Got the official word from on high: Bean and I are headed home tomorrow morning, after the docs give us each a last look-see and we get our discharge papers. The unit coordinator was nice enough to come over and get the birth certificate and social security paperwork out of the way, so all we need is our last checks and we're outta here!
The good news is that we're establishing something of a breastfeeding pattern, but the bad news is that she still lost some weight (not uncommon after birth), but she lost a little more than they like to see, so we're supplementing with some formula, and I'm going to be pumping in order to increase my own milk supply. The LC said mixing in an ounce of formula with 2-3 oz of breastmilk will be fine, so it's a true supplement - just enough to help fill her tummy until I can catch up to her. I think my milk should be coming in fairly soon, and the other nice benefit is that I get a spare set of parts for my personal breastpump.
The bags are packed, the Bean is still down (and isn't due for another feeding for about 3 hours or so, and I'm tired, so I think I'm going to try and get some sleep. Next entry will probably be from home (thank God!) I will have my husband bring the camera back so we can post a few going-home shots, and even though it's the end of the birth journey, it's the start of a life journey for us and our new addition.
I'm so glad you are all along for the ride.
Showing posts with label hospital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hospital. Show all posts
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Hospital #8: Afterbirth
I know I said I was going to try and get the final info up last night, but you know. The last thing my husband was going to let me do was get online -- and quite frankly, we needed a little time to ourselves. We had a good evening, I'm off the IV and the catheter, and for the first time in about 24 hours, I'm feeling vaguely human again.
My husband has gone home for a few hours to shower, change clothes, catch a nap and begin to recover his own humanity. It looks like a beautiful day outside -- lots of sun and warmth, despite the cold.
Oh, speaking of beautiful things...
World, meet The Bean.
By the numbers:
December 30, 2008
5:38PM
10 lb, 4 oz
20.5 inches long
APGAR scores: 8 and 9
Brown hair, blue eyes, and the absolute spitting image of her paternal grandfather and great-grandmother (who greatly favored each other). I have no idea where she got the full head of brown hair -- her older sister favored my family in that respect -- we were all baldies with no more than towheaded peachfuzz until age 2.
She has a number of things in common with her older sister: they are both Capricorns, they both seem feisty and are champion breastfeeders. They share the same long, thin piano fingers and the same freaky monkey toes. They have differences too; where her older sister had an altimeter at birth and preferred to be walked and swayed, this baby seems to like a swaddle and a close cuddle.
I'll write the full recap of the birth in a little while, I think. Right now, I need to go down to the nursery and meet with the on-call pediatrician for the daily check. So far, her numbers are perfect and she's in the best of health.
And I'm in love.
Can't you tell?
My husband has gone home for a few hours to shower, change clothes, catch a nap and begin to recover his own humanity. It looks like a beautiful day outside -- lots of sun and warmth, despite the cold.
Oh, speaking of beautiful things...
World, meet The Bean.
By the numbers:
December 30, 2008
5:38PM
10 lb, 4 oz
20.5 inches long
APGAR scores: 8 and 9
Brown hair, blue eyes, and the absolute spitting image of her paternal grandfather and great-grandmother (who greatly favored each other). I have no idea where she got the full head of brown hair -- her older sister favored my family in that respect -- we were all baldies with no more than towheaded peachfuzz until age 2.
She has a number of things in common with her older sister: they are both Capricorns, they both seem feisty and are champion breastfeeders. They share the same long, thin piano fingers and the same freaky monkey toes. They have differences too; where her older sister had an altimeter at birth and preferred to be walked and swayed, this baby seems to like a swaddle and a close cuddle.
I'll write the full recap of the birth in a little while, I think. Right now, I need to go down to the nursery and meet with the on-call pediatrician for the daily check. So far, her numbers are perfect and she's in the best of health.
And I'm in love.
Can't you tell?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Hospital #7: Decision
Apparently, I have a very stubborn cervix.
I'm tired.
And I want to meet our daughter.
Bottom line: it's going to be a repeat c-section. I'm okay with it. We're both okay and we have the time to go in without rushing. I've done this before. It's not my ideal, but in the end, it's what needs to be done.
Do I feel like a failure? I don't think so. I got the chance to try, and I stuck with what I knew I wanted. In the end, it's all about what's right for the two of us. The doc was very frank with me, as having had a previous c-section definitely limits my time allotment, in terms of how long they will let me labor on the Pitocin, as opposed to someone who hasn't had a prior C.
