Finally Ludo has arrived, By Marina Fogle

After nearly 10 months of anticipation, I’m finally a very proud Mummy. Little Ludo Fogle was born on 9th December and after a bit of a rocky start is now thriving and growing fatter every day. Where to start. I went into labour the day before my due date and having said that I couldn’t wait to feel my first contraction, I very soon changed my mind…. 24 hours of breathing, tens, baths and groaning later, I was still only 2cm dilated and I went into hospital begging them to give me an epidural. I seriously considered calling Ludo Epidural in homage to the wonderful anaesthetic. It was amazing.

In the end however I needed to have an emergency cesarean – I’d developed an infection and had a very high temperature and they’d noticed some meconium in my waters as well as Ludo’s heartbeat slowing after my contractions. I was whisked into theatre and ten minutes later a little screamer was placed on my chest. I was totally exhausted and overwhelmed – I hadn’t slept for three nights but so relieved that our little boy had arrived safely. We’re home from hospital after a bit of a longer stay. Ludo had 24 hours in the special care unit as he’d punctured a lung and also had an infection. It was heartbreaking to have my little one taken away from me and not being able to cuddle him but the wonderful staff made both of us better and he reminds me many times a day now just how strong and healthy his lungs are.

We’re now settling in at home and starting to live life again. One of my favourite things is taking Ludo out for walks with the dogs. He loves being outdoors, cosily wrapped up in his Mini-la-Mode cashmere and I find that he sleeps even better after a good dose of fresh air. I currently feel like a cow, feeding my son every three hours with very little time for anything else. However I do hope to continue this blog, reflecting on what was indispensable during my labour.
Thank you for your sweet comments and do watch this space.