Sorry to keep you all in suspense - just haven't had the time, energy, etc. for blogging until now. So early Tuesday morning, June 9th, I started having regular contractions close together and so we went to the hospital after calling our midwife. We got there and I was in good spirits, making jokes and not expecting to have a baby that day since my contractions were not very hard yet. They hooked me up to machines to check everything out and concluded that since they didn't know how fast or slow I would labor they wanted to do a c section as soon as possible. Uggh! Reality started setting in, that our baby really was not going to come naturally as we had hoped. We prayed, Holden gave me a blessing, and I cried. A lot. But I signed all the consent forms and they took me down to the operating room alone. Holden was allowed to come in only after I had received the spinal thingy. Whatever they call it - where they put the needle in your back (shudder) and your whole bottom half goes numb (yikes!) I was really nervous about this part and proceeded to have a minor panic attack. I couldn't stop crying and shaking and I was nervous they were going to try to put the needle in at that time and hit the wrong spot because I was shaking so much. That thought didn't help matters. I finally was able to calm down as I focused on the baby. I knew I had to move forward because in our circumstances this was the best thing for her. I calmed down immediately with this thought, and allowed myself to lean on the doctor's shoulder while they put the needle in. They said it would burn, but I hardly felt anything. Soon they brought Holden in and he held my hand. The doctor and all of the staff were really amazing. They seemed to understand how hard it was for me and did everything they could to make it a positive experience. As she was operating the MD was saying all kinds of encouraging things like "We're about to have a birthday party!" She did a really great job. All I could do was stare at the ceiling at a round knob that said "oxygen" on it and say to myself "I can do this", "I'm ok", "Everything is going to be ok". When we heard Belen cry for the first time we both cried too. Then I heard one of the nurses say "Wow, she has long eyelashes".
In the recovery room they laid Belen on my chest and she breastfed right away. My recovery has been really great so far. I read a lot of things about c sections that made me nervous, but our experience has been as positive as possible. We were really blessed, and have a lot to be grateful for, especially, of course, all the special moments we have had so far as a family with Belen. Thanks again to everyone for your support and prayers. And I apologize for all the unreturned phone calls, I promise to get better at that as my recovery continues to progress and I get into a more predictable routine with the baby.
Much Love,
The Higginbothams
7 comments:
I am so glad that you had a positive birth experience even though it wasn't exactly how you planned. Your post made me tear up a little since I could truely relate to every bit of your experience (except the breast feeding part...I didn't have that go my way) everything from the intense shaking, to the major disappointment of realizing things are going to go how you wanted them to, to the focus and concentration during the procedure just to get you through. You are a trooper and I'm so happy for you and Holden! Your daughter is beautiful! I wish you every happiness and a SPEEDY RECOVERY!!!
I am so happy for you both, and so happy that you have a beautiful healthy baby girl. I hope your recovery continues to be speedy and that you have so much fun with your beautiful baby!! Yay for you guys!
Congrats!!!
I can't imagine how that would feel. You must have been so physically drained and to have your hopes and goals smashed along with that would be overwhelming. You are a spectacular woman and I am so glad you ended up being so strong and brave!
I think you are also amazing for wanting to try labor the unconventional way. Most women don't even think of the other options out there and allow themselves all sorts of medical intervention with no questions asked. You have been so involved with your pregnancy and labor and should be commended for that! Excellent Work!
We love you and can't wait to see you guys and little Belen. I've been praying that your recovery from surgery continues to progress and that you can begin to feel good (and normal) again!
Thanks for sending me the link to your blog! And CONGRATS on a gorgeous baby girl! I love her name too. I really admire you for letting labor start on its own even though you knew you'd probably end up with a c-section. Hope the recovery is going well!
I hope all continues to go well for you! She's so beautiful!
Thank you for sharing! It is so nice to hear when the unexpected turns out better than what we imagine it to be. And having that baby in your arms makes it all the better! Glad that breastfeeding worked out nicely! You are both amazing making it through that- Holden probably was aching for you as he watched you be taken away to handle some of this on your own. What great parents you are!
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