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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Pregnancy Diaries ~ I survived my C-section

So I was told I was going to have a c-section. What is a c-section?

From Wikipedia,

A Caesarean section, (also C-section, Caesarian section, Cesarean section, Caesar, etc.) is a surgical procedure in which one or more incisions are made through a mother's abdomen (laparotomy) and uterus (hysterotomy) to deliver one or more babies, or, rarely, to remove a dead fetus. A late-term abortion using Caesarean section procedures is termed a hysterotomy abortion and is very rarely performed. The first modern Caesarean section was performed by German gynecologist Ferdinand Adolf Kehrer in 1881.

A Caesarean section is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk, although in recent times it has been also performed upon request for childbirths that could otherwise have been natural.

I had Placenta Previa and was told from the beginning that I would need one. My placenta was blocking my cervis. So if the baby decided to come, or I started getting contractions, the baby would not be able to come out. So here is my story from my eyes:

I had my last visit with my doctor Monday the 19th, where I was told what time to show up, where, what, how, and why. So I was told not to eat anything after midnight on Wednesday the 21st. Since we did not know if we would be missing Christmas with the family we had Christmas Dinner that night. We could not sleep that night. We were up still packing or trying to pack. We dosed off, dont know what time but set our clocks for 1 1/2 hours before our appointment.
December 22nd-That morning we could not wake up. It was hard. We were tired, very tired. We started loading up the truck, which we should have done the night before. We showered and got dressed. My bestfriend wanted to go with us, so we scooped her up. We then headed to the hospital. We never took a tour so we were just winging it to where we needed to be. We found the registration area, even though we were late for our 9:30 am appointment. I was asked for my ID and insurance card. Again I forgot my insurance card, but it was ok since it was on file. If not, not sure what we would have had to have done. I was checked in, and there was no turning back. They called my name and took me to prep.
I was tagged, Iv attached, and consulted by nurses, and anesthesiologist. I was scared. I was nervous. My husband went and grabbed some quick breakfast while this was being done. Then our family started to arrive to wish us well, and to pray for us. I am so glad they showed up for support not just for me but for my husband. This is his first baby. So of we go. I was taken into the operating room, very scary place. My husband again waited until he was called. The nurses from before were all in there. The anesthesiologist started getting me ready. I was given a spinal block. What is a Spinal block?

From Wikipedia

Spinal anaesthesia (or spinal anesthesia), also called spinal analgesia[citation needed] or sub-arachnoid block (SAB), is a form of regional anaesthesia involving injection of a local anaesthetic into the subarachnoid space, generally through a fine needle, usually 9 cm long (3.5 inches).

Difference from epidural anaesthesia

Epidural anaesthesia is a technique whereby a local anaesthetic drug is injected through a catheter placed into the epidural space. This technique has some similarity to spinal anaesthesia, and the two techniques may be easily confused with each other. Differences include:

-The involved space is larger for an epidural, and subsequently the injected dose is larger, being about 10–20 mL in epidural anaesthesia compared to 1.5–3.5 mL in a spinal.

-In an epidural, an indwelling catheter may be placed that avails for additional injections later, while a spinal is almost always a one-shot only.

-The onset of analgesia is approximately 15–30 minutes in an epidural, while it is approximately 5 minutes in a spinal.

-An epidural often does not cause as significant neuromuscular block unless specific local anaesthetics are used which block motor fibres as readily as sensory nerve fibres, while a spinal more often does.

-An epidural may be given at a cervical, thoracic, or lumbar site, while a spinal must be injected below L2 to avoid piercing the spinal cord.

