Rafael James Charlton-Perez

Finally a moment to breath and to think and to write about the amazing, scary, wonderful experience that Cristina, I and James have just been through. On August 27th, Cristina's waters broke and we began the first of several trips to the Royal Berkshire hospital to assess what was happening and to ensure that Cristina and our soon to be son were OK. After a 5am trip on Friday 28th, we returned home and tried to rest, although by now Cristina was experience some early labour pains. Unfortunately these did not become full labour and we returned to the hospital on Friday morning at 10am to have her labour augmented (basically a hormone drip to encourage contractions).

Once attached to the drip, Cristina experienced very strong labour pains. I was truly amazed (although not entirely surprised) at her ability to tolerate the intense pain that she felt from the strong contractions that she experienced. However, after many hours attempting to labour like this it became clear that our baby was under great stress and that a c-section would be necessary. Very rapidly we were rushed to theatre and James was delivered within 15 minutes at 23:14 weighing 6 lbs and 2ozs.


Following the operation, a quick cuddle and feed with James, Cristina was very sick perhaps realted to the necessary very strong pain killers. For the rest of the evening a spent my time worrying and watching Cristina and holding and soothing James'. This period and the final stages of labour were one of the most awful and stressful experiences of my life. I hope I never have to experience the sensation of watching the two people I love most in the world so sick for so long again.



However, despite being extremley tired and very sore Cristina now feels enormously better after two days of help and care from the fantastic staff of Iffley ward. I've spent most of the last two days in the hospital with Cristina and James who is feeding and sleeping well. We hope that Cristina and James will be able to come home soon to be with us all (including Cristina's Mum and Dad and my Sister Helen).


After two days of fatherhood, I'm so far exilherated and exhausted. Before James' birth I hadn't thought a lot about either the practicalities of fatherhood or how I would feel when James was so small. Since Cristina was so well prepared, had so much experience and was so excited about his birth, I thought I would be able to take my lead from her. Soon after Cristina finished James' first feed it was obvious that I needed to hold and care for him while she recovered from her operation. Although I frankly had no idea even how to hold him, after lots of mistakes and bumps I think I managed to comfort and warm him for several long hours while Cristina recovered. Having been rather thrown in at the deep end I've loved holding and soothing James for the past two days when I've been able to be at the hospital. Cuddling him on my chest this morning while Cristina rested was a truly transformative experience; tender, loving and joyful.


My final message is to James (who I hope will read this post in the years to come). Please don't be upset if you see your silly father in floods of tears over the next few days. All of my friends will tell you that I've always been a bit emotional. Right now (as I type) I can't think about Cristina and James without getting a lump in my throat.

Cristina I'm sure will have her own thoughts and recollections of our experience and I hope will post them soon once she arrives home.

For now our love and thanks for all your support.

(Posted by Andrew from Cristina's account)