Asher E. I. arrived on his due date - 7/21/09 - at 2:34 AM. He was 6 lbs. 5 oz., and 20 inches long.
Monday morning I woke up with contractions, but our first trip to the hospital was discouraging. I hadn't changed at all (still 3 cm), and the contractions weren't coming close enough or intensely enough to warrant keeping me there.
That evening, I was absolutely miserable and decided to go back. They admitted me. It wasn't until 10:00 that the midwife got there and I found out my blood pressure was elevated, I had a high temperature for no apparent reason, and Asher's heart rate was 190. They got me started on magnesium sulfate and antibiotics. They were worried about meconium and Asher being in distress, so my water was broken a bit later (the fluid was clear). The contractions went beyond my pain threshold, so I accepted Nubain. I spent three and a half hours in active labor, half-asleep. They put an electrode on his head to better monitor his heart rate -- it fell off once and then they couldn't get it to stick the second time, so they let it be. The contractions were starting to get further apart.
I think subconsciously I said "#$%^ this," and went into overdrive -- I didn't want any more interventions or a C-section. I pushed for about 45 minutes, and he was out. I didn't tear, and he hardly needed suctioning. He received an 8 and a 9 for his APGAR scores. While it wasn't the labor I'd hoped for, it could have gone a lot worse.
We came home from the hospital on Thursday. Breastfeeding is going well, except for an overabundance of milk that makes Asher cranky. Dealing with boyfriend's family (mostly their comments) has been the most difficult part, I think.
At four days old, I was already catching flack for holding him "too much," boyfriend wants to use a pacifier, his SIL gave us formula for "just in case"... I was expecting it, but I'm too tired and hormonal to let it go.
On the positive side of things -- I might be slightly biased, but I think he's adorable: http://www.flickr.com/photos/2468819...7621681134199/
I could sit and watch him for hours.
In fact, I already have. I love when he falls asleep on my chest and I can relax enough to sleep, too.
Monday morning I woke up with contractions, but our first trip to the hospital was discouraging. I hadn't changed at all (still 3 cm), and the contractions weren't coming close enough or intensely enough to warrant keeping me there.
That evening, I was absolutely miserable and decided to go back. They admitted me. It wasn't until 10:00 that the midwife got there and I found out my blood pressure was elevated, I had a high temperature for no apparent reason, and Asher's heart rate was 190. They got me started on magnesium sulfate and antibiotics. They were worried about meconium and Asher being in distress, so my water was broken a bit later (the fluid was clear). The contractions went beyond my pain threshold, so I accepted Nubain. I spent three and a half hours in active labor, half-asleep. They put an electrode on his head to better monitor his heart rate -- it fell off once and then they couldn't get it to stick the second time, so they let it be. The contractions were starting to get further apart.
I think subconsciously I said "#$%^ this," and went into overdrive -- I didn't want any more interventions or a C-section. I pushed for about 45 minutes, and he was out. I didn't tear, and he hardly needed suctioning. He received an 8 and a 9 for his APGAR scores. While it wasn't the labor I'd hoped for, it could have gone a lot worse.
We came home from the hospital on Thursday. Breastfeeding is going well, except for an overabundance of milk that makes Asher cranky. Dealing with boyfriend's family (mostly their comments) has been the most difficult part, I think.
At four days old, I was already catching flack for holding him "too much," boyfriend wants to use a pacifier, his SIL gave us formula for "just in case"... I was expecting it, but I'm too tired and hormonal to let it go.On the positive side of things -- I might be slightly biased, but I think he's adorable: http://www.flickr.com/photos/2468819...7621681134199/
I could sit and watch him for hours.
In fact, I already have. I love when he falls asleep on my chest and I can relax enough to sleep, too.
: What a beautiful boy!!
I'm sorry you're having a difficult time with your family. Stick to your guns and follow your instincts. You're Asher's mama.
