Birth Story and Frustration

Time is suddenly standing still so I can finally get to writing up the birth story. We're in the hospital (more on that later) so I can't add any pictures, but I can at least share how labor and delivery went.

I had my 39 week appointment with Dr. M on Thursday morning. She did an internal exam because I had been having quite a number of contractions and I was curious to find out if they were doing anything. It turns out that I was 4cm dilated, but baby was still high. She was in the perfect position so we went ahead with a membrane sweep and I went home.

Nana and Papa were visiting and they decided to stick around in case I went into labor. They went shopping during Mina's nap and Mina decided that she wanted to take a nap with me after talking in her crib for about an hour. We snuggled and loved on each other for about two hours. It was glorious.

I wasn't showing any signs of labor so we all went out to eat at Bennigan's. Yum. Potato soup. Nana and Papa went to a movie afterwards so we spent some time together as a little family before we put Mina to bed. We watched TV and I started feeling some painful contractions here and there. By bed time they seemed to be getting closer together, but I could still handle them well. Right before I was about to get into bed Mina cried and coughed so I went in and wiped her nose and gave her one last kiss and hug before she went back to sleep.

I laid down in bed at about 10:30 and the contractions started right away. There was no way I was going to be able to fall asleep with contractions about 3 minutes apart. Before too long I went and filled the tub with warm water because I remembered that helped with the pain last time. I sat in the tub for a couple of hours breathing through the contractions. I visualized my cervix opening, tried to think of happy thoughts (like Mina singing songs), and concentrated on the fact that my body needed to feel some pain to make progress. It got to the point where the tub wasn't helping and I managed to get to Jon to tell him to get up. He timed a few contractions. They were about 2 minutes apart and lasting a minute or longer each. He got out his phone to call L & D when I had a contraction that lasted about 3 minutes long.

We packed up and left for the hospital. The driveway was really icy and I had a contraction while trying to get into the car. I had to lean on the hood and sway. We made it to the hospital and I surprised Jon by wanting to walk to L & D. I figured that if I wasn't puking, then I should walk because there's no telling how long my labor could last. It took us a while, but we made it to the right place and got to a room at around 2am.

The nurse could tell that I was truly in labor without talking to the doctors. My contractions were regular, painful, and strong. She thankfully got the IV of fluids started right away so I could get an epidural when I wanted one. A doctor came in and found that I was completely effaced and 6cm dilated. Right before they put me in the delivery room I had a terrible, terrible contraction that caused me to rethink my supper choice. I got it out of my system and felt much better. That was my only puking episode thankfully. Looking back, that was probably transition.

The anesthesiologist came in shortly after and I got my epidural somewhere around 3am. It worked well and I was able to relax after just a few contractions. Half an hour later I felt pushy so we told the nurse. She pulled up the sheet to have a look and started to giggle. My bag was partially hanging out of me. She got the doctors because I was likely ready to deliver quickly with that circumstance. The doctors came in, had their laugh, broke the sac, and I was ready to push. I had a contraction so I pushed a couple of times. It felt good so I asked if I could keep pushing. They let me. I stopped after the contraction ended and started up again with the next contraction. I pushed a couple of more times and then out came Charlotte. No pain, just happiness and awe. It couldn't get much easier or calm.

Charlotte was put on my chest for a quick snuggle before they took her to wipe off and assess. The placenta was delivered and then my small tear was repaired. Once the doctors were done stitching me (which took a while just because of the placement and amount of bleeding going on), I was able to nurse Charlotte. She did a good job of latching on. They placed a catheter in me since I was swollen and then it was time to move to the mom and baby unit.

I didn't enjoy the ride to the unit. I felt kind of queasy and off. Right as we got there, the nurse said that I should have someone there when I got up for the first time because I might feel dizzy. I said, "I feel kind of dizzy right now." She told me to stop looking at the floor. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by concerned faces. I had fainted due to the blood loss and been out for about 15 seconds. They got me into bed and I felt much, much better once I was laying down.

Nothing too exciting happened after that. Charlotte ate, we slept here and there and had some visitors. We were discharged the next morning to our great relief. It was wonderful getting to see Mina and not having to be away from her for long. Mina has been good for the most part. She was hitting and throwing stuff, but started acting pretty much normal and lovey by Tuesday. It helps that my mom is staying with us so I can devote individual time to my big girl.

Now for the frustration - On Monday, I brought Charlotte in for a check and her bili level was high. They had me come in with her again on Tuesday and it was higher. It was even higher on Wednesday so we were told to bring her in for some phototherapy to treat her jaundice. I've been able to room in with her and nurse her every couple of hours, but it's not that fun staying in the hospital. Her levels were checked again this morning and they're on their way down. However, the levels aren't going down fast/far enough so there is a potential second night's stay ahead of us. Her level will get checked again this afternoon and that will determine what happens from here.

I'm not worried about Charlotte. Jaundice isn't that big of a deal and it's being treated. She has plenty of dirty and wet dipes and is regaining her birth weight quickly. I'm worried about Mina and her adjustment. She was doing so well, but now she doesn't have her mommy again and it has to be confusing. She loves Grandma, but it just isn't the same. I miss her very badly. No matter how many kids I have, she's my special girl. Jon is working today and Mina has a cold so I can't see her until either we are released or tonight when Jon can spell me. I'm frustrated. Maybe baby #3 will be a take home and stay home baby.

Oh, and my sister Claudia won the guessing game this time around. She was extremely close with all of her predictions. Congratulations!