Because my hypertension was getting worse and not being controlled, the doctor decided that we needed to do a C Section on Sept. 13th. I originally wanted a VBAC and the Dr. was fine with that as long as I knew the risks of uterine rupturing (which happens in less than 1% of VBACs done), but given my blood pressure issues, I agreed to the C Section. I was super nervous especially because the healing from the first one took forever and was really painful.
Two days before the 13th, I went into the hospital for blood pressure issues and they kept me there until they could get it lowered. I was already contracting there and wondered if I was going into labor, but alas- nope! I did see my surgeon that night and he was the same person that delivered Leah via emergency C sec. almost 2 years ago....I felt really comfortable with him doing it again because he saved Leah the first time around...He told me he'd see me in 36 hours and to come back then!
On Tuesday, we got to the hospital at about 7am and filled out paperwork....then they took me to get monitored to make srue the baby was still doing fine (which she was)....they prepped me and got me ready to walk back to the OR. It was a strange feeling walking the same halls calmly that they ran my gurney down 2 years ago during leah's distress. This was a much calmer experience! I walked into the OR and I got extremely nervous.....For me, the worst part was the spinal and then afterwards, I got really panicky. I don't know if it was just the fear of being awake when they cut me open (even though I knew logically it would be fine) or just general nerves, but I broke out into a huge sweat and almost puked....luckily that passed quickly and soon the doctor and nurses and I were joking as they finished doing things liek inserting the catheter and making sure I couldn't feel anything. I was numb from my feet to my breastbone. They let Julian in and Dr. Sanchez started!
First he fixed up my C Section scar and made it prettier. He had to get in tehre so fast the first time around, it wasn't his best work :) so this time he tidied it up....then he started into my uterus. He said that there was extensive scar tissue from last time and later I found out that some doctors would rec. not having more children if the scar tissue is bad....he told me that he wouldn't tell me that at this time so if we want to try for another, (big IF), that I just need to make sure it is a C Section and planned at 39 weeks. I could feel them working in there and there was a ton of tugging......after several minutes, he started to get Bri out and I heard him say something about a cord and it turns out that Bri's cord was not only wrapped once, but tightly wrapped two times. He said that I would have ended up with another fast emergency C section bc no way would the baby would have tolerated labor....there wasn't any slack in her cord to make it out of the canal. I thanked God that I didn't ever go into labor and try to have a vaginal birth. Because of the scar tissue, they used a vaccuum to get her out, but she came out screaming loudly (much louder than Leah did). They brought her out to meet us, cleaned her up, and then I got to hold her for a few minutes. I loved her so much from the start! I was so glad I could hold her because since Leah's was so hectic and they had to make sure she was okay, I never held Leah in the OR. This time around, it was so much smoother and calmer.
Julian went with Bri to the nursery to get her shots and a bath while they sewed and stapled me up. Afterwards, I held Bri and I couldn't believe she was here. She looked different than Leah which was unexpected, but just as cute and cuddly. I wished Leah could have been with us as we first bonded as a family but I knew that a 2 year old wouldn't sit still in the recovery room anyway.
When Leah saw her, she was in love from the start. All she wanted to do was kiss the baby....she got very scared and sad when Bri started crying, though...
The hospital stay was over quickly and we got out on Friday.....when we came home, Leah ran around like a silly puppy dog outside bc she couldn't control how happy she was that the baby was here....she didn't even notice me at all.....she ran to the car seat, ducked underneath it and planted a hundred kisses on Bri until we pulled her off of her....she would say "rock" and rock the car seat.....and she pointed out her little ears and head and mouth and would name off all Bri's little baby parts in English and Tagolog. It's been so fun to see how much Leah loves the baby....we have to watch her, though, bc sometimes she grabs a little too hard. I know at some point jealousy may start but it hasn't happened yet....Julian is home right now, though, but I have a feeling when it is just me and the girls, it might be a different story.
C section wise, I am healing ten times faster this time around than the first one...I think it is bc my body has gone through it before and also I didn't go through 22 hours of labor with pitocin beforehand so my body was rested....I am mostly just on IB profen right now and can walk around up and down stairs, and get up easily from laying and sitting. It still hurts when I overdo it, though....but compared to last one it is a piece of cake.
Bri was admitted to the hospital a few days ago bc of her jaundice and it was so sad to watch her under the lights, but they worked and we came home....and now everything is going well....sleep deprivation sucks, though.....but it's easier this time bc we know how to live on 3 hours of sleep where as the first time around, we didn't....
all in all, things are going great! Bri is agood nurser ad seems to be a pretty easy going baby. We are really blessed! Cross your fingers it stays this way and that the transition of Julian going back to work is a smooth one....he has another week home and then we shall see!
I will try to post pics too but the same ones are on facebook.
