Well- I can't believe it- MiniMaster L arrived