Saturday morning John and I joined the Connected group from church at Jordan Lake for a day of boating. I stayed on the boat mostly until it got so hot that I needed to float in the lake. Other than her typical movements, I didn't feel anything remotely like a contraction all day. The water was sooo relaxing. John and I went out to chinese food for dinner afterwards at my favorite place in Lillington. Then home to bed. I couldn't get comfortable but that wasn't anything new. I kept feeling like I had to go to the bathroom (sorry if that's TMI) but nothing was happening. I cursed the chinese food for the "cramps". At 11pm I began to bleed and woke John up saying "I think I'm in labor, or else something is wrong. We need to go to the hospital". With no hospital bag packed, I grabbed a few items thinking that I'd probably come back home later anyway...I still didn't think I was having contractions!
Sunday at 12:00am we were admitted into the hospital. I was 4cm dilated when I arrived. I could now tell that I was having contractions, but there was still no pain that I had associated with this process. Our birthing room had a jacuzzi tub so I took advantage of that and spent an hour or so relaxing. I highly recommend that if possible! During that hour I dilated to 8 cm and the pain kicked in. At about 3:30am I decided on an epidural mostly out of fear of what the contractions would feel like later on, not because of the current level of pain. The anesthesiologist arrived, did his thing, and I threw up (I cannot stand the feeling of something moving inside my skin - like when stitches are removed). This was the worst part of labor! The nurse asked me a few minutes later how my contraction felt, I said it was much better than the previous ones. Then a couple of minutes later she asked me how that contraction was, and I said "What contraction?"! haha Epidurals are GREAT!!! Highly recommended! :)
Around 5:30am my midwife had me start pushing. Kaylee's heart rate dropped both times I pushed. This is normal, but it is supposed to rise back up when the push stops...her's didn't. So they had me stop pushing, sit straight up in the bed, indian style for 30 more minutes to let the contractions push her into position naturally. At 6:46am I pushed twice and here Kaylee came!!! She had her umbilical cord wrapped around her little neck twice, but the midwife easily untangled it and placed her on my tummy. John cut the cord and they cleaned her up! I have no clue what took place for the next few hours, but Kaylee was with us the entire time.
Our pediatrician (recommended by a friend) came to meet us on Monday. Kaylee had passed all her tests and was looking good. Everyone thought we'd be going home on Tuesday for sure. My Aunt Charlene arrived Monday night to stay with us. Well Tuesday came and Kaylee's bilirubin level had risen to 16 (if that means anything to you) which meant she'd have to stay in the hospital under "the lights". She was still able to stay in our room with a lighted blanket that made her look like a glo-worm! The blanket was pretty flexible so I was also able to hold her a lot. She had little goggles that she hated so John, Aunt Charlene and I were on constant watch to make sure they stayed on when she was under the light bar. Her levels fell each day as we were aiming for 7.
I was officially discharged Wednesday night but Kaylee still had to stay. Central Carolina Hospital was wonderful! I was able to stay in my room as if it were a "hotel"...I received all the attention and amenities of being a patient, except for the food (which actually was quite delicious!). I also had the best nurses possible taking care of both me and Kaylee. God works in mysterious ways as I feel the jaundice was actually a blessing in disguise. The lactation nurse took me under her wing and was my own personal coach for the 5 days! She was amazing and a true gift from God. With her help, Kaylee and I became pros at breastfeeding within a few days and are loving it! Many nurses told us that they enjoyed having us at the hospital because we were so nice to all of them. How sad that anyone would be mean to the nurses!!!!
Thursday Kaylee was discharged and sent home with a mini bili blanket.
Her levels continued to fall and we continue to praise the Lord for Kaylee's health! Saturday, Monday and Tuesday we went back to the hospital for more blood tests, and finally got to a 7! So she is no longer a glo-worm! Woohoo!!
We went to the doctor on Tuesday for a check up, and she's gained 2 lbs!! Up to a whopping 6lbs 11oz! And she's grown .75"! She is an amazing little girl and we are having a blast watching her sleep and eat...that's all she does! But I'm amazed at how long I can literally watch her sleep and eat!
Thank you to everyone who has called. I'm sorry if I haven't answered the phone much...I'm either busy staring at my baby or sleeping! LOL We're enjoying being hermits for a little while and eventually we'll come out of hiding. :)
3 comments:
she's so adorable with those little sunglasses on! haha! i'm glad she's all down to the right levels now. looking forward to seeing you soon!
Chandon was born on his due date and had to be a glo-worm too. I figured that because he was born at a hospital on the beach in california that he was trying to get tan before people got to see him. lol Then when we took him home, we just layed him in difused sunlight for an hour a day and he was good as new. Cant wait to see her soon.
Thanks for the great story of Kaylee you wrote out so well. Now you have an 'extra' three weeks to feel ready to join us at the B & B in Black Mountain August 7 -11 (or however long you can get away). You know you will have plenty of helpers to distract Kaylee when you need a nap yourself. Congrats!
Post a Comment