Monthly Archives: June 2008

The Birth Experience Part 1 (Without the Gory Details – Promise!)

I have been meaning to write this down for some time and now that Samuel has passed his one month birthday it seems like it is now or never. I am going to write this in three parts – Before, During and After. That’s how it is stored in my mind and it prevents complete boredom by posting in chapters on my blog. 🙂

PART 1: THE BIRTH EXPERIENCE – BEFORE

It is a strange thing to be able to choose the way your child will come into the world. Not that it was really a choice. Thomas’ entrance was way too exciting for my taste and the resulting c-section meant that this time around we preferred to go down the path with the lowest risk. In 2008 that means a repeat c-section.

Samuel’s due date was May 24th so we chose May 19th for his birthday – a few days before the due date (less chance of naturally going into labour), a Monday (which I hear is a good day for surgery. Doctors and Nurses can be tired by Friday), and a day that did not conflict with our wedding anniversary (May 16th, not that we really celebrated this year. Samuel’s safe arrival was celebration enough).

What this meant was that for nine months I felt I needed to include a disclaimer when explaining my child’s due date. I felt an explanation was necessary to avoid being accused of choosing a delivery of convenience (not that there’s anything convenient about surgery). God forbid I be confused with Brittany Spears. 

My answer to the question “when is the baby due?” often went something like this… “Well his due date is actually on the 24th but I have a scheduled c-section on the 19th. The Doctor says it’s safer that way because I had an unplanned c-section the first time around. Yes, really. They have done the research and it’s safer. Really! The doctor shared some of the bad things that can happen if I try a vaginal birth. Want to hear the details?” At which point I share some of the gory details and they seem convinced that I am not another person feeding unecessarily into the increasing percentage of births by c-section. In fact they may even be a little horrified.

Let’s face it though, planning my baby’s birthday was a hurdle for me to get over more than anything. I had to let go of the dream of having a baby “naturally” (although with all of the necessary drugs). I experienced the beginning of labour with Thomas even as far as my water breaking but I always felt a little cheated by the fact that I had not been able to actually “give birth”. There was also going to be none of that anticipation I felt with Thomas of not knowing when I would feel the first contraction. The anticipation was exciting and scary, but in a good way, and I was sad not to have that this time around.

In reality though, it was nice to be able to plan some things – my Mum’s arrival, early enough so that she could be there immediately after the baby was born, not having to worry about dropping Thomas with friends in the middle of the night, knowing that my own Dr. would almost definitely deliver this child.

BUTTERFLIES

I will never understand people who choose elective plastic surgery. The feeling of walking into a hospital in feeling completely healthy but knowing that you are choosing to do something that will make you feel like you have been run over by a bus is totally beyond me. This is how I was feeling on the day Samuel was born.

Despite my large belly and a little bit of back pain, I was feeling good. I’d had a full night’s sleep the night before, dropped Thomas at daycare, even managed to get a pedicure – I was completely ready. Surgery was scheduled for 11am so I arrived at 9 to get prepared. Let the poking and prodding begin. Blood pressure, urine sample, blood drawn, IV inserted. This marked the beginning of the indignity that is childbirth. At least this time I would be spared being helped up onto hands and knees with butt bared to the world to try and get Thomas to move off his umbilical cord. That was a definite low point in my previous birth experience and one I was happy not to repeat.

In fact the next couple of hours was very low key. While I was waiting the anaesthesiologist came by to explain the spinal injection – how it would happen, what she needed me to do etc. The last time I went through this I had already asked for the epidural so a spinal in the operating room wasn’t necessary. She explained that as the anaesthetic first traveled through my body I may feel a little dizzy if my blood pressure dropped temporarily which would be normal, but that otherwise I should be fine. This information would come into play later.

Then two hours stretched into three hours thanks to some bad scheduling and a Doctor who had to travel from another hospital in heavy traffic. By this stage I had read both People Magazine and Entertainment Weekly from cover to cover (couldn’t focus on a book), drained a couple of IV bags and was getting more than a little anxious to get the show on the road.

Finally the doctor arrived and we were all ready to go. I actually walked to the operating room which was a little weird, but I guess it would be the last time I would have the opportunity to walk for a while. Kei was to wait until the anaesthetic was all ready to go before he would join me. Apparently during this this time he just sat and watched my mum pace the floor nervously until they finally came to get him. I think he was grateful to get things moving as well.