Okay, maybe I'm not completely okay with it, but I will be. I feel like this time around I at least gave myself a chance, and that's all I can really ask of myself. I think it comes down to this: I was fine and handling the contractions well, and all of a sudden I felt...not myself. A bit disoriented, a bit sick, definitely tired. I took a 30 minute nap and it helped, but the fact that there is an end in sight makes me feel better than any nap or medicine or words. Part of what makes me feel better about this choice is that I don't feel backed into a corner, and I know what I'm about to do. The other nice thing is that my doc is the one who will be able to do the birth -- that's a tremendous source of comfort to me, rather than having an unknown on-call doctor digging around my insides.
Doc says we'll likely go in around 4-4:30, and my hope is to have some pix and an update up here later this evening. So I'll tell all of you what I told my husband: go get something to eat, relax, and check back in later.
Thanks again, one and all, for your kind words and unfailing support. See you on the flip side...
I'm tired.
And I want to meet our daughter.
Bottom line: it's going to be a repeat c-section. I'm okay with it. We're both okay and we have the time to go in without rushing. I've done this before. It's not my ideal, but in the end, it's what needs to be done.
Do I feel like a failure? I don't think so. I got the chance to try, and I stuck with what I knew I wanted. In the end, it's all about what's right for the two of us. The doc was very frank with me, as having had a previous c-section definitely limits my time allotment, in terms of how long they will let me labor on the Pitocin, as opposed to someone who hasn't had a prior C.
Okay, maybe I'm not completely okay with it, but I will be. I feel like this time around I at least gave myself a chance, and that's all I can really ask of myself. I think it comes down to this: I was fine and handling the contractions well, and all of a sudden I felt...not myself. A bit disoriented, a bit sick, definitely tired. I took a 30 minute nap and it helped, but the fact that there is an end in sight makes me feel better than any nap or medicine or words. Part of what makes me feel better about this choice is that I don't feel backed into a corner, and I know what I'm about to do. The other nice thing is that my doc is the one who will be able to do the birth -- that's a tremendous source of comfort to me, rather than having an unknown on-call doctor digging around my insides.
Doc says we'll likely go in around 4-4:30, and my hope is to have some pix and an update up here later this evening. So I'll tell all of you what I told my husband: go get something to eat, relax, and check back in later.
Thanks again, one and all, for your kind words and unfailing support. See you on the flip side...
Hospital #6: Quick Update
Pit's up to 18 now and so far, seems as if there's no change in contractions. Honestly? I think I'm immune to it or something.
It's 12:30. Nurse said if Dr. R. wasn't here within 30 mins she was going to check me herself. At this point, I would really REALLY like to see some progress on the cervix. If I have it, they can possibly break my water and that would definitely get the show on the road. Seems as if the bean is floating along in her little home, oblivious to everything we're trying.
More later...still waiting on the doc.
It's 12:30. Nurse said if Dr. R. wasn't here within 30 mins she was going to check me herself. At this point, I would really REALLY like to see some progress on the cervix. If I have it, they can possibly break my water and that would definitely get the show on the road. Seems as if the bean is floating along in her little home, oblivious to everything we're trying.
More later...still waiting on the doc.
Hospital #5: All We Need Is Just A Little Patience...
So...we've been at this for about 15 hours, on the Pit for around 12. I'm now at level 8 and for whatever reason the contractions slowed down for awhile, then just decided to pick back up a bit -- they are coming on stronger, at about 4-5 minutes apart. I'm hoping things remain steady.
I forgot to say last night, but my cervix was around a 1 last night, still high and moderately thin. The nurse checked me around an hour ago and roughly no change. She's got a call in to my doc to see what's what in terms of our options.
This is a big crossroads for me. I don't want to think about the words failed induction just yet...I feel like I've made progress in terms of my contractions, but the point is that if my cervix isn't ready, ain't nothin' happenin' no matter what, and it's off to the OR I go if we're serious about having this baby (and we are). I think I'm just bracing myself for whatever news comes down the pike.
OK -- nurse just came in and said Dr. R. is coming down to check on me -- she's at the other hospital and needs to do some administrative stuff. I'm hoping she's here in a couple hours, and those couple hours will show some progress.
*sigh*
The good news is that the contractions are tolerable and mostly evenly spaced, and I feel pretty good physically. I'm wrapping my head around the thought of a repeat C-section, and I think I'm mostly okay with it. I just don't want to resign myself to it...just yet.
Thanks for all the good vibes, y'all...appreciated more than you could ever know.
Oh, by the way? If you ever get a chance to catch a show on USA Network called Burn Notice, check it out. We're on our second episode right now and so far it's pretty good. Plus? Bruce Campbell. Bonus points right there!
I forgot to say last night, but my cervix was around a 1 last night, still high and moderately thin. The nurse checked me around an hour ago and roughly no change. She's got a call in to my doc to see what's what in terms of our options.
