Lately as I've been reading blogger's "day in the life" posts, a question came to mind. When did your baby/babies start on a schedule/routine?
I've been fighting with Kieran this past week to try and get more of a routine down so that he'll sleep throughout the day. If I left him to his own devices, he'd sleep in short 10-15 minute naps with maybe a longer nap thrown in, but only if I'm holding him. I know that he should get more sleep throughout the day, especially since if he doesn't, he's so over tired by the time Keegan gets home from work that he's super fussy.
I'm hesitant to try and put him on a strict schedule because he is only 5 weeks old and I'm going back to work soon, so our schedule will change once that happens. I'm also hesitant because our weekends are so different from our weekdays; we're normally out running errands and seeing friends, so I'm not sure if a schedule will fit well with that lifestyle.
So mamas, chime in. Does your little one have a schedule? Is it one you started or one they made themselves? Is it strict or pretty flexible?
Monday, September 22, 2014
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Birth Control or No Birth Control...
... that is the question.
I have my "6 week" (really 5 week, but whatever,) postpartum appointment with my doctor on Thursday and per her protocol, we'll be talking about my birth control options.
It's been a debate going on in my head since my OB mentioned it at my 2 week postpartum appointment. There are a lot of pros and cons, and honestly, it's a decision I don't feel ready to make yet.
I think the biggest "pro" about going on birth control is the fact that I will have a monthly cycle (something I don't have naturally due to my PCOS,) which will eliminate the "am I pregnant this month?" question. I don't really want to go back to feeding my peeing on a stick habit, and having a guaranteed monthly cycle will save both my sanity and my money.
However, that's the only good thing I can see about going on birth control.
There are a lot of "cons" such as having to pay for it (even though it's a measly $5 per month,) having to remember to take it, being confident that it won't be passed on to baby through my breast milk and worrying about it drying up my milk supply. I know that my OB would prescribe a pill that is breastfeeding friendly, but it's still a worry I have, especially since my supply is barely sustaining Kieran as is.
I'm also worried about it messing up my already messed up hormones. When I went off birth control back in 2012, I didn't have a cycle for months, which eventually lead to my PCOS diagnosis. I have no way of knowing that my lack of cycle during that time was due to my PCOS, or my body not knowing how to cycle without having the birth control hormones.
We eventually want to try for baby number two, and I'm afraid that being on birth control will hinder that process when we're ready. I don't want to have to wait extra months because we have to teach my body how to cycle again without the BC hormones.
I know that not going on birth control is basically saying that we're ready for another child to come into our lives at any moment (since we're not taking preventative measures,) and honestly, we're not. The ideal time to get pregnant would be when Kieran is about a year to a year and a half old (like infertility ever works with our "ideal" times.) However, I'm scared that taking birth control will hurt more than help.
Anyone have any advice?
I have my "6 week" (really 5 week, but whatever,) postpartum appointment with my doctor on Thursday and per her protocol, we'll be talking about my birth control options.
It's been a debate going on in my head since my OB mentioned it at my 2 week postpartum appointment. There are a lot of pros and cons, and honestly, it's a decision I don't feel ready to make yet.
I think the biggest "pro" about going on birth control is the fact that I will have a monthly cycle (something I don't have naturally due to my PCOS,) which will eliminate the "am I pregnant this month?" question. I don't really want to go back to feeding my peeing on a stick habit, and having a guaranteed monthly cycle will save both my sanity and my money.
However, that's the only good thing I can see about going on birth control.
There are a lot of "cons" such as having to pay for it (even though it's a measly $5 per month,) having to remember to take it, being confident that it won't be passed on to baby through my breast milk and worrying about it drying up my milk supply. I know that my OB would prescribe a pill that is breastfeeding friendly, but it's still a worry I have, especially since my supply is barely sustaining Kieran as is.
I'm also worried about it messing up my already messed up hormones. When I went off birth control back in 2012, I didn't have a cycle for months, which eventually lead to my PCOS diagnosis. I have no way of knowing that my lack of cycle during that time was due to my PCOS, or my body not knowing how to cycle without having the birth control hormones.
We eventually want to try for baby number two, and I'm afraid that being on birth control will hinder that process when we're ready. I don't want to have to wait extra months because we have to teach my body how to cycle again without the BC hormones.
