So, now that Zane is 7 weeks old, I figured I should actually get on this and record some memories of the last week before he was born and the birth experience. Zane was a bit of a rascal on all accounts mentioned above ;) My parents arrived 4 days before I was due, thinking we could spend a little time before Zane arrived. As it turned out, we spent about a week and a half before he came. I kept going to appointments, trying everything I could think of to go into labor: teas, evening primrose oil, that which got us into this situation, jumping jacks, and castor oil. All to no avail of course. I would have bet money that I wouldn't make it to my induction day, but alas, that day came too and I was still pregnant. So, it turned out that May 31st would be Zane's eviction day :)
We went in at 7:30 to break my water and see what happened. My parents came in after they dropped Nora off at school to see how things were going. Since nothing was going on, they left for a bit. Mom came back a little later since she was going to be in the delivery room with us (the first grandchild she witnessed coming into the world!) After walking about and hr and only having about 3 contractions, they decided that they'd start a little pitocin around 10:00 to get things moving. I was told it was the lowest amount and things would happen gradually. I decided to use the birthing ball (which I hadn't done before) and very shortly after they started the "pit" while I "bounced" on the ball, the contractions began. Gradual is NOT the way I would describe them. Going from a few very low-key contractions over a long span of time to super intense contractions every couple minutes is more like "insane" not gradual! I tried to be tough for a few of them, but then I called it a day and asked for an epidural. Unfortunately I should have called him sooner, because as I waited for him, things only got worse. Though he didn't take long to get here, by the time I got the epidural I was so miserable it didn't do much. So, after noticing I was not in a state of comfort, they "upped" the drugs. This made for a very interesting and frustrating birth experience later. Finally I could rest! Jared and Mom went to grab some McD's around noon since it didn't seem like anything was going to happen any time soon. However, at about 12:30 (before they returned), the nurse asked when they would be back, since I looked like I'd be ready any time now. Luckily they made it back in time, but I don't think they actually finished their lunch. They were eating in the corner while I was being prepped. I began pushing about 1:00.
I was so insanely doped up though that I felt pretty helpless. When it came time to push, I was very ineffective since I couldn't feel a thing or move at all. I could only feel the very top muscles of my stomach when I pushed and therefore only seemed to get 1 out of every 3 pushes to do anything. People had to hold my legs (which were pretty much dead weight), and I have to say that they were dropped a few times too. I didn't feel it at all, but I didn't have some "battle scars" on them to show for it. Zane was being difficult and not wanting to be born (as was already proved by the fact we were evicting him!) so everyone was twisting and turning me, propping a leg up on some sort of blow up "peanut" as they called it. I felt like a beached whale flopping along on the shoreline longing for a rescue. After about 1/2 hr of pushing, and feeling unusually exhausted, they told me to take a bit of a rest and then we'd get back to it. I had asked them to lower the pitocin earlier, but they didn't think it would happen soon enough, but finally after our 'break' they did. It wasn't enough to help me feel though. I pushed a little longer and finally was told the Dr. was going to come in and "help". "What does that mean?" I asked. They said it just meant he'd use the "suction cup" to help me along. With that, it didn't take long and out came Zane (at 2:04pm), with his little hand right up at his face. No wonder it was so difficult. I hope this isn't a sign of the way he's going to be! Isn't the fourth supposed to be super laid back, and just go with the flow??? I sure hope so! The "little" guy was 9lbs 8oz, smaller than was I would have guessed since he was a week late. The kids came in after school and were very excited to finally meet baby Zane :)
In the first weeks after his birth almost everything went really well - all except for nursing :( Unfortunately he wasn't very good and as much as I tried (got some help in the hospital from the consultant) it wasn't working. When we went in for his 2 week appointment, I told the doctor that he doesn't seem to be very happy and I was afraid he wasn't getting enough to eat. I was right. I felt so horrible when I learned that since his release from the hospital he had only gained 2oz! Usually babies are back up to their birth weight by then, but Zane was only 8lbs 14oz, over 1/2 pound less than birth weight. No wonder the poor baby was fussy - I was practically starving him :( So, the supplementing began. From there it was downhill w/ the nursing and after battling emotionally about it, I finally decided to call it quits when he was 4 weeks. Aside from the financial aspect, it has been a very good decision. Now, at 7 weeks, he is thriving (though sometimes gassy and uncomfortable - just switched to soy formula) and is pretty happy. We've seen some really cute smiles already and he's been cooing for a couple weeks too. What a joy and special addition to the family. The kids all adore him and have been quite helpful. Now that I'm not nursing, they all can even help feed him! SO nice :)
Next post: our trip to Michigan...
