My VERY LONG birth story

I realized that although my DH posted an announcement to the board, I never actually wrote out my birth story. Since I am always one to beg for lengthy, detailed stories, I thought I’d post one – also for prosperity’s sake.
SO, you might remember that over the last week of my pregnancy I had developed pre-eclampsia, on top of the IUGR/Cord Blood Flow issues we were having. On Saturday my protein and uric acid levels were very high, but it was also the day of my DD’s birthday party, so I was torn between wanting to be admitted right then and there, and wanting to be sent home.
I spent the days until my next appt worrying everytime I felt a twinge; and by Tues morning I’d decided to push for delivery. I packed my bag and we went to the peri’s for the first growth scan in 3 weeks.
Baby A had dropped to the 12th %tile, est weight 4.6. Baby B had dropped off the chart entirely, est 3.9 lbs at 35 weeks. My peri decided it was a good day to have babies. The OB confirmed that at his appt later, and made arrangements.
My DH drove from work and basically we waited around in the hospital room until the appointed time. Problem: I had eaten a light breakfast and the anesthesiologist wanted to wait a full six hours. In the meantime I was shaved – no biggie, had my IV put in, etc. Todd put on his gown and we waited. The doctors came into the room and explained what would happen and then I was wheeled in.
All I can say is, what a totally surreal experience. The operating room was bright and full of people. I got the spinal – didn’t hurt at all, and for the next 15 minutes laid there marveling at the strange sensations going up and down my legs. I kept saying, “I can still feel you! I can feel it!†haha so they’d know it hadn’t kicked in yet – scared to death that they’d start before I was ready! Oh, they did the catheter which I couldn’t feel either. Then they put an inflatable tube thing across my chest and arms which blew warm air on me and kept my arms down – kinda nice.
Anyway, they’d started cutting when Todd came back – he said he could see it, yikes! Then they pulled out Ainsley! She was crying, which was SUCH a relief. Less than 15 seconds later, Annika was born. She didn’t cry right away, but soon after. They bundled them up and let me kiss them goodbye before taking them to NICU. I laid there about another hour while they did the tubal libectomy and sewed me up. I actually got bored, as Todd had left with the babies.
Then I was wheeled into recovery, which was not fun, because I was freezing and shaking uncontrollably for an hour and a half, despite being piled w/blankets. On the way to my room, they wheeled me into NICU to see the babies, which was hard as I was laying on a table and they were in their isolettes. Then at my room, the nurses had warmed up 15 blankets which they stuffed my clothes with to keep me warm – very nice!
I spent 4 days (the max) in the hospital, had great nurses, saw my babies 3 times a day, ate a lot, and slept a lot. So nice to be able to breath again! Doped up on meds, so no pain!
By the way, I was really scared of having the staples taken out - it hurts more to floss my teeth! My incision is a lot longer than I expected, though. And please do not cough or laugh for like a week after surgery - ow!
Anyway, there’s so much more, but this is crazy long so I’ll end it. Thanks again to everyone for your loving support. Can’t wait to read your birth stories, too!

 

I realized that although my DH posted an announcement to the board, I never actually wrote out my birth story. Since I am always one to beg for lengthy, detailed stories, I thought I’d post one – also for prosperity’s sake.
SO, you might remember that over the last week of my pregnancy I had developed pre-eclampsia, on top of the IUGR/Cord Blood Flow issues we were having. On Saturday my protein and uric acid levels were very high, but it was also the day of my DD’s birthday party, so I was torn between wanting to be admitted right then and there, and wanting to be sent home.
I spent the days until my next appt worrying everytime I felt a twinge; and by Tues morning I’d decided to push for delivery. I packed my bag and we went to the peri’s for the first growth scan in 3 weeks.
Baby A had dropped to the 12th %tile, est weight 4.6. Baby B had dropped off the chart entirely, est 3.9 lbs at 35 weeks. My peri decided it was a good day to have babies. The OB confirmed that at his appt later, and made arrangements.
My DH drove from work and basically we waited around in the hospital room until the appointed time. Problem: I had eaten a light breakfast and the anesthesiologist wanted to wait a full six hours. In the meantime I was shaved – no biggie, had my IV put in, etc. Todd put on his gown and we waited. The doctors came into the room and explained what would happen and then I was wheeled in.
All I can say is, what a totally surreal experience. The operating room was bright and full of people. I got the spinal – didn’t hurt at all, and for the next 15 minutes laid there marveling at the strange sensations going up and down my legs. I kept saying, “I can still feel you! I can feel it!†haha so they’d know it hadn’t kicked in yet – scared to death that they’d start before I was ready! Oh, they did the catheter which I couldn’t feel either. Then they put an inflatable tube thing across my chest and arms which blew warm air on me and kept my arms down – kinda nice.
Anyway, they’d started cutting when Todd came back – he said he could see it, yikes! Then they pulled out Ainsley! She was crying, which was SUCH a relief. Less than 15 seconds later, Annika was born. She didn’t cry right away, but soon after. They bundled them up and let me kiss them goodbye before taking them to NICU. I laid there about another hour while they did the tubal libectomy and sewed me up. I actually got bored, as Todd had left with the babies.
Then I was wheeled into recovery, which was not fun, because I was freezing and shaking uncontrollably for an hour and a half, despite being piled w/blankets. On the way to my room, they wheeled me into NICU to see the babies, which was hard as I was laying on a table and they were in their isolettes. Then at my room, the nurses had warmed up 15 blankets which they stuffed my clothes with to keep me warm – very nice!
I spent 4 days (the max) in the hospital, had great nurses, saw my babies 3 times a day, ate a lot, and slept a lot. So nice to be able to breath again! Doped up on meds, so no pain!
By the way, I was really scared of having the staples taken out - it hurts more to floss my teeth! My incision is a lot longer than I expected, though. And please do not cough or laugh for like a week after surgery - ow!
Anyway, there’s so much more, but this is crazy long so I’ll end it. Thanks again to everyone for your loving support. Can’t wait to read your birth stories, too!