I know that not going on birth control is basically saying that we're ready for another child to come into our lives at any moment (since we're not taking preventative measures,) and honestly, we're not. The ideal time to get pregnant would be when Kieran is about a year to a year and a half old (like infertility ever works with our "ideal" times.) However, I'm scared that taking birth control will hurt more than help.
Anyone have any advice?
Monday, September 15, 2014
Microblog Monday - New Blog
Keegan and I have decided that we don't want too many pictures of Kieran on this blog. I've heard so many stories of people stealing baby pictures, and even if I watermark every single one of them, we still don't feel comfortable having them on this blog since it's not password protected.
However, he's too cute not to post pictures, so we decided to start a family centered blog that is password protected. There will little talk of infertility on that blog, instead it's more of a way for us to keep family and friends updated on our lives.
I'm still going to continue writing here. I don't know how often or on what subjects, but I don't want to leave this space, especially since I'll need it to talk about our journey for (hopefully) baby number two.
Our new blog is here. If you want to follow, leave a comment with your email address and I'll send you the password.
As always, thank you all so much for following our journey and supporting us along the way. We love you guys!
Learn more about Microblog Mondays here.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Kieran One Month
Height: Will find out at his one month appointment on Wednesday
Weight: Ditto. I'll be surprised if he hasn't reached 10 pounds
Clothing: He can wear anything from newborn to 3 month clothes depending on the brand. The 3 month clothes are a bit big in the shoulder area, but he's long, and his cloth diapers add some padding in the booty region, so they fit him length wise.
Nicknames: Fussy Pants, Chunker, Chunk-a-monk, Chubby Cheeks, Chubby Cheekers, Little Love, Baby Boy
Food: After being on formula for the first week and a half of his life, he's officially only on breast milk now. I'm also pumping and giving him at least a bottle a day so that he is used to taking a bottle for if/when he goes to daycare.
Sleep: One plus to having such a large baby is that he already sleeps throughout the night. We'll put him to bed between 9 and 10, he'll sleep until 3-5, eat for about half an hour, and then he'll fall back asleep until around 7 (most nights. The last couple of nights, getting him back down to sleep after his feed has been a bit difficult.)
Naps: Unfortunately he doesn't sleep much throughout the day. He'll sleep in the car and will take short cat naps, but he'll only sleep for long periods of time if he's lying on me or Keegan. As much as I enjoy him sleeping through the night, I would gladly wake up again if he'd give me a good hour or two nap during the day so I could get things done!
Milestones: I think we may be getting smiles. They're not really brought on by anything, but I catch them once in a while after he's just woken up, or when he's hanging out. He's also holding his head up really well. He'll be hanging out on his tummy on Keegan's chest, and he'll hold his head up well enough that they're looking eye to eye.
He got to meet my parents and youngest sister as well as Keegan's mom. We're hoping he's able to meet my other sister and Keegan's dad and brother soon!
Likes: Snuggles, eating, sleeping, bath time, tummy time.
Dislikes: Getting his clothes changed (he doesn't like things going over his head,) getting his diaper changed, being cold, being left alone while I try to get something done.
I cannot believe we've had this little boy in our lives for a month already. We got really lucky with him; he's a great sleeper, he travels well and he's overall a happy baby. My only "complaint" is that he doesn't nap well throughout the day, so it's difficult to get things done, but I'd much rather sit on the couch with him asleep on my chest than do dishes. Sometimes I look at him while he's sleeping and get teary eyed. For so long, it seemed like we'd never have a child; I cannot believe how lucky we are to have this wonderful little boy in our lives.
Weight: Ditto. I'll be surprised if he hasn't reached 10 pounds
Clothing: He can wear anything from newborn to 3 month clothes depending on the brand. The 3 month clothes are a bit big in the shoulder area, but he's long, and his cloth diapers add some padding in the booty region, so they fit him length wise.
Nicknames: Fussy Pants, Chunker, Chunk-a-monk, Chubby Cheeks, Chubby Cheekers, Little Love, Baby Boy
Food: After being on formula for the first week and a half of his life, he's officially only on breast milk now. I'm also pumping and giving him at least a bottle a day so that he is used to taking a bottle for if/when he goes to daycare.
