank you for looking after me" and he smiled so kindly. Everything was perfect.

The time for me to be stitched up went so fast. Before long I had my baby on my chest as I was being wheeled back to my room, and I made the biggest effort with a midwife pushing on my feet upwards to try and lever myself upright whilst still under the effect of the spinal block so I could let Emily attach to my breast. I was so determined, and we did it. The three of us were then left in private and our daughter and I had skin to skin contact for about 4 or 5 hours as I would not let her go. Stephen took lots of photos before he left to sleep at his parents’ again, at about 2.30am.

It turns out that Emily's neck was flexed - probably when she maneuvered in distress at the initial prolonged contraction I had the evening before her birth. This was why I did not progress - as her head was not in a position to help dilate my cervix properly, despite being on the drip. She was not an overly big baby as predicted (there was also talk of shoulder distocia during my labour ordeal – where babies shoulders are too big to fit through the pelvis) but she was our perfect girl who had a bit of a bumpy ride into this world.

As much of the evening of my augmented labour I have no memory of, I will never forget what holding my daughter was like for that first night. I did not sleep for the second night running as the adrenaline and joy of having her in our arms kept me going and I couldn't have been lighter or more on top of the world. Our daughter was here with us, after a big journey full of ups and downs to be here. All was well.