My friend had told me her spinal block was great. It worked fast and afterwards she was able to recover faster. And she was right. As soon as they did it, I got numb from the boobies down to my toes. I did not feel a thing. All I felt was the table rocking.
My arms were spread eagle for the procedure. And someone had told me you shake and I did. I had asked the anesthesiologist why this happens and he explained that it is a common side affect of the medicine or also because the OR is kept cold your body will shake after you have the baby. You go from carrying a baby to not, you loose blood, the placenta comes out, etc... I shook cause I was really cold. It all went really fast but then really slow, if you know what I mean. I went in, and next thing you know we are there, and its happening and you are just in shock that it is happening. The procedure started, and that fast the baby was born.
At 10:18 am, my lil bit was born. Then it took until 10:45 for me to be sown back up and the c-section to be over. I was in recovery by 11 am. I did not feel when the baby came out. I only heard them say it. Then afterwards my husband came and showed me our baby. I heard what the doctors were saying and in the end they came and told me congratulations and that everything went well.

Pregnancy Diaries ~ What to pack for the hospital ~ Mommy Bag

Mommy bag needs to be packed and ready to go. You need to have it ready because you do not know when the baby will come. I suggest you pack 1 month before. I was due on January 12. Then I was told I would have my C-section on January 5. And then surprised with, the date being moved to December 22. I had one week to get everything ready and trust me, we were not ready for all the things we were about to face. I asked my friends and goggled what to pack since it has been a long time. There are items you will and will not need. Some people have preferences of items but my checklist before and after are totally different. I packed some things I did not need and did not pack all I needed. Here are my suggestions (keep in mind I was a planned c-section):

Checking In-
-Admission forms or registration papers-my doctor registered me so I did not need to bring any papers.
-Insurance card-with the rush of everything I forgot mine but luckily my information was pre-registered into their system. Again luckily!
-Picture ID-I was asked for this for registration and then after when we were being discharged.

Labor-
-Lip balm/chapstick-Your lips will get dry. Mine were not that bad at first.
-Hair bands or clips-You will want to have your hair pulled back for your entire stay, during labor and delivery, and when visitors show up. Pulling it back is as much as you can do.

Delivery-
-Camera-You will want to capture every moment possible. Don't forget to charge or bring batteries.

For Your Stay
-Toiletries-toothpaste/tooth brush, small shower items (shampoo), my hospital provided Dial soap in my shower. And they had plenty of towels. You will want to take a shower before you leave or during your stay. Bring a hair brush to comb out your hair. Dont forget the deoderant.
-Outfit to wear home–Check the weather and make sure you pack something that will be comfortable. I wore leggings, a nursing gown, small sweater, socks, and slippers.
-Don't forget the nursing bra if you will nurse. Or a comfy bra.
-Compression socks-My feet were and are still swollen. My compression socks have helped keep the swelling down.

For Your Partner's Stay-
-Toiletries-You and husband can share, so pack wisely
-Change of clothes-My husband brought comfies to sleep in, and gym shorts for the day.

Here are items I suggest you dont need, you may want to pack, but I didnt need them.
-Bathrobe-I used an extra hospital gown as mine. Plus everyday the hospital gave me a clean one.
-Non-skid slippers or socks-The hospital gave me some.
-Nightgown-I slept in my hospital gown everyday. I got a clean one everyday. Plus in my situation I would have ruined my clothes. It was easier access for me with the IVs I was connected to.
-Makeup bag-I did not have time to get all dolled up during my stay. Even when we were leaving it was not a priority.
-Pillow-I had 2 pillows provided by the hospital. And so did my husband.
-“Granny” panties-The hospital provides disposable underwear. And it is wonderful. It fits over your incision and your belly.
-Pads-My hospital provided me with 3 different sizes, all I had to do was ask for more.
-Nursing Pads-My hospital provided them for me. They even gave me Lanolin.
-Extra blanket/s-My hospital provided me and my husband with extra, we just had to ask. Your husband may want to bring a nice warm one with a soft pillow, just for comfort.
-Snacks-I could not before I arrived to the hospital and for 24 hours after. But when I could order my food, I ordered plenty and then some. You may not like the food from the hospital so my only suggestion would be for someone to bring you outside food for you and your husband.

Again, these are only suggestions. I over packed some things I did not need and did not pack what I really needed. I hope this helps.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Have a Merry Muppet Christmas


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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Muppets Activity ~ Crafts


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Friday, December 23, 2011

Muppets Activity ~ Christmas Links


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