Sleep: One plus to having such a large baby is that he already sleeps throughout the night. We'll put him to bed between 9 and 10, he'll sleep until 3-5, eat for about half an hour, and then he'll fall back asleep until around 7 (most nights. The last couple of nights, getting him back down to sleep after his feed has been a bit difficult.)
Naps: Unfortunately he doesn't sleep much throughout the day. He'll sleep in the car and will take short cat naps, but he'll only sleep for long periods of time if he's lying on me or Keegan. As much as I enjoy him sleeping through the night, I would gladly wake up again if he'd give me a good hour or two nap during the day so I could get things done!
Milestones: I think we may be getting smiles. They're not really brought on by anything, but I catch them once in a while after he's just woken up, or when he's hanging out. He's also holding his head up really well. He'll be hanging out on his tummy on Keegan's chest, and he'll hold his head up well enough that they're looking eye to eye.
He got to meet my parents and youngest sister as well as Keegan's mom. We're hoping he's able to meet my other sister and Keegan's dad and brother soon!
Likes: Snuggles, eating, sleeping, bath time, tummy time.
Dislikes: Getting his clothes changed (he doesn't like things going over his head,) getting his diaper changed, being cold, being left alone while I try to get something done.
I cannot believe we've had this little boy in our lives for a month already. We got really lucky with him; he's a great sleeper, he travels well and he's overall a happy baby. My only "complaint" is that he doesn't nap well throughout the day, so it's difficult to get things done, but I'd much rather sit on the couch with him asleep on my chest than do dishes. Sometimes I look at him while he's sleeping and get teary eyed. For so long, it seemed like we'd never have a child; I cannot believe how lucky we are to have this wonderful little boy in our lives.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
C-Section Healing Tips
When I was envisioning my birth, a c-section wan't even on my radar, so I was in no way prepared to deal with the emotional and physical changes that happen when healing from major abdominal surgery. I guess you could say I did a lot of on the job learning, and I'd like to pass on the nuggets of wisdom I learned along the way.
1. Have a great support person / people.
I was lucky enough to have Keegan, my parents, and a few wonderful nurses who took it upon themselves to help me out as much as possible. When it takes you 20 minutes just to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, you'll want someone who is willing to take the time and not rush you. You'll also want someone who you're not embarrassed to have them see you at your physical worst. Let's just say I never thought I would pee in front of my husband.
2. Walk (when you're cleared to, of course.)
My nurses got me up and walking the day after surgery which was the scariest thing I have ever done, but I'm so glad they forced me to. Yes, it was painful, and I'm pretty sure my newborn could have wiggled across the room faster than my shuffling, but it gave my muscles a chance to stretch out after being in bed all day. Keegan was really good at forcing me to walk around the postpartum wing of the hospital at least twice a day. We were lucky that my parents were in town, so they would stay with baby in the room while we walked, but even once they left, we would take Kieran out with us in his crib.
3. Keep up on your meds.
The first 24 hours after surgery, I was on an IV of morphine that I was able to dose myself when the pain got too bad. However, after that, I was given ibuprofen and Percocet in pill form every 6 hours. Sometimes my nurses would forget my dose, especially at night, and I was such a space cadet that I didn't remember either, but if I missed a dose, I would wake up feeling like I got hit by a semi. Everything ached like I had the flu, and it made doing even simple tasks difficult. Even though I hated relying on medications, it made life so much better and allowed my body to heal faster.
I would say keeping up on your medications when you're home is even more important because you don't have nurses and hospital staff to help you. You have to walk yourself to the bathroom and it's much more difficult when you're in pain.
4. Bring comfy clothes.
Again, I didn't think I would have a c-section so I didn't pack clothes that were meant to not bother my incision, but I did throw a maternity dress into my hospital bag thinking I'd wear it home since I expected to still look 5 months pregnant. I am so thankful I had that dress because it allowed me to wear something other than a hospital gown, that didn't rub on my incision. I also had a pair of black yoga pants that we're soft enough to not bother my incision and also hid any...leaks that happened.
I also brought a pack of cheap underwear that I didn't mind getting dirty. Without even realizing it, I purchased high rise underwear that I thought would be huge on me, but they ended up being perfect. They reached high enough on my stomach to not hit my incision and they've worked so well that I've worn them since we've been home as well since all of my regular underwear hit directly where my healing incision is.
