So I went to have the external version done. It wasn't quite what I expected.
I went to labor and delivery just like they told me to...but apparently I was supposed to get checked in at the ER first. I had to go all the way back downstairs. Tom and I went down and registered and then went back up to labor and delivery and they wouldn't let Tom in :(
They did an ultrasound to make sure Caroline was still breech (she was), did NST, and gave me an IV. The IV I was not expecting and was not so happy about...especially since blood started squirting everywhere. They told me it happens all the time. Ya...I've had at least 10 IV's in the past few years and that's NEVER happened!
Finally after an hour they took me to another room to do the procedure. I also wasn't expecting to have to get a shot. They gave me a shot of terbutaline to relax my uterus. It made me really shaky and my heart beat fast. It was a weird feeling. They finally let Tom come in when they were about to start. Let me tell you...it hurt REALLY bad and I was glad to have him there to help me through it...even if it was hard for him to watch. I have an anterior placenta (the placenta is in front of the baby) so this made it a bit more difficult...well, so difficult that they couldn't do it! He tried for what seemed like forever (10 min.) and she just wouldn't budge. About half way through I was wishing I never did the procedure and had just opted for the c-section. It hurt me, but I also felt like it was hurting the baby.
After the doctor gave up I was very relieved, but sad that I will have to have a c-section. I know it will probably be easier to have a c-section, but I just wanted to experience labor and birth the "normal" way. They did NST again to make sure Caroline was ok. She was fine.
My doctor is leaving the country tomorrow and not coming back till August 5th so I am meeting with a new doctor on Monday. I've already met her when I had my ectopic pregnancy and she was very nice. The c-section will be scheduled sometime during the next 2 weeks...probably July 29th since my sister Kim is flying in on July 28th.
I guess it's a relief to know when she will come...but I'm still a bit nervous and unsure of what this is going to be like. Any advice?
Oh, and we decided we are going to save the cord blood. Has anyone else done this and know which company is best? I need to call in the next couple days.
7 comments:
I'm sorry you can't have a vaginal birth, but glad to hear that Caroline is still doing well and that Kim will be there when you have her. Maybe I only feel this way because I've had two kids and have had the experienca already, but you're really not missing out on much by not having her vaginally. I think a birth is as spiritual and wonderful as you FEEL it is and that has nothing to do with the circumstances or the way the baby came into this world. I'm so excited for her to be here!
Can't believe that you only have 2 weeks left!!!! So excited for you! Sorry about a C-section, but thank goodness baby Caroline is doing great! My twin sister has had 3 C-sections and she loves it! Goodluck and thinking about you!
There was a point during labor that they started talking about C-sections because Zoe had not dropped yet. It made me sad and I hoped that I wouldn't have to do it that way, but at the same time, I was so willing to do whatever it took to get her here safely. In the end, no matter what kind of experience you have in getting her here, all that matters is that she does get here...in the safest way possible. And when she does, you won't care about anything else. Just enjoy the last couple weeks of keeping her safe in warm in your belly. Your life is about to change drastically! You're going to love it and I just know you'll be an amazing mother! Keep us posted, and good luck to you guys! Can't wait to see her!
I don't know anything about the cord blood. I told you before that I had both a regular birth and a c-section. They were both experiences I will treasure, and there are both good and not-so-good parts about both. What I can tell you about the c-section, is to get up and walk as much as you can to build up the muscles again. I wish I had(I didn't know to do that) because I think my recovery took longer than it could have. Also, I found that holding my babies as much as possible helped to speed up my recovery(sorry Tom!). I'm sorry we won't be in town when Caroline is born - we'll be leaving July 25 and back around August 12. If it's okay with you, I'd love to come and see you then.
I am so sorry you and Tom are going through so much to get your sweet girl here. I do have to say I can't wait to meet this stubborn girl that is making Mom and Dad work so hard to get her here. I'm looking forward to reading about it and seeing her pictures.
well one good thing abour c sections is they give you awesome drugs. i know because they had to up my pain killers after Liv was born. don't worry too much. yeah it's a big thing, but you are in good hands. we will put your name in the temple for an extra comfort. miss you!
It's much better to have a planned c-section than to spend hours or days in labor only to have an emergency one. Embrace the good that you have and don't hold on to disappointed expectations.
I hope it all goes well for you.
Post a Comment