Birth Story

You'd think, with a planned c-section, that I wouldn't have much of a birth story to write. That's mostly true, although there were a few things worth documenting.



Sunday night I packed my bag and went over all the little details regarding Ryan and Makenna's care with my mom, step dad and brother. We hung out, had some cake and ice cream and went to bed. I didn't think I'd be able to sleep, but I was tired enough that sleep came pretty easily. Even though my c-section wasn't scheduled until noon, I was told I couldn't eat or drink anything after midnight. I wasn't overly concerned about not being able to eat, but I knew I'd need to take my acid reflux meds or I'd be sick. My pregnancy induced acid reflux decided to give me one more bad night, so I was up at midnight eating Tums and then up again at 2 taking Zantac. Up once more about 4:30 am throwing up and beyond irritated that I couldn't take anything to settle the acid and cool my throat. After about an hour, I think I dozed again and got a bit more sleep before the big day.



That morning we were due to arrive around 9:30. I got up, threw last minute items in my bag, tried not to smell the coffee brewing, chatted with my friend Kele and then Wayne, my mom and I were off to the hospital. We spent a little time waiting to get admitted and then we were off to Labor and delivery. After changing into my beautiful hospital gown I spent quite awhile chatting with the anesthesiologist. I had so much trouble with the medication during Makenna's birth that I didn't want to experience that again. We decided to go with an epidural vs a spinal with hope that I wouldn't have such a strong reaction to the meds...and no spinal headache to contend with after delivery. The anesthesiologist thought I'd been "wet tapped" with Makenna, so I was hopeful that my complications were due to that and all would go well. After putting in the epi, it appeared to take affect on one side, so I rolled to the other side to let gravity help out. Slowly I was starting to get numb, and then I was laid down all the way to let some of the meds work their way up my belly. That's when things got a little crazy. I instantly felt sick from the acid reflux and then had to close my eyes and concentrate on not throwing up. I'm not sure how long I laid there, but at some point I remember hearing lots of noise around me and lots of beeping machines. My BP had dropped, I think I heard the nurse say it was 38/23. They gave me a shot of basically adrenaline and sat me up, soon I was able to open my eyes and was feeling better. After that we were off to the OR to meet our sweet boy. The surgery was pretty uneventful. I don't remember much, however Wayne says blood went flying at one point. I'm sure that was enjoyable for him to see. Before long Eli was out and getting cleaned up. I remember looking at him and thinking he looked really different than Ryan and Makenna did when they were born. He had less hair and his skin was more fair. I think I heard the nurse say his apgars were 9/9. I got to have a couple minutes with him before he and daddy were wisked off to the nursery, at which point I fell head over heels in love with our third child. After they left I recall the doctor popping his head over the curtain and saying "So, no tubal today right?" He was joking and knew my response would be that yes indeed, a tubal was on the agenda. There were two things that struck me as odd that morning. I'd requested dermabond to close up the incision and during surgery they had to call down to another OR to get someone to bring the dermabond. Since I'd requested that months before, you'd think they'd have it ready. Also, I have a minor allergy to an antibiotic and they didn't have the appropriate one to give me and had to call someone for that too. Again, wouldn't you think they'd be prepared with that stuff?

Recovery went well until an hour or so after surgery, then the throwing up began again. It wasn't as bad as it was with Makenna, but still miserable. I was sick through the night but by the next morning I'd started to feel better. Thankfully I was able to nurse laying down even though I was sick, so Eli didn't have to get formula.

After the first 24 hours, recovery went really well as long as I took my pain meds. I let it go too long one night and my body let me know it by shivering uncontrollably, but I'm still surprised by how quickly the body recovers from being sliced open! Surgery was monday and we were released from the hospital on thursday, it was so great to go home and have our whole family together. Eli even had a welcoming committee since my brother, mom and stepdad were still in town and would remain for awhile longer.

I'm glad we decided to go with the repeat c-section, after much second guessing, it was the right choice for us. Now it's time to enjoy being a family of five!