I also brought a pack of cheap underwear that I didn't mind getting dirty. Without even realizing it, I purchased high rise underwear that I thought would be huge on me, but they ended up being perfect. They reached high enough on my stomach to not hit my incision and they've worked so well that I've worn them since we've been home as well since all of my regular underwear hit directly where my healing incision is.
5. Shower. Wear your own clothes. Put on makeup.
Getting up to shower was another one of those tasks that seemed impossible, but I was so glad I did it. I was able to wash all the leftover liquids and adhesives off from surgery, and in general just felt cleaner. Wearing my own clothes was much more comfortable than the hospital gown, and if I wore makeup, I probably would have put that on too.
6. Eat and Drink.
My hospital provided three meals a day and sometimes the nurses would slip me snacks of graham crackers and juice. The hospital food wasn't exactly a 4 course meal, so I'd eat whatever seemed remotely eatable, and then asked my parents or Keegan to get me food when they'd run out to get something for themselves. I was starving most of the time due to not being able to eat for 24 hours while I labored as well as breastfeeding, so eating enough was important. If you're breastfeeding, getting enough water really helps your supply, so make sure you're keeping hydrated.
7. Room with your baby.
Deciding to have your baby room with you, or to have them spend the night in the nursery is a very personal decision, but I can't say enough how glad I am that Keegan and I decided to have Kieran room with us. It was easier for us since we had to feed him every three hours, but it also allowed us to learn from the nurses. They were constantly in our room, so we asked them to teach us how to swaddle a baby, how to take care of his umbilical cord, and more. They were there, they had the knowledge, so we decided to get as much information out of them as we could.
8. Be easy on yourself.
This might be the most important tip besides having a good support system. I know there were many times I got upset and frustrated because I couldn't physically do as much as I wanted. The entire time I was in the hospital, I didn't change a diaper because it was too difficult for me to get out of bed to do so. Whenever Kieran was hungry, I had to have someone bring him to me because his crib was too high for me to reach from the bed. There was one really memorable time when Kieran threw up all over himself and the bed and I felt so helpless because I couldn't help to clean him or myself up.
Keegan was really great at reminding me that I just had major abdominal surgery and no one expected me to be able to move around like I normally do. I really had to let go of my urges to be in control of the situation and allow my husband, family, and nurses take care of me. I'm one who doesn't like to ask for help, but I really had to let that go and remind myself that I would be able to take care of my son soon enough.
9. Take Pictures / Video
Even though I don't want to dwell on our time in the hospital, I'm so glad we took pictures of our time there. Those are our son's first moments and our first moments as a family of three. We also got pictures of my family meeting Kieran for the first time which are some of my favorite memories. We made sure to get pictures of the not so happy times like the IVs and our difficulties at the beginning of breastfeeding because they are also a part of our son's story.
I had no idea what to expect from a c-section, so these are all things I learned along my healing process. Healing from a c-section is no walk in the park, so I hope that these tips are helpful. Any other c-section mamas have anything to add?
7. Room with your baby.
Deciding to have your baby room with you, or to have them spend the night in the nursery is a very personal decision, but I can't say enough how glad I am that Keegan and I decided to have Kieran room with us. It was easier for us since we had to feed him every three hours, but it also allowed us to learn from the nurses. They were constantly in our room, so we asked them to teach us how to swaddle a baby, how to take care of his umbilical cord, and more. They were there, they had the knowledge, so we decided to get as much information out of them as we could.
8. Be easy on yourself.
This might be the most important tip besides having a good support system. I know there were many times I got upset and frustrated because I couldn't physically do as much as I wanted. The entire time I was in the hospital, I didn't change a diaper because it was too difficult for me to get out of bed to do so. Whenever Kieran was hungry, I had to have someone bring him to me because his crib was too high for me to reach from the bed. There was one really memorable time when Kieran threw up all over himself and the bed and I felt so helpless because I couldn't help to clean him or myself up.
Keegan was really great at reminding me that I just had major abdominal surgery and no one expected me to be able to move around like I normally do. I really had to let go of my urges to be in control of the situation and allow my husband, family, and nurses take care of me. I'm one who doesn't like to ask for help, but I really had to let that go and remind myself that I would be able to take care of my son soon enough.
9. Take Pictures / Video
Even though I don't want to dwell on our time in the hospital, I'm so glad we took pictures of our time there. Those are our son's first moments and our first moments as a family of three. We also got pictures of my family meeting Kieran for the first time which are some of my favorite memories. We made sure to get pictures of the not so happy times like the IVs and our difficulties at the beginning of breastfeeding because they are also a part of our son's story.
I had no idea what to expect from a c-section, so these are all things I learned along my healing process. Healing from a c-section is no walk in the park, so I hope that these tips are helpful. Any other c-section mamas have anything to add?
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Kieran's Hospital Stay
As I mentioned in his birth post, Kieran had difficultly regulating his blood sugars when he was born. A few moments after birth, his blood sugar level was in the 40s, when it should have been in the 60s or higher. Another check five minutes later, and his level had dropped down to 33. Once a baby's blood sugar level drops down to 30 or below, they can have seizures, and since I wasn't able to breastfeed quite yet (still getting my abdomen stitched up and all,) Kieran was given an ounce of formula to bring his level up.
After I was stitched up and moved to my original labor and delivery room, Kieran was brought in for about 30 minutes so we could bond and try to breastfeed. We were able to breastfeed for about 10 minutes on each side. As I was moved to our postpartum room, Kieran was brought back to the nursery to get the Vitamin K shot and eye ointment. Around 2:30 or 3 in the morning, he was brought into our postpartum room and we were told that his blood sugar level was not as high as the pediatrician wanted, but it were high enough for him to room with us.
At 6 am, a nurse from the nursery came in to check his levels again via a pin prick to his heel. Unfortunately his level had dropped again, so he was taken to the nursery to get an IV placed so sugar water could be administered to keep his level up.
After I was stitched up and moved to my original labor and delivery room, Kieran was brought in for about 30 minutes so we could bond and try to breastfeed. We were able to breastfeed for about 10 minutes on each side. As I was moved to our postpartum room, Kieran was brought back to the nursery to get the Vitamin K shot and eye ointment. Around 2:30 or 3 in the morning, he was brought into our postpartum room and we were told that his blood sugar level was not as high as the pediatrician wanted, but it were high enough for him to room with us.
At 6 am, a nurse from the nursery came in to check his levels again via a pin prick to his heel. Unfortunately his level had dropped again, so he was taken to the nursery to get an IV placed so sugar water could be administered to keep his level up.
Unfortunately the nurses had a difficult time placing the IV, so Kieran had bruises in both hands, both feet, and his arms from them trying. As much as I wish I was there to comfort him, I'm glad they did the IV in the nursery because I don't know if I would have been able to handle his cries from them poking him over and over again.
We were told that to keep his level up, we would have to feed him a bottle of formula every 3 hours (which was equal to 2 ounces,) as well as trying to nurse and letting him get any colostrum/milk from me he could. After nursing I was to pump to try and get my milk to come in quicker. Feeding him every 3 hours during the day wasn't too bad, but at night, he'd want to sleep through at least one feed, most of the time the one at 3 am. We'd un-swaddle him, tickle his feet, rub his back with cold hands, whatever we could do to keep him awake long enough to at least get him to drink the bottle.
For the first two days we were in the hospital, I wasn't getting anything when I pumped, but eventually I was getting a milliliter or two of colostrum that we'd suck up into a syringe and feed him.
I can't explain how ecstatic we were when I started getting colostrum. Finally my body was starting to produce something my baby needed, something that would eventually turn into milk so that I could keep my baby's level in check.
When Kieran first got his IV, the machine was set to "16" (we're not sure what the number meant, it somehow corresponded to how much of the sugar water he was getting.) We were told that each time his sugar numbers came back at a 60 or higher, the number would get bumped down two points and once it was at "0," he would be able to be taken off the IV to see if his body could regulate itself. Once he was able to go a day with his body regulating his blood sugar correctly, he could go home.
A nurse would come by every 6 hours to check his blood sugar levels with a pin prick in the heel (6 am, noon, 6 pm and midnight.) Some of the nurses were wonderful at pricking and squeezing his tiny heel quickly to get the blood and then allowing me to nurse him, but some nurses had a lot of difficulty getting any blood out which forced them to prick him all over again and made him wail. Eventually we learned that if his heel was heated up with a warm washcloth for a few minutes before the prick, his blood would flow easier. By the time we left the hospital, both heels were purple from being stuck so often.
