How Ella Jane Steele Arrived
Thursday, April 21st
On the morning of Thursday, April 21st, 2011 I woke up with the bloody show (its a sign of labor, similar to starting your period). I was only concerned because it had fluid in it so I called the Dr. and he said I should go to the hospital to get check (in case my water broke - sometimes it breaks and its gushing but sometimes its just a little trickle). I went in about 1:30pm that afternoon, the hospital did a few tests and it did not indicate that my water broke so they had me get my amniotic fluid checked to triple check that I didn't not break my water. The results came back and my fluids were low and sent me back for another ultrasound to check the size of the baby. To my surprise, the technician estimated that the baby would be 9lbs 14 ounces (that's a big baby!).
On the morning of Thursday, April 21st, 2011 I woke up with the bloody show (its a sign of labor, similar to starting your period). I was only concerned because it had fluid in it so I called the Dr. and he said I should go to the hospital to get check (in case my water broke - sometimes it breaks and its gushing but sometimes its just a little trickle). I went in about 1:30pm that afternoon, the hospital did a few tests and it did not indicate that my water broke so they had me get my amniotic fluid checked to triple check that I didn't not break my water. The results came back and my fluids were low and sent me back for another ultrasound to check the size of the baby. To my surprise, the technician estimated that the baby would be 9lbs 14 ounces (that's a big baby!).
At 4:00pm, with the results of the two ultrasounds the nurse admitted me and notified me that the Dr. will probably recommend a C-Section. I was devastated as I have been mentally prepared for a vaginal birth and did not feel prepared for surgery and recovery process. (Note to self: Don't ever go to a hospital without eating first. They will starve you if they think your going to have a C-section)
At this point, its 6pm and Brian arrived just in time as I started getting stronger contractions - labor contractions are not pleasant! We spent the next few hours walking the halls and monitoring Ella's heart rate. When the Dr. Zhang finally came in (about 11:00pm) he reviewed my chart and looked at me and said I had a good chance to deliver vaginally. He estimated the baby to be about 8.5 pounds and that (with me being asian) my hips could do it. The Dr. Zhang said it was a 50/50 chance so it was up to us if we wanted to try to do a vaginal birth. We went with vaginal delivery option as I didn’t want a c-section if Ella wasn't in distress.
At this point, its 6pm and Brian arrived just in time as I started getting stronger contractions - labor contractions are not pleasant! We spent the next few hours walking the halls and monitoring Ella's heart rate. When the Dr. Zhang finally came in (about 11:00pm) he reviewed my chart and looked at me and said I had a good chance to deliver vaginally. He estimated the baby to be about 8.5 pounds and that (with me being asian) my hips could do it. The Dr. Zhang said it was a 50/50 chance so it was up to us if we wanted to try to do a vaginal birth. We went with vaginal delivery option as I didn’t want a c-section if Ella wasn't in distress.
Friday, April 22nd
The Dr. checked me and I had already dilated to 4cm and was making good progress. At 1:30am they decided to break my water while I was at 5cm. Within two hours, I jumped to 8cm and was in excruciating pain and asked for the epidural (amazing stuff!). I received the epidural at 3:30pm, after almost 12 hours of contractions and no food – I passed out until 6am. At 7am, I was at 9cm and they started pitocin to get the contractions moving along. At 10am, I was 10cm, 100% effaced, and ready to go. Pushed from 11am to 2pm, and with no sign of her being able to move pass the pelvic bones.
After the last push, the nurse tells me that she'll be right back. When she left the room, I knew that was not a good sign. When she returned, she came in with Dr. Brody to examined me and review the baby's heart rate. A few minutes later, he informs that he recommends doing a C-Section at this point as Ella's heart rate was going up with every push/contraction. With this news, I was devastated and holding back my tears. Sigh, I think I was more disappointed that I had to go back to a C-section and could have been in recovery with Ella 12 hours ago instead of enduring what seemed like never ending pain. But I guess I can say that I know what labor feels like (contractions, pushing, and all) though I don't know if that is really worth knowing!
After the paperwork was signed and we moved our bags, they transported me into the operating room. After they got me prepped with drugs, Brian entered the OR wearing scrubs (so cute!) and they began the C-Section.
It took a few minutes to make sure they 1) gave me enough medicine and 2) I couldn't feel anything. Once the meds kicked in, I started to get the shakes and felt extremely cold. At one point, I even asked to have them strap my arms down and put heat pads on me. After I threw up, a nurse told me that my baby girl is beautiful and has lots of hair. She turned my head and I could see Ella's head from the corner of my eye. After I heard her cry, my focus went back to how cold I was. I was shaking so badly that I couldn't even touch her. They had to give me some type of sedative because I couldn't stop shaking. I passed out and woke up in the recovery room.
After an hour in the recovery room with Ella (I still have not seen her face as it was difficult to move at all) they moved me into the post-op room and Ella was taken to the nursery for her first bath. Four hours have passed and I still have yet to meet our little Ella (let's just say I was very irritated and was getting so annoyed with everyone). At about 6:30pm, Brian and the nurse finally arrive with Ella! I finally got to hold my baby girl and nurse her for the first time.
Notes to Self: C-Section Recovery
For my next child, please remember the following:
1) C-Section is major surgery - - Take it easy and don't over do it. REST!
2) Do not travel for the first six weeks except for Doctor appointments.
3) Don't be prideful and ask for help when you need it.
4) Sleep when your not feeding the baby. (Let someone else change the baby and sooth the baby when he/she is crying. Your only job is to nurse the baby!)
5) Put your feet up and drink lots of room-temperature water.
6) Take more pictures even if you think your bloated.
7) Enjoy your recovery time.
Picture: C-Section incision
Picture: Ella is finally here.
Picture: My placenta
Picture: This big baby was in my stomach!
Picture: I wasn't joking when I said everything was swollen from the waist down. I had no ankles for almost three weeks.
After the paperwork was signed and we moved our bags, they transported me into the operating room. After they got me prepped with drugs, Brian entered the OR wearing scrubs (so cute!) and they began the C-Section.
It took a few minutes to make sure they 1) gave me enough medicine and 2) I couldn't feel anything. Once the meds kicked in, I started to get the shakes and felt extremely cold. At one point, I even asked to have them strap my arms down and put heat pads on me. After I threw up, a nurse told me that my baby girl is beautiful and has lots of hair. She turned my head and I could see Ella's head from the corner of my eye. After I heard her cry, my focus went back to how cold I was. I was shaking so badly that I couldn't even touch her. They had to give me some type of sedative because I couldn't stop shaking. I passed out and woke up in the recovery room.
After an hour in the recovery room with Ella (I still have not seen her face as it was difficult to move at all) they moved me into the post-op room and Ella was taken to the nursery for her first bath. Four hours have passed and I still have yet to meet our little Ella (let's just say I was very irritated and was getting so annoyed with everyone). At about 6:30pm, Brian and the nurse finally arrive with Ella! I finally got to hold my baby girl and nurse her for the first time.
Notes to Self: C-Section Recovery
For my next child, please remember the following:
1) C-Section is major surgery - - Take it easy and don't over do it. REST!
2) Do not travel for the first six weeks except for Doctor appointments.
3) Don't be prideful and ask for help when you need it.
4) Sleep when your not feeding the baby. (Let someone else change the baby and sooth the baby when he/she is crying. Your only job is to nurse the baby!)
5) Put your feet up and drink lots of room-temperature water.
6) Take more pictures even if you think your bloated.
7) Enjoy your recovery time.
Picture: C-Section incision
Picture: Ella is finally here.
Picture: My placenta
Picture: This big baby was in my stomach!
Picture: I wasn't joking when I said everything was swollen from the waist down. I had no ankles for almost three weeks.
