First, I apologize this has taken me over two weeks to get posted, but those of you with children, understand the affect a newborn has on sleep patterns. :) So, Casen came to us about a month early and it was a crazy time. Fri 8/21 at around 6:30 my water broke, but with no contractions :( We had been to one birthing class that Wed. and they told us if this were to happen, we would have to get to the hospital ASAP. So, while I went into denile, Brandon got everything packed for the hospital and his parents came over to help. I called my sister (who just finished her night shift in Mtn. Home) and told her to meet us at the hospital in Twin Falls. My mom headed down from Grangeville and my dad who was driving through eastern Montana, made a detour and came down as well. The doctor told me I was in for the long haul and that it would be at least 24 hours before he would be born. I can't explain how unprepared mentally I was for this process. They started me on Pitocin around 10am and the fun began. My advice for anyone wanting to induce labor willingly, don't. The first hour was a breeze, just some minor contractions. Then the big ones came as they kept turning the pitocin up. I went nuts. They gave me some narcotic called staydol or something and then I became one angry pregnant lady who appeared drunk. I just kept tellin the nurse I wanted to quit and they told me I couldn't get the epidural until I was at least 3cm. The problem with the pitocin was my contractions didn't stop...they just kept rolling on. I went on like this for quite a while. And my body does this fantastic thing when I am in pain, I stop breathing. This was not good for Casen, because with every contraction I held my breath and his heart rate would drop. Finally the staydol wore off and I could get focused and I worked thru the contractions. Then the best part was when I finally got to 4cm. The epidural worked like a charm and was the easiest part of the day. The problem was that it slowed down my labor, so they kicked up the pitocin again. Around 10:30pm they told me it would be time to push. The doctor kept putting me on my side because every time I pushed apparently Casen's heart rate would drop. After he was born, they told me it was because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. I had to be put on oxygen because I wouldn't breath too well. But the pushing went on for 1 1/2 hours and then the doctor decided to use the vacumm, because we was quite worried about Casen. At 12:05 am, Casen entered the world screamin and kicking! One thing the doctor noticed was the umbilical cord was attached at the membranes, not the placenta, which would have been fatal if the membranes would have ruptured at that insertion. They were sure since he was premature there would be some complications, but he was great! 6 lbs. 4 oz and beautiful! The only problems occured on Sunday, they caught the jaundice and he had to be placed in the NICU for a few days. It was difficult to see him in there, but it was for the best and he came home a strong and healthy boy! It is amazing to see how much he has changed already. He is a happy baby and doesn't fuss, unless he is gassy :(. He is such a miracle. We love him more than I though was possible. I will do my best to put up tons of photos.
