The anesthesiologist calmed any fears I had. He talked me through how the anesthesia would work and using the oxygen mask, keeping my eyes open so he could see how I was doing, etc. He talked about how they would test to make sure I was numb before making any incisions.
The on-call doctor was confident and reassuring (even encouraging me to squeeze his hands if I felt any pain) while they gave me the spinal block/epidural. I felt barely a pinch.
They started. I was elated that I couldn't feel anything. I asked Danny, "Have they cut me open yet?" He said, "It's a good thing you're numb."
It seemed to be just moments before I heard her first cry.
I said, "Is it a girl? It's a girl right?"
Someone answered, "It's a girl! That's a good thing right? That's what you expected?"
"Yeah! Finally!"
They brought her over to me. She looked just like a newborn girl Pookie to me. I kissed her sweet little face. The nurse told Danny he could follow along to the nursery while they check her stats and clean her up.
In recovery the doctor explained to me that I don't have any muscle in my lower right abdomen. Seriously. He said, "It's gone. There's just connective tissue there but no muscle." That explains why I couldn't do sit-ups between the twins pregnancy and this one. It must've gone AWOL some time ago.
The baby stats came back.
November 12, 2010, at 6:40 a.m.
19 1/4 inches long
7 lbs. 1 oz.
She was on a little oxygen for a couple hours since inhaling some fluid when she was born. The nurses said there was an enormous amount of amniotic fluid and it kind of washed over her when she took her first breath.
Later during an x-ray to check her lungs they discovered she had a fractured clavicle. That's not very common for a c-section but would heal with no problem in just a few weeks.
Now, at one week post-partum, I am recovering quite well. I am excited that I was able to room-in with her at the hospital, nurse her, cuddle and bond with her. I love that I can dress her in pink. :)
There was a three-way tie between Sara, Lisa, and Sarah M. Random.org chose Lisa. Lisa, please email me your mailing address.
6 comments:
Nikki,
You're amazing to just have had your 7th child! I'm glad everything went well! Congrats on a girl! I'm jealous! :)
About the muscle, you'll have to explain more on that! Do you have to have surgery to fix it? I hope everything is going well for you!
Congratulations! So glad it was a good experience for you and the little precious is doing good. : )
Congratulations! Glad she's here safely.
My neighbor had a similar issue with her muscles/abdomen and got to have a 'tummy tuck' procedure for MEDICAL (ie paid by insurance) reasons. Something to consider (or not).
Sounds like everythign went very smoothly! So happy for you guys!! So does the fractured clavicle hurt her when you hold her? Do they have to have anything on her to "brace" it (not even sure how that would work)?
And as far as teh ab muscles, will they come back or they are just gone for good?
Lisa- I got your address. I'll try to get the socks in the mail tomorrow.
Melodie- Yes! Thank you. It definitely makes a difference in recovery and bonding having a good c-section experience vs. the last one.
Erin & Amy- The muscle doesn't grow back. The doctor recommended a binder as I heal to help everything else in there.
Cynthia- I will definitely ask my doctor about that surgery. Sounds good to me!
I'm glad you got my address, and thanks for not leaving it up here too long. ;) And no rush, new mommy! Congratulations again... She is beautiful. Makes me baby hungry. Good thing I've already got one in the oven.
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