Sunday, December 05, 2010

It’s all about Tuesday, Nov 30th at 10:27 am

Hello!! We're alive! And finally home! It's been a long week - and have I got quite the story to tell you! Yes! We're now a family of 5! Baby boy 3 decided to come a little early! (And my hospital bag was packed and then my water broke - third time's the charm, eh?)

My water broke on Monday, Nov 29, mid afternoon. It was a high tear. When I first went into the case room at the hospital, they couldn't see that my water broke. They have this strip of paper that they use to test, and it's orange. If it turns olive green, it's amniotic fluid. At first the paper wasn't turning green, so they were just going to monitor me for a bit and then send me home. I knew my body though! They monitored me and was about to send me home. While being monitored my water broke ALL OVER the bed I was being monitored in, and they admitted me. All the primrose oil capsules I was taking and red raspberry leaf tea I was drinking did absolutely nothing. My cervix was hard as a rock (no surprise) and had to be induced (with oxytocin). I was the only one laboring all night, everyone else who had come in, had their babies before midnight on the 29th. After 18 hours of labor I was stuck at 2 cm and was at 2 cm for a long time. I labored in a jacuzzi tub for most of the night (which was fantastic as it relieved pressure off my back) but my body just couldn't relax passed dilate past 2 cm (50% effaced). I was on the highest dose of oxytocin and they couldn't give me anymore. It was already a risk to my body as I was trying for Vbac. The doctor on call Tuesday morning happened to be the head of the Gynecology department and she came in to assess. Basically she told me what I didn’t want to hear – she recommended that I have a Csection. I was still only 2 cm dilated 50% effaced by morning and he was very high up. After talking things through, I finally agreed to do a Csection, and we signed papers. I also decided that since I was having a Csection and already being cut open, that I would tie my tubes. While we were waiting for the OR (and I was being prepped for my Csection) baby boy’s heart sped up a lot and the OB said that she would have had me go into the OR soon after that anyhow, had I not agreed to do it electively. My sister's boyfriend's cousin/friend was on duty as if 8 am on Tuesday, Nov 30th, and though she didn't take my case (she felt weird to have to do internal exams on me) she was around, since I was the only one there at that point. It’s amazing how, even when you discuss what is going on, you still get nervous. I thought I would be more calm about it this time if that’s what ended up, but that’s not how my body reacted. (Mack’s Csection was emergency, so when in that stressful situation, my body freaked out and I shook the entire surgery). It’s just the same even when you are prepared for the Csection, my body shook the entire time of the surgery. It’s just too bad that they couldn’t do anything for me, and that my body was just not responding. (I did get to crochet a bit in labor - I worked on some more bookmarks. I couldn't knit though, as where they put my IV line, in my wrist, gave me very bad mobility with my hand).

ORpic

Quentin Myles was born Tuesday, Nov 30th, at 10:27 am.

After my Csection was over, Jamie was already in the nursery with the baby taking care of whatever tests that they need to do at that point. I was whisked away to recovery. I was told it would just be an hour, (like I remember it being with Mackenzie’s Csection). This time, I had a spinal instead of a double dose of epidural (Mack's Csection) and it took forever for me to move my feet (the requirement to be released back to my room). I did ask for one dose of Morphine to help with any pain that I would have once the spinal wore off (learned later on that the morphine shot made my arm bruise really badly where they injected me). The spinal made me itch for a good 24 hours after my surgery. It took a lot of benadryl to make it stop. Finally I was able to go back to my room and then had to wait for the orderly to get off his lunch break to take me back to me room. I was dying to hold the baby already, and didn’t like the fact that I ended up being in recovery for almost 2 and a half hours. (Damn shortage of staff at the hospital!)

