I wrote about Thursday's fun. Then on Friday we prepared for Mom to arrive from the States. We got her at the airport at 11am. We drove around a bit to show her some of NZ and then my midwife's backup (my midwife is off till Wednesday) called and said the doctors wanted me to come in at 2pm. We ate fish and chips and I tried to hurrily explain Julian's routine that I had typed out. Here I am throwing my jet lagged mom and toddler together when they never had a chance to warm up to each other. They did great!
I was told to pack my bags for the hospital, but I couldn't see why they would admit me. The doctor examined me and baby was folded in half and his butt was in the perfect place down, but he was moving his feet up and down. The doctor called it "unstable lie" and that it was very dangerous if my water broke. The cord could come out (prolapsed cord). I said that it's probably rare and I could just call 111 (NZ's 911) and keep my butt in the air. He said no, I only have 6 min to get baby out if the cord came out and a body part.
Anyway, I stopped fighting him and decided to stay. I was lucky to get my own room, but felt so badly for my mom and Julian. I put out an SOS prayer request for them. I wasn't concerned about me because baby is completely healthy and happy, just moving too much.
The beds are horrendous. You have to physically squeeze a bar and get out of bed to put the head up or down and they are rock hard. They squeak like crazy. They have to be 50 years old. Anyway, I didn't sleep that night because the ice machine and everything else just echoed and I'm sure I was looking up all my options because I had never heard of "unstable lie" before.
Saturday morning I had the greatest, longest shower that I haven't had in a long time. The doctor came in and baby was head down!!! I was allowed to walk out of the hospital with Dan, Mom and Julian. We went for a LONG walk for coffee and around the mall. I got back to my room to take a nap with my head elevated, hoping that baby wouldn't turn. I slept hard for 15 mins on my right side. I woke, sat back on my back and baby just turned breech as I watched...easy as pie. I was so frustrated.
I told the midwife and she came in to monitor me for 15 minutes. Then I was told that I had to move to a room with 2 other women. I'm guessing they gave me a private room first of all so I wouldn't leave...ha. I moved reluctantly but the two ladies had the exact thing as me and were so helpful in telling me what the healthcare system is like, the plans that they have for birth, and about the doctors and midwives. I learned so much that I felt so much better, but still anxious since no one talked to me about a plan.
I had a couple of friends visit and Dan brought Mom and Julian a couple of times. I had been so nervous for them that I didn't think about myself. That evening it was so loud and I just wanted to sleep. I was trying to get comfortable and was so frustrated at the bed. Everytime I moved, is creaked and the same with my roommates. Then one of them had some concern and they monitored her baby at midnight. I broke down.
I only wanted to sleep since I didn't the night before. It was so loud, all the lights were on, and I started thinking about giving birth. All I wanted for this labor was to sleep so I could have the energy, unlike what I had for Julian's labor. I started to panic. I then got real panicky and wondered if I'd have a panic attack (had one in college). I got out of bed and walked the halls to get some water and breathe. I got back into bed and just cried. I think I got 1-2 hours of sleep way later, but rested.
The next morning all the emotions hit me. I cried to my roommates and they were so sweet. The doctor then came and we talked about what I had felt and my options. She said that since my placenta is in the back and high that I wasn't at as great a risk, but I was still at a risk. I told her my concern about not getting any sleep and then having to labor. She agreed and said I could go home. She scanned me and baby's head was sort of down, but considered transverse. (side note: most 2nd babies don't engage in the pelvis until labor). I was so happy she was letting me home. I signed all the consent forms for an ECV on Tuesday and possible C-section and receiving blood.
I got home yesterday and just napped with Julian for a long time. I felt so much better. I felt like I was still working though, trying to play with him and teach my mom more about the house. She is such a helper though and Dan did all the laundry. It was me who couldn't just relax, though I was definitely not doing what I would have done. Julian was very clingy but ok.
Today Dan went to work and we've had a great day. I even got a shower. He wants me to do things versus Granny, but they do great together. Mom did more laundry for me and does all the dishes and cooking. She's even making a rhubarb cake for J's 2nd bday party :) and lasagna! I got a shower! J is napping and I'll join him soon, but wanted to write this before the blur of craziness starts.
I wish my midwife wasn't on vacation, but it's good that she'll be fresh for my labor :) My backup midwife arrives at 3:30 today for an appointment. Tomorrow I can't eat after 6 am. I'm going to have my ECV at 10 am. I don't know if it's pointless since he moves so much, but maybe he is growing and will stay in place. I wish I could get him to engage while head down.
We sort of talked about induction after the ECV just to "guarantee" a vaginal birth, but there wasn't much discussion. My doctor, amazingly enough, is about letting nature take its course. wow! Very unAmerican like. She also talked about being very comfortable with breech vaginal deliveries (if baby was positioned right and lots of other factors) with her experience since she called herself "old". I love her! She is amazing and I hope she's around when I deliver and it's not a normal delivery.
Well, to enjoy the rest of my day at home and make the most of getting sleep while I can. Thank you all for your prayers! They are desperately needed and am feeling so much peace. Julian needs them for adjusting. Mom is great, but it doesn't hurt to pray for her. And Dan is busy with work and juggling all of this and us!
xoxo
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