This is a big crossroads for me. I don't want to think about the words failed induction just yet...I feel like I've made progress in terms of my contractions, but the point is that if my cervix isn't ready, ain't nothin' happenin' no matter what, and it's off to the OR I go if we're serious about having this baby (and we are). I think I'm just bracing myself for whatever news comes down the pike.
OK -- nurse just came in and said Dr. R. is coming down to check on me -- she's at the other hospital and needs to do some administrative stuff. I'm hoping she's here in a couple hours, and those couple hours will show some progress.
*sigh*
The good news is that the contractions are tolerable and mostly evenly spaced, and I feel pretty good physically. I'm wrapping my head around the thought of a repeat C-section, and I think I'm mostly okay with it. I just don't want to resign myself to it...just yet.
Thanks for all the good vibes, y'all...appreciated more than you could ever know.
Oh, by the way? If you ever get a chance to catch a show on USA Network called Burn Notice, check it out. We're on our second episode right now and so far it's pretty good. Plus? Bruce Campbell. Bonus points right there!
Hospital #4: Off to the Races
Not as much rest as I originally intended, but what I got will suffice. Hospital beds are uncomfortable, y'all! Give me my king-size pillowtop anyday.
Time moved slower than molasses in winter, so I broke out some music to make time go faster, and it did. Also turns out I had a change of staff overnight, and my new nurse decided to see what would happen if she turned the Pit up a notch.
It kept me up, is what happened. Apparently my contractions started to pile up, so they turned it back to 4 and there it remains. However, I can definitely feel the intensity picking up, despite the meds remaining at the same level from last night.
My husband is asleep right now...poor guy probably barely got any rest. I take it in stride...I don't think I worry as much about my energy level as his. I know I'll be exhausted after all is said and done...I want him to go home and get some real rest tonight, I think. Our daughter needs to see him, and I won't mind being alone with the baby for a little while. Once the baby is home I'll rest.
Another fun tidbit -- we had 2 nurses in here over the last 15-20 minutes trying to find the bean on the monitor. Apparently she loves to play hide and seek with the monitors, and anytime I so much as twitch, they lose her on the monitor and come rushing in here trying to make sure she's not in distress. All they really have to do is look... she's kicking like a mofo and is still very active, so I am guessing things are a-ok down there.
More contractions soon, I'd suspect. I'm also guessing I'm due for another internal check here in a bit. Oh joy...pray for dilation, y'all...
Time moved slower than molasses in winter, so I broke out some music to make time go faster, and it did. Also turns out I had a change of staff overnight, and my new nurse decided to see what would happen if she turned the Pit up a notch.
It kept me up, is what happened. Apparently my contractions started to pile up, so they turned it back to 4 and there it remains. However, I can definitely feel the intensity picking up, despite the meds remaining at the same level from last night.
My husband is asleep right now...poor guy probably barely got any rest. I take it in stride...I don't think I worry as much about my energy level as his. I know I'll be exhausted after all is said and done...I want him to go home and get some real rest tonight, I think. Our daughter needs to see him, and I won't mind being alone with the baby for a little while. Once the baby is home I'll rest.
Another fun tidbit -- we had 2 nurses in here over the last 15-20 minutes trying to find the bean on the monitor. Apparently she loves to play hide and seek with the monitors, and anytime I so much as twitch, they lose her on the monitor and come rushing in here trying to make sure she's not in distress. All they really have to do is look... she's kicking like a mofo and is still very active, so I am guessing things are a-ok down there.
More contractions soon, I'd suspect. I'm also guessing I'm due for another internal check here in a bit. Oh joy...pray for dilation, y'all...
Hospital #3: Rest and Respite
Last post for the evening. It's 12:40 and a little past my normal bedtime.
I'm up to 4 on the Pitocin (I started at 1) and I'm feeling good -- tolerating things well, and my pattern is good per the monitor. I'm told I'm in a holding pattern now -- unless things change of their own accord in the next 4-6 hours, they won't up the dosage. I can handle that.
So far, besides the indignity of a hospital gown and the stupidity of the hospital wifi blocking Facebook (and Pandora! Geez!) all is well. The nurses seem very nice, nobody has been in my face about much of anything (with the notable exception of Charge Nurse at the start) and I'm hoping for a quiet night. Time to break out the ambient mix and get comfy.
Plan for now? Rest, try and relax a bit, and look forward to the main event tomorrow. We got a fan in the room, so it's far less stuffy, and the white noise should help mask the machines that go *ping!*
Please continue sending your good vibes and good thoughts/prayers our way. I must be honest, this liveblog is not just a good diversion for me, it's really been a way to think through the entire process, and it has given me a good way to let out some steam. Writing is therapy for me, and reading everyone's good wishes and comments brings a smile to my face -- keeps me reminded of how blessed I am to have friends and family who care enough to keep up even in the wee hours.
