Birth Story

[PrincessNicole]

I think I jinxed myself when I said that there was no way Caleb was going to wait until the scheduled c-section date to be born.  I was so sure that he was going to come early.  Partly because Matthew came early, partly because he was so big.  But, he came just as scheduled, on December 28.  It was better that way.  Everyone I wanted there could be there and I was able to schedule child care for my other kids.  So it all worked out.

I had to be at the hospital at 11 on Dec. 28.  I was a little nervous.  Mostly because of the spinal and I started thinking about the fact that they were actually going to cut into me and take Caleb out.  With both of my other kids, I had labored first so I didn't have much time to think about the surgery.  My mind was elsewhere.  I had a great nurse (named Nicole) and she was a lot of fun.  She picked on Craig a lot and made us all laugh.  It was nice to break the tension. 

The doctor showed up at about 1:00 and shortly after that, I went down the hall for my surgery.  Of course, first order of business was the spinal.  I was nervous and I started shaking but it all happened so fast that it really wasn't that bad.  They gave me the numbing shot first and after that, I didn't feel much at all.  Craig came in soon after they got me laid down and he was all dressed in his medical garb.  He sat next to my head, looking a little nervous but he was very supportive.  We were just kind of waiting for that first cry. 

Suddenly we heard it.  Our beautiful son's cry sounded through the room and we both started crying.  I don't think either one of us even knew he was out.  We knew that they were trying to get the head out because they said I'd feel some pressure but like I told them, it was no where near the amount of pressure that I felt when he was inside me.  That cry was amazing.  It was so strong.  And they brought him around to us so we could see him.  He was all yucky but even so, he was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.  Craig stayed with me a few more minutes until they called him over to see his son.  He went over and took some pictures and stayed with Caleb while they cleaned him up.  Then they let him bring him back over so I could see him while they stitched me up.  It was wonderful.  Just the way I thought the birth of my child should be, actually.  I'd never experienced that before.  Cassidy swallowed meconium so she needed some breathing help and Matthew had to have surgery right away.  So, I didn't get that time with them.  Before long, they took Caleb to the nursery and finished working on me.  It was over before I knew it and I was being wheeled back into my room for recovery. 

I was in my room for a little while and my family came back in.  Then Craig brought Caleb in.  I got to hold him, which was incredible.  I got to try to feed him as well and we got some time alone with him.  It took a few tries with feeding him but in the middle of the night that night, he finally started to catch on.  Craig stayed the night with me that night but ended up sleeping at home the rest of the nights.  It wasn't very restful for him. 

I had a pretty good hospital experience.  The only bad part was the day nurse that I had.  The day after my surgery, they decided that it was time for me to get a shower.  So, I told my nurse that I was ready and she helped me get up and get into the bathroom and then she just left me.  I could hardly walk and I couldn't get my stuff out of my suitcase but she left me there alone.  I was very upset about that and almost was in tears over it.  Thankfully, the clinical assistant that was working that shift helped me out.  I couldn't have done it without her help. 

We came home on New Year's Eve.  It was a long day but we finally got discharged and came home in the evening.  It's been a learning experience every day since then.  Caleb is on a schedule at night.  He's been waking up once in the night and then he'll sleep until 6:30 or so and once he eats then, he'll sleep until 10 or so.  So, he's doing very well.  He's gained weight and gotten longer so the breastfeeding is going very well. 

So, that's my story!  I'm so happy that the pregnancy is over.  I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable and ready for it to be done.  Now that it is, I know that my little baby was worth all of that discomfort and I'd gladly do it again. 

[MSugarKane]

Jan. 10, 2010 at 7:33 AM

congratulations!!!