Alex's birth

[mommyorient]

It has taken me a while to actually be able to write this down. Lots of things happened that were so unexpected and caused me to be very disappointed in myself and my body. Writing this down is just difficult. With that said, I am leaving some details out because they are things I do not want to think about. We got too close to losing Alex, it is hard to talk about it. 

So, on Tuesday September 8th, we got our maternity pictures done and then went to Chucky Cheese to let Cora play. That evening we had our last refresher birthing class. It was a normal day. Then at 4:45 in the morning, I woke up needing to make a trip to the restroom. I sat up in bed and felt a gush and realized my water must have broke. I stood and felt an even bigger gush. I made my way to the bathroom and turned on the light. Well, it was not my water. It was blood and lots of it. I yelled for Pat. He called my parents to come watch Cora and called my midwife. We were told to get to the Hospital immediately. I had not felt the baby kick in over 9 hours at that point and they thought I may have lost the baby. Mom, Pat and I got to the Hospital in record time. Poor Pat was terrified and sped the entire way. We were placed in the surgery recovery room as labor and delivery was so over crowded. I was in a bed next to a lady in hard labor. Only a thin curtain separated us. They hooked up the fetal monitors and could not find the heart beat. I just stared at Pat trying to hold back the tears. Then, we heard a slight thump, then another. They found the baby. It was just really high, higher than usual. We were so relieved. After a bit, I was checked and I was 1 centimeter and the baby was at 0 station and low. But there was lots of blood still. They took a sample of the blood to see if it might just be my water with lots of bloody show in it. Things happened so fast after that point, we never got the results back from the sample. I was moved into a birthing room then and the surgeon accompanying my midwife showed up. She took one look at the blood and said no VBAC for you, we need to get you to surgery now and get the baby out. I was devastated. I so wanted a VBAC but having the baby safe was more important. We waited for the room to come available as they were in the middle of another c-section then. We were rushed in and I was prepped for surgery. Pat joined me wearing blue scrubs and a mask. I hardly recognized him. They began and then as quickly as it began, it was over and they had the baby out. Pat stood and then smiled and said, "it's a Boy"! We were thrilled . He had the tiniest little cry. It was so small and quiet, but he was crying and it was great to hear. They then told me he was only 4 pounds 13 ounces.  It was 2 1/2 weeks early, not much but still early. Then the surgeon told me my placenta had began to tear away from my uterus which had caused all the bleeding. Then they said the c-section was the way to go. The placenta would not have held up during delivery and the baby would not have made it. Cora was brought to me shortly after and I was so happy to see her. I was only away from her for a few short hours but it seemed so much longer. Having her there was wonderful! After recovery while in our room, we were told his birth time, 9:09am. Um, ok I thought, Why tell me that I wondered. Then I realized it. He was born on 09/09/09 at 9:09am. That is too cool! We were contacted by the local news paper and tv station asking for interviews. So before our little man was 24 hours old, he was an instant celebrity. His story made it all over the nation reaching ABC news. We later found out he was even in a paper in Surrey England. He is International now! Anyway, our little man is doing well now 6 weeks later. He is gaining weight very fast. In fact, he has almost already doubled his birth weight. He is 8 pounds now! If he keeps this up, he will pass Cora up! All in all, our birth was scary and not at all like we had hoped and planned for, but Alex is here and well so we are thrilled. Our family is happy and we love having a little girl and a little boy.  Oh, and whoever may think the second is easier, NOT!!! You are so much more exhausted making things that much more crazy. However, it is so worth it.  I want to add a huge thank you to my amazing family and friends. Your love and support through all this has been wonderful and I love you all.

[2autisticsmom]

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:28 PM

The important thing is baby is healthy and now you are too. Do not be disappointed in yourself or your body. Things like this happen it's called life. Had it not been for modern medicine and the technology to do a c-section both of you may have died. it's a risk in birth. It happens. Glad to hear everything worked out for the best. Relax and enjoy your little blessing and take time to heal. Hugs!!!

[MSugarKane]

Oct. 23, 2009 at 12:33 PM

Congratulations and I am glad both of you are doing great!

[norene]

Oct. 26, 2009 at 12:10 AM

so glad that you are all okay. congrats to your wonderful family

[Ianmommy4]

Oct. 26, 2009 at 8:56 PM

I know what you mean about the birth.  Ian was my last and I so wanted to have a reg bith but not my kid.  I'm still a little sad I din't get to nurse but I have him and thats all that counts

[Dogma]

Nov. 1, 2009 at 1:54 PM

Whew!  That birth was scary, but your little boy arrived with celebrity status and good health.  I am sorry I didn't check up on you earlier, but I am glad I checked today.  Best wishes to all of you and your pee wee celebrity!  Hope to see you back on Cafe Mom as soon as you have caught up on your sleep!  PS  Did the doctors explain why that happened with your placenta?  Is it something that happens often?  Hugs, DogMa (Liz)