Finally, I'm getting around to writing about Zoe Elaine's birthday...
The story starts with my decision to scedule a repeat C/S because of the extreme pain I was having with a fractured rib. I gave it three weeks to heal and it wasn't getting any better (couldn't even cough or sneeze without yelling out and knew I wouldn't be able to push) so I felt I didn't really have any other choice than to give up my hope of a VBA3C and just plan the section. I'm at peace with it--there wasn't any other way.
The week before Zoe's birth I had two whole days of 20 min apart contraction, and the morning I went to the hospital the contractions were regular and 10 minutes apart. I feel good that it seemed Zoe was picking this day too, and I didn't just evict her!
I couldn't sleep the night before and gave up trying at 1:30 am. I got up and read the discussions on this board and turned the t.v. on at 3am when coverage started for the royal wedding. (April 29th was the date.) I got ready at 4am and my sister came over to watch the kids until grandma (MIL) could get there later. DH and I woke up the boys (6 and 4) to say goodbye. They were so excited (mostly to see their aunt) that they stayed awake. I kissed DD2 and left her sleeping.
I had horrible heartburn so I broke the surgery rules and had some water and papaya enzymes, but it still didn't help much and persisted until the surgery began. DH and I went to the hospital and they expertly and warmly welcomed me and got everything going. The only problem of the day was that it took 2 people and three tries to place the IV. The second attemp (by the "expert") jabbed right through my vein nd swelled up my forearm with blood like you wouldn't believe! The bruising still looks bad!
My doctor and assigned anesthesiologist were running late with another surgery so I was extra anxious waiting longer than expected. I walked around knowing I wouldn't be able to for a while. Finally, I was able to walk into the OR and sit on the table to get the spinal. Ouch! (Although nothing compared to labor...sorry to innapropriately use "ouch"!)
I actually felt calm finally as the anesthesia took affect and my doctor started working. I could still feel Zoe kicking, which was very interesting to note. I couldn't feel pain (from the cutting) but could feel pressure (from her kicks--and ultimately the doc pushing her out.) Knowing she was kicking and fine, I completely relaxed knowing I'd see her so soon!
She came out gurgling instead of crying so that concerned me at first. They cleared fluid away apparently and then, boy oh boy, she was loud! She did not sound like a newborn at all. Of course this is the one time I'm glad to hear her cry. Yay! She's out and okay! There was no mirror for me to watch her birth as there had been in other hospitals, so I asked, "Is she really a girl?" Yes!
They brought her around the drape for me to see her before they wiped her off. As I'm used to, everyone declared that she was a big baby! I though she looked a little less plump than my last two. After being wiped off and wrapped up, DH held her by my head and I kissed her. After a few minutes he escorted baby Zoe to recovery to be weighed and checked out. About 15 minutes later I joined them. The nurse did come back into the OR though to tell me my "thin" baby weighs 10lbs 11oz and is 22 1/2 inches long. Well, she is my biggest afterall.
I nursed Zoe right away. It took us about an hour to definately commit to her name. I was relieved that I didn't hemmorhage this time! After an hour in recovery, I was taken to our room with Zoe still on my chest. Like all my big babies, she had great head control right away and she was a natural nurser, She nursed constantly, "yelled" at my breasts a little, and got my milk to come in on Day 2! I called her General Zoe because she seemed to take complete control of my breasts and whip them into shape. She's the only baby I've seen get enough colostrum out to spit some up. She's still doing awesome!
A few more pics and info to follow (in next post.)
congratulations, what a blessing!
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