More in the morning...
Monday, December 29, 2008
Hospital #2: The Big Wait Begins
This:
only took two nurses, two arms, three tries, at packs on both arms, and 15 minutes of pressing and prodding to accomplish. Definitely worthy of a photo.
So the IV is in, and the big wait begins. It is 10:30 and I'm thinking I might try and get some rest, but it's pretty well impossible considering there is noise outside, I'm not really tired, and I have a feeling as soon as I fall asleep, I'll be woken up by my current nurse, who will have to take my blood pressure, as they constantly monitor you and the kiddo when you are on Pitocin.
I suppose now is as good a time as any to explain the course of treatment. Fair Warning: Medical Stuff Ahead...
Normally, when labor is induced, the docs will start with Cervadil or Cytotec, which are drugs that are placed inside the vagina in order to "ripen" the cervix, or get it ready to dilate and birth. Unfortunately for Yours Truly, these ripening agents are contra-indicated in VBAC.
(Oh -- more med term: VBAC = Vaginal Birth After Caesarian. Which is what I'm attempting to do in lieu of a repeat c-section.)
Anyway. I digress.
Right now, I am on an IV drug called Pitocin. (My mother, the one-time L&D nurse, says they used to call it 'Kickapoo Joy Juice.' I assume this is no longer the technical term.) Basically, my doc wants to stimulate contractions in order to try and get the baby's head down and against the cervix, so that I will dilate, so that I will labor and contract, and produce a baby. Overnight, this is low dosage, to establish a regular contraction pattern and see how I respond.
I've been on the IV for about 90 minutes, and so far the contractions aren't any harder than I was experiencing on my own. I take that as a good sign and a bad sign: good in that I'm tolerating things just fine...bad in that I don't know if the meds are really doing much.
The room is also warm right now. Ugh. They turned the thermostat down but it's still feeling a bit stuffy.
If I can't sleep, I'll probably surf or write or look up some stuff on the Interwebz, or maybe blog some more. I'm supremely bummed about the Facebook thing, but I suppose there's not much I can do outside of borrow my husband's blackberry to update my status. Hey wait... there's an idea...
And in other news, I keep looking over at my husband thinking he's farting, then realizing it's the IV machine hookup doing its thing. He caught me looking over at him just now, and I told him I keep thinking he's farting when it's just the machine. His response?
"I really am farting."
This is going to be a loooooooong night.
only took two nurses, two arms, three tries, at packs on both arms, and 15 minutes of pressing and prodding to accomplish. Definitely worthy of a photo.
So the IV is in, and the big wait begins. It is 10:30 and I'm thinking I might try and get some rest, but it's pretty well impossible considering there is noise outside, I'm not really tired, and I have a feeling as soon as I fall asleep, I'll be woken up by my current nurse, who will have to take my blood pressure, as they constantly monitor you and the kiddo when you are on Pitocin.
I suppose now is as good a time as any to explain the course of treatment. Fair Warning: Medical Stuff Ahead...
Normally, when labor is induced, the docs will start with Cervadil or Cytotec, which are drugs that are placed inside the vagina in order to "ripen" the cervix, or get it ready to dilate and birth. Unfortunately for Yours Truly, these ripening agents are contra-indicated in VBAC.
(Oh -- more med term: VBAC = Vaginal Birth After Caesarian. Which is what I'm attempting to do in lieu of a repeat c-section.)
Anyway. I digress.
Right now, I am on an IV drug called Pitocin. (My mother, the one-time L&D nurse, says they used to call it 'Kickapoo Joy Juice.' I assume this is no longer the technical term.) Basically, my doc wants to stimulate contractions in order to try and get the baby's head down and against the cervix, so that I will dilate, so that I will labor and contract, and produce a baby. Overnight, this is low dosage, to establish a regular contraction pattern and see how I respond.
I've been on the IV for about 90 minutes, and so far the contractions aren't any harder than I was experiencing on my own. I take that as a good sign and a bad sign: good in that I'm tolerating things just fine...bad in that I don't know if the meds are really doing much.
The room is also warm right now. Ugh. They turned the thermostat down but it's still feeling a bit stuffy.
If I can't sleep, I'll probably surf or write or look up some stuff on the Interwebz, or maybe blog some more. I'm supremely bummed about the Facebook thing, but I suppose there's not much I can do outside of borrow my husband's blackberry to update my status. Hey wait... there's an idea...
And in other news, I keep looking over at my husband thinking he's farting, then realizing it's the IV machine hookup doing its thing. He caught me looking over at him just now, and I told him I keep thinking he's farting when it's just the machine. His response?
"I really am farting."
This is going to be a loooooooong night.
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