 

Sounds like everything went well..Did the babies get to go home with you? I'm soo excited for you..

 

No, not yet unfortunately. They are doing very well, though. The only hurdle left is learning to eat properly from breast/bottle so we can get rid of the gavage feeding tube. We're slowly getting there. They will be home in 1-2 weeks.

 

congratulations! My prayer for your family is that you have your girls home for christmas!

 

Thanks for sharing all the details, it really helps those of us who are close (and freaking out).

Were you formally diagonsed with pre-e? My bp is holding steady, for the moment...

Miriam

 

Sara, I'm so happy everything turned out so well for you and your babies. They are coming right along and will be home with the rest of you before you know it!! Thanks for coming back and sharing more of your story with us!!
I'm getting closer and I'm getting SO excited to meet our two little girls!!

 

Thank you for taking the time out to share you birth story. I'm so glad that things turned out well for you. I know you had some scary moments. Congrats on your little girls and here hoping they get to come home sooner rather then later.

 

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us! I peeked at the newest pictures on your site...they look soooo cute together! Hope they can come home soon.

By the way, I think your lilypie ticker is a bit off...it says they're 6 months old!!

 

Sara...thanks for writing your story! It is so great that the girls are here and are doing well...and hope they can be home soon!!!! I'm glad that everything sounds like it went well. HUGS

 

Thankyou for sharing that!!! I am so glad that they are both doing so well!!!

 

I've been anxiously awaiting your birth story - thank you so much for sharing! It sounds like those little girls are making some great progress - I really hope thay'll come home very soon! They are just PRECIOUS - I peeked at your newest pictures. LOVE the ones of both of them together in the crib! And your description of the birth and the process is so good to know - I'm getting a c section, too. They plan on taking my girls the last week of January, but with my issues (which you know are almost identical to yours), the time may come earlier. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Take care,
Nikki

 

Thanks for sharing your story...especially all the details. I loved reading all about it. I'm so glad the girls are doing well. I hope you get to bring them home soon!

Reyna

 

Congratulations! I was wondering how you were doing (since I don't normally read Expecting) and sent you an email.

I'm so very glad things are going well! Your girls will be home in no time.

 

So fun to read your story, thanks for posting. The girls are beautiful and I am so excited for your family. Hang in there and you'll all be home together in no time.

DS Caleb 6/30/04
DS Aidan 2/22/06

 

Thank you so much Sara for sharing your birth story! Its great to hear all of the details of the c/s (cuz you know that's what we're all freaking out about ) I'm so glad everything is working out for you after such a roller coaster ride of a pregnancy! Hope your beautiful babies can come home soon!

Laura

 

Thanks for sharing the details. It was incredibly sweet of DH to tell us what had happened - but even more exciting to hear it from your perspective! Hope the feeding is going well and that you will have them home SOON!

 

I am so happy to hear and see that everything is working out so well for you and your family. Congratulations and Best of Luck. Amanda

 

They are BEAUTIFUL

Congratulations! I am so happy to hear such a happy ending after all your worries.

 

I am so glad they turned out O.K. I can't wait to hear that they are home with you! The pic are so cute!

Angel

 

I am so glad that they are doing so well! They are so cute!

 

congrats! Hope they come home soon!

 

Congratulations Sara! I'm glad everything went smoothly. Recovery was the hardest part of my c-section as well so I entirely understand. I'm glad you got your entire 4 days of rest and I hope the girls come home soon!

 

Yeah, I was looking for your story! They will be home b4 you know it!! Love the little photo in your ticker!

 

COngratulatinos on your babies. Hopefully you will have them home with you soon x

 

Congratulations! Glad to hear the girls are doing well. Hope you are feeling better - I totally know what you mean about no sneezing, coughing or laughing after a c/s!! Ouch!!

 

Congrats on your babies. I am so glad you are all doing well. I never thought I would of had my babies so close to you. But I guess our girls decided that they didn't want to miss out on Christmas. Your c/s sounded alot like mine expect I didn't get staples. I shook a little after mine to and I didn't like that. I just wised you were able to take your babies home with you. I only stayed 2 nights and 3 days and we all got to go home. I could have stayed another night but I was ready to get home and sleep in my bed. I hope you and your family have a great holiday and i hope your babies can come home soon.

 

Thank you for sharing the details of your story and congratulations!!! I'm so glad your two girls are healthy and doing well -- I wish them a speedy discharge from the NICU. You've been on such a roller coaster this pregnancy, I'm so glad it resulted in two healthy and beautiful girls. Hope you're recovering well, too!