Our hospital stay was full of ups and downs when it came to his blood sugar levels. I remember feeling so defeated, especially when I wasn't producing anything to feed him. It felt like Kieran would be in the hospital for weeks and we started getting worried about what would happen if I was discharged before he was. Thankfully we learned that our hospital room would transfer to his name for insurance purposes, but we'd be able to all stay together until he was ready to go home.
Eventually, his body began figuring things out and we slowly started bumping the numbers on his IV machine down. We did have a small bump in the road when his IV line became clogged so they had to take him back to the nursery and place it in his other foot. Saturday morning we finally bumped it down to "0" and he got unhooked from the IV machine. They kept the line in his foot just in case they needed to start the IV up again, but for the first time, we were able to move about our room freely with him. No more worrying about crimping the line when we swaddled him, or worrying about pulling it out when I was nursing.
Sunday, we were given the ok to head home, all three of us. We were instructed to continue feeding him formula and breast milk every three hours until his follow up appointment at a week old. At that appointment, we were told to stop the formula and to only breastfeed. We were pretty excited when we heard that; we had run out of the premade bottles of formula the hospital had given us, and while we thankfully had a sample of the same formula at the house that had been sent to us, we were really hoping we wouldn't have to buy any.
Even though I understand why we had to feed him so much, I do think it caused us a few problems once we came home and he was off the formula. I wasn't (and still am not) making as much as he was getting when he'd eat a 2 ounce bottle and then feed from me. For about a week, we had a very fussy, hungry baby because we'd basically taken half of his meals away. We had stretched his cherry sized stomach so much that it took a while for it to shrink down again to the size it should be at his age. Thankfully we have (mostly) moved past that, and it looks like I'm able to feed him enough to keep him satisfied....for a few hours at least.
Just like the birth, our hospital stay was nothing like I had imagined it. I am so thankful that we had an amazing hospital staff who first of all realized that Kieran's blood sugar level was a problem, but also stuck with us to make sure we were able to go home together. We had some of the most compassionate nurses who really tried to cause the least amount of pain to Kieran, and a wonderful lactation consultant who helped us figure out breastfeeding when we could barely get him to wake up. We also had two great pediatricians who never made me feel like his condition was my fault, even though it technically was caused by my gestational diabetes.
Our experience definitely made me have even more respect for families who have children in the NICU or in the hospital for any length of time. We were only confined by one IV line; I couldn't imagine trying to hold and care for your child when they're hooked up to so many machines.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Kieran's Birth Story Part 2
After Dr. L said the words "c-section," the whole room burst into a flurry of excitement.
Surgery nurses came in and starting prepping us. A nurse shaved the surgery area, I got a hair net, and Dr. L left to prep. They didn't want any metal in surgery, so I had to take out my earrings and take my bra off which was difficult since I was hooked up to an IV and epidural. I told the nurses they could cut it off, but they were determined to take it off in one piece. I also had to drink seltzer water to neutralize my stomach acid so I wouldn't throw up during surgery. The anesthesiologist came in to give me a second dose of epidural and Jennifer placed a catheter. Keegan and I said goodbye to my mom, dad and sister, and I was wheeled down the hall.
Keegan was told to wait outside of the surgery room while they prepped me. I was transferred to the surgery bed and the nurses started doing the prep work, including swabbing my stomach. The blue sheet was placed just under my chin and I got warm blankets placed on my arms which were strapped to the edge of the bed. The anesthesiologist came in and gave me medications for nausea and my nerves because I couldn't stop my body from shaking. The anesthesiologist also had an assistant who explained to me everything the doctors were doing and what sensations I would feel during the process which I really apprecaited.
Around 11:50, Keegan was brought in, sat by my head and held my hand. Dr. L started cutting, and every time she would cauterize a cut, my stomach muscles would involuntarily jump. At 12:07ish, Kieran was worked out of the birth canal and Dr. L asked Keegan to stand up, look over the blue sheet and see Kieran be pulled out. At 12:09, Kieran was born and we heard his first cries.
Kieran was handed off to the pediatrician, Dr. W, who brought him over to the warmer. He was wiped down and given his first APGAR check. Dr. L had left the umbilical cord long so that Keegan could cut it, which he did at this time. Kieran was then brought over to me for a few seconds on his way to the nursery. Dr. L sewed me up, I was given more pain medications and another dose of medicine to stop my shaking.