I was finally reunited with the baby and Jamie and had a good 3 hours before things started to go badly. A nurse doing a check noticed Quentin was breathing hard. So they took him to the nursery and called in the Pediatrician that was on call. I had met him earlier on, as he was in the OR since Quentin is considered premature (born before 37 weeks). Quentin was having respiratory issues and at that point was being transferred to the Montreal Children’s Hospital (or wherever had an available place for him that have a NICU). They had a pick-up to do first for a baby with a much more urgent case, and would be by around 11-12 Tuesday evening to pick him up. He was placed in an incubator. He was given an IV (in his hand) and some doses of antibiotics. Basically the amount of air he was breathing in - he wasn't breathing back out (so there was too many CO2 bubbles in him). The pediatrician came to talk to me, and he was beyond wonderful. They ran a bunch of tests and every test that they did, showed signs of improvement, so by the time the Children’s hospital was ready to pick him up – he had improved enough to stay where we were – since the hospital I had Quentin at – does not have a NICU. (Had I realized this - I don't know if I would have chosen this hospital to deliver in - now that I think about it). They don’t even have a full time nursery (under staffed/small hospital). Anyhow, I was beyond upset. I was stuck in my bed (they wouldn’t let me out of bed until Wednesday morning when they took out my IV and catheter), and Quentin was in an incubator on IV and antibiotics in the nursery. It was heartbreaking. Very emotional. I broke down in tears. I felt helpless. Useless. I wanted to be with my baby. Jamie took some video of Quentin on my digital camera so that I could see what was going on as per the pediatrician recommendation. (You see how wonderful he was/is?)

incubator

Me visiting Quentin on Wednesday, December 1st, in the morning after being able to get up. I was so round and swollen from the drugs they pumped into me during my surgery.

Quentin was stable overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. Our goal Wednesday was to get him out of the incubator. I finally got him out of it by 3 pm on Wednesday (and I was already up & walking by then) and it was so hard to hold him with all the wires & tubes hanging from him. He was on a few antibiotics and an IV drip as well, all for 72 hours (which ended Friday night, Dec 3rd, 2010). Originally the IV was in his hand, but once he started to not be lethargic anymore, the IV wouldn’t stay in his tiny hand anymore, they had to shave his head and put the IV in his head. (That was Thursday, December 2nd). I was heartbroken that they had to shave part of his head to put the IV there. I guess he will be wearing a lot of hats until his hair grows in. At least it’s winter. My mom said that I should be lucky that they put the IV on the side of his head - when I was born, they put an IV in my head - smack in the middle! At least I could take pictures of Quentin from the side - and not see the IV). Quentin was showing improvements out of the incubator on Wednesday to Thursday that the pediatrician finally let him not be monitored anymore (they were monitoring his respiration, heart rate and his saturation) and released him back into my care. I was expressing milk and feeding him what he would take in a cup, syringe, syringe with a tube, however he would take it. There was one evening where he didn’t eat anything at all, as per doctor’s orders. However, he wasn’t really showing any interest in eating, as I am sure the antibiotics and IV drip were making him not want to eat. It was a little frustrating.

firstfamof5shotWed

Our first family photo (in the nursery while Quentin was still on the monitor/IV)

JayQ

Daddy & his 3rd son.

monitornoincu

Being monitored out of the incubator.

mommyQ

Skin to skin time.

machinefromhell

The darn machine that had to be re-set every hour as they could only run it for an hour at a time. This machine became my worst nightmare once he was released back into my care. And if the flow wasn't good it would start to ring out of control as well. I was so happy once he was off the IV.

Qhandface

No more pictures ma!

knittinginroom

I got a bit of knitting done on Bittersweet Vines.
Though I had to re-start it.
(Knitting in labor is not a good idea when you can't concentrate on lace!)

my3boys

The boys have been absolutely FANTASTIC with their baby brother. Here they wanted to help feed him some breastmilk in a bottle. (I'm trying to give him as much as I can).

foundhisthumb

He found his thumb! Oh no!

128wksold

This week Mack was 128 weeks old.

204wksS

And Sean was 204 weeks old.