Coming soon: Part 2: THE BIRTH EXPERIENCE – DURING… where I describe the strange experience of having surgery while you are awake and the excitement of finally seeing the face of the tiny little being who has been growing inside you for nine months.

P365 Day 174 – June 22nd 2008

Busy day today.

I took this photo at the end of the day while we sat out on the front porch. I just love the way Samuel is grabbing Kei’s finger and looking at the camera. So cute!

It started with a trip to the Nike employee store courtesy of some friends who set us up with passes. I wanted to get Thomas some sandles but I think we were a little late in teh season. Instead we managed to spend way too much money on other things, constantly justifying it with the mantra that we are saving money in the long run. I was actually more restrained than I have been in past visits. It may have something to do with the fact that I have no income for the next four months and we just spent a few thousand on plane tickets to Australia (don’t even get me started on the renovation). I bought some pants, t-shirts and a hoodie. A great Mummy uniform for the next few months. Kei stocked up on grey t-shirts and a variety of shorts and sports socks. I think we are moving toward middle age.

We got home just in time for me to attend a baby shower for my friend Jennifer who is due in about eight weeks. Her mum hosted the shower and I have honestly never attended one that was more relaxing and fun for the people in attendance. Sure, we played some games but they all had fun prizes and we were encouraged to give ourselves footbaths and hand massages, all while enjoying the views of the surrounding golfcourse from the sunny balcony.

I took Samuel with me and only saw him for a brief period when he needed to be fed. This period when people like to hold the baby is short lived. I definitely have to make the most of it. It disappears quickly when the poops start to smell and baby would rather be played with than fall asleep peacefully in your arms.

Kei spent the afternoon with Thomas at the park. They had a good time but I did get a message on my phone at aout 4pm from a little boy whining “Mummy, I want some mi-i-ilk.” The cute thing wa that he didn’t know he was leaving a message so when Kei told him to say goodbye he said “but she isn’t talking to me yet!”

The evening was a little tougher with a lot of whining and some resistance to bed despite Thomas skipping his nap. Every little thing feels like a struggle right now. I think this is what they call the terrible twos but if this is as bad as it gets then I’ll take. Please let this be as bad as it gets…

P365 Day 173 – June 21st 2008

Week one of The Ishidas trying to spend more time in nature. We went to the Bybee wetlands again – quick, easy and close to home.

As always we came prepared with snacks and water but unfotunately not prepared for the millions of mosquitos who were enjoying the stagnant water and feeding on sightseers. Mosquitos are usually attracted to Kei which is good for me as I am usually spared. Not this time though. Either there were just too many mossies to enjoy a full meal from just one person or they are attracted to the smell of breast milk, because I was bitten by at least five and caught about 15 others in the act.

Thankfully Samuel was spared and we were able to enjoy at least some of the wildlife on display before heading home. I didn’t take my zoom lens so I’ll spare you my photos of really tiny turtles and waterbirds sitting on logs. Instead I’ll share this picture of Kei unsuccessfully trying to point out a Heron to Thomas. He also couldn’t see the turtle.

P365 Day 169 – June 17th 2008

I suspect this may be part of the reason he’s not sleeping well at night. Samuel was supposed to be having some tummy time but about 2 minutes into it he fell fast asleep. Sometimes I struggle to keep him awake during the day but apparently at 4am it’s party time!

P365 Day 168 – June 16th 2008

“Horsing Around”. Thomas has a dinosaur book (a Dr. Seuss one) that explains the traits of some of the Dinosuars. Apparently the Iguanadon liked to attack people with its thumbs so lately Kei has been coming after Thomas with a cry of “I’ll Iguanadon You!” Much laughter and fun follows. Unfortunately it doesn’t do a whole lot to wind Thomas down before bed.

P365 Day 167 – June 15th 2008

A summer’s day at the rose garden in our local park. I just love the energy of this place when the weather gets warm. This photo can only portray a little of what was going on – wedding photos, families having fun, dogs running through the fountain, a guy filming on an old video camera and this random bike just sitting in the middle of the space and waiting for its photo to be taken.

P365 Day 166 – June 14th 2008

It’s been a while since I got a good swing shot. And even longer since I got one with Thomas doing his “cheese” face. Took this one at our regular pot luck night at the house of our friends Warren and Michelle. Their son Colson has the BEST backyard setup. I dream of a yard like theirs. Cool play equipment, a little bit of grass and a nice relaxing paved area where Mum can sit back on a warm summer day and just watch the kids play and read a magazine. We’re working on it.