In the nursery, Kieran was generally checked over, and his heel was pricked to check his blood sugars which came back at a 43. Dr. W called down to the OR to see if I had been transferred to the recovery room and was able to breastfeed to bring up Kieran's blood sugar levels, but I was still in surgery. After 5 minutes, they checked his levels again and they had decreased to 33. Around 30, babies can have seizures from low blood sugar, so it was decided he had to be given formula to try and bring his levels up.
I was eventually moved back to my original Labor and Delivery room and got to see Kieran for about 30 minutes in which we breastfed. Unfortunately I don't remember any of this time. I'm not sure if it's due to the medications or to the shock my body went through, but I have no recollection of those few minutes. After Kieran breastfed, they checked his levels again and they came back at a 43.
Kieran was eventually brought back to the nursery to get bathed and warmed up. Afterwards, we were moved to our mother and baby room where we would stay for the next few days. Dr. L later told us that Kieran's head measured at 14.5 inches and was way too big to fit through my pelvis. He also has broad shoulders, so if his head had managed to make it through the birth canal, they would have had to break his collar bone to fit his shoulders through. Even though our delivery was the complete opposite of what we wanted and planned for, I'm thankful that we had a doctor who was able to recognize the dangers and delivered our son safely.
Surgery nurses came in and starting prepping us. A nurse shaved the surgery area, I got a hair net, and Dr. L left to prep. They didn't want any metal in surgery, so I had to take out my earrings and take my bra off which was difficult since I was hooked up to an IV and epidural. I told the nurses they could cut it off, but they were determined to take it off in one piece. I also had to drink seltzer water to neutralize my stomach acid so I wouldn't throw up during surgery. The anesthesiologist came in to give me a second dose of epidural and Jennifer placed a catheter. Keegan and I said goodbye to my mom, dad and sister, and I was wheeled down the hall.
Keegan was told to wait outside of the surgery room while they prepped me. I was transferred to the surgery bed and the nurses started doing the prep work, including swabbing my stomach. The blue sheet was placed just under my chin and I got warm blankets placed on my arms which were strapped to the edge of the bed. The anesthesiologist came in and gave me medications for nausea and my nerves because I couldn't stop my body from shaking. The anesthesiologist also had an assistant who explained to me everything the doctors were doing and what sensations I would feel during the process which I really apprecaited.
Around 11:50, Keegan was brought in, sat by my head and held my hand. Dr. L started cutting, and every time she would cauterize a cut, my stomach muscles would involuntarily jump. At 12:07ish, Kieran was worked out of the birth canal and Dr. L asked Keegan to stand up, look over the blue sheet and see Kieran be pulled out. At 12:09, Kieran was born and we heard his first cries.
Kieran was handed off to the pediatrician, Dr. W, who brought him over to the warmer. He was wiped down and given his first APGAR check. Dr. L had left the umbilical cord long so that Keegan could cut it, which he did at this time. Kieran was then brought over to me for a few seconds on his way to the nursery. Dr. L sewed me up, I was given more pain medications and another dose of medicine to stop my shaking.
In the nursery, Kieran was generally checked over, and his heel was pricked to check his blood sugars which came back at a 43. Dr. W called down to the OR to see if I had been transferred to the recovery room and was able to breastfeed to bring up Kieran's blood sugar levels, but I was still in surgery. After 5 minutes, they checked his levels again and they had decreased to 33. Around 30, babies can have seizures from low blood sugar, so it was decided he had to be given formula to try and bring his levels up.
I was eventually moved back to my original Labor and Delivery room and got to see Kieran for about 30 minutes in which we breastfed. Unfortunately I don't remember any of this time. I'm not sure if it's due to the medications or to the shock my body went through, but I have no recollection of those few minutes. After Kieran breastfed, they checked his levels again and they came back at a 43.
Kieran was eventually brought back to the nursery to get bathed and warmed up. Afterwards, we were moved to our mother and baby room where we would stay for the next few days. Dr. L later told us that Kieran's head measured at 14.5 inches and was way too big to fit through my pelvis. He also has broad shoulders, so if his head had managed to make it through the birth canal, they would have had to break his collar bone to fit his shoulders through. Even though our delivery was the complete opposite of what we wanted and planned for, I'm thankful that we had a doctor who was able to recognize the dangers and delivered our son safely.
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