My milk finally came in, and he latched for the first time on Friday evening (December 3rd). He was being supplemented on Similac 24 in the meantime, as it is higher in calories and they usually give this for premature babies. I am not sure how the breastfeeding will go - but I will try my best. He does still need the supplementing of formula, because of his prematurity and hopefully when the CLSC comes in the new few days to check on us (with their baby scale) he'll have gained some weight. He has a really tiny mouth, and I'm in a lot of pain. I'm not sure how this breast feeding thing will work out - but I will try. If it doesn't work out - I will not be heart broken over it... as it didn't really work out the first two times.

Once the IV came out, I just wanted to go home. It had been an extremely long week. Even though Quentin had a bit of a rough start to life, he fought it all on his own, and showed us how strong he really is. The way everything worked out – was truly a blessing. Quentin is precious and tiny (born 5 lbs 10 oz and discharged from the hospital at 5 lbs 2.89 oz) and we all love him to bits.

ridehome

On the way home from the hospital!

I got home around lunch on Saturday, and had family over all afternoon/evening. By the time our last guest left last night, I was passing out in my bed. Quentin was very good last night, and woke up just to eat/be changed. He is a really good sleeper (knock on wood) and hopefully that won't change. It feels fantastic to be home. (Yes, I even missed the internet! Along with my own bathroom, my own bed, my things, and just the comfort of my own home!)

We're now a family of 5! And I'm the Queen of the house. Hopefully all this testosterone won't be too much! I'll have to eventually get a female pet! I hope I've covered everything but I can't think if I've forgotten anything. If I think of anything I will for sure tell you later.

40 comments:

Julie said...

Congratulations! I have been thinking of you. Sorry your delivery wasn't what you would have liked, but so thankful that you and Quentin are doing well. Very best wishes and thoughts heading out to you.

Maureen said...

Oh my, what a story. I am sorry your wee boy went through so much, and I am sorry you had to be apart so much. You're a strong woman to have not lost it completely from that, Robyn. I was apart from Evie for the basic tests and stuff only, and Mike was with her, and I still was crabby-assed about it. ;)

I hope Quentin weighs in with a nice gain and all goes smooth from here!

LisaM said...

Oh wow!! What an emotional rollercoaster--I feel for you, especially with all the crazy pegnancy/birth hormones you also have to deal with. At least you're both safe and sound and home with the rest of your boys.

Congratulations, Quentin is so precious!

Lisa

IrishGirl said...

Congratulations to all 5 of you! Q is adorable and I see some of his big brothers in him already. They look so proud in every picture.

=]

Nicole said...

Congratulations! to you, and your entire family!
Quentin is an amazing name.
Take some time to enjoy your beautiful family. Don't worry about us readers :)

Cynthia F said...

Aww! Congratulations to you all! He's so teeny and sweet! I'm sure Mack & Sean are thrilled to be big brothers! I hope you get lots of rest and feel better and recover fast!xo

Balkan Style Bloggers said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Welcome home, Quentin! I'm so happy everyone's home and well. :)

Caroline said...

Congratulations again! Quentin is so precious (and I love the name!). Thanks for sharing your birth story.

Zonda said...

Thanks for sharing Robyn! What a week full of emotions! I'm so glad that little Quentin and his Mom are doing well! What sweet pictures of all of you!

kristo said...

Congratulations to you and your family! Quentin is such a cutie!

Celia said...

Congratulations!! Glad you are home!

Celia said...

Don't give up on breastfeeding. My bubbies was preemie and had major latching problems. It took a month before he got it. I still have to use a nipple shield, but he's got it down and knows what to do when he sees the nips.

~Jo~ said...

Congrats to the new family of 5!!! Thanks for sharing your birth story. :)

g-girl said...

SO glad to hear that you are now safe at home with your three boys. :) sorry to hear that you had to have the c-section after all (but at least you got your tubes tied, right?). congratulations on your new baby boy, hon!!! hope the adjustment to being back at home continues to go smoothly. :)

Bertha said...

OMG congratulations you guys!! He is beautiful, what a wonderful family you have!

craft-chick said...

Congratulations! My little boy was a preemie (32 weeks) and at 5 lbs 7 oz at birth he was so tiny...before you know it little Quentin will be rough-housing with Sean and Mack!!

Unknown said...

Congrats!!!

Anie, kale said...

Congrats Robyn, I'm glad your are all home. The skin to skin picture is precious.

Amelah said...

:-) Thank you for giving me three wonderful, adorable nephews ! :-)
Still can't believe you are now a family of 5! Really excited he is here, and glad everything worked out in the end. He is one tough cookie! xo

carrolyn said...

Robyn, congratulations! I am sorry to hear you had a long and protracted labor plus the c-section. What a couple of days! I'm glad all is well and all of you are at home. Since you've already had two, you know that Quentin will be fine if the breast feeding doesn't work out. Welcome little Quentin, it's wonderful to meet you. :) Happy family, indeed. :)

michelle w said...

Congratulations Robyn, and enjoy being home- make sure you take care of yourself and recover! Quentin is beautiful, loved the pic of your first two feeding him :)

scrappyt said...

Congrats Robyn!!

Nov 30 is a great day for a birthday as it is mine too. I figured you had given birth, with the blog silence. lol

He is so cute, just like his big brothers.

It may have been a stressful start to his life but it makes you appreciate them more. We had a scare when my daughter was born too.

Enjoy every moment!!!

Ammerins said...

Congratulations! That was quite a happening, but so glad you're home again now and doing well!

Ammerins

Lynn said...

Congratulations to all of you! I am so happy that all is now fine. Take your time recovering and getting into your new routines. Most importantly, enjoy this special time with your family.

Bine said...

Congratulations to all 5 of you! I missed your posts the last few days and thought that baby boy #3 is on his way. You chose a wonderful name for your 3rd son and I´m glad you are at home well!

Sandra said...

Congratulations - what a strong little man you've brought into the family - he'll fit right in. I couldn't breastfeed my son either, and he turned out terrific - academically gifted, althelically inclined, and just a polite, joy to be around. If you can, do it, but don't ever let anyone tell you what to do.
Best,

Tara said...

So glad everything worked out, Robyn. I certainly didn't want to pry when I hadn't heard from you in a while :) Glad you're home, and enjoying your lovely new family.

chudoland said...

Congratulations! You are really strong person! Quentin is beautiful!

I had tears reading your story

Andrea said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy he's healthy! Take care of yourself :)

halloweenlover said...

Wow! What a story! And scary too! I'm so grateful he is home safe and sound and BEAUTIFUL!

Congratulations Mom! I'm so happy for all of you!

Tracy said...

Congratulations to you and your family and welcome to baby Q. Love the name. And what a story. Happy to hear everyone is at home and doing well.

Kimber said...

I am so glad that you and baby Q. are home safe and sound!

Glad he is here!!!

Congrats!

Yarnhog said...

Welcome to the world, Baby Boy! Congratulations, Mama!

Yvette said...

Well done! Glad to hear it all turned out. Welcome new little guy!

Shelby said...

Congrats!! He's absolutely precious! Wish you the best.

Lisa (JeepGirl) said...

What a story!!!

I have to tell you that your pictures are fabulous! I"m so sorry that I missed the blog post when you made it.

You have a very wonderful and beautiful family!!! Congratulations to all of you!!!

Dawn said...

Congratulations! So glad to hear baby Quentin is doing well! I'll cross my fingers for you that he keeps being a good sleeper! He's so precious!

Open Roads Mama said...

omg, you have a baby!!!! congratulations! he is beautiful! hope all goes well with his weight gain and you get to take it easy soon! warm hugs!

kim said...

I am SO far behind!!! Congrats on your baby boy!! :::going to catch up now!:::

Bea said...

Congrats on Quentin! He's adorable. I'm so glad you didn't have to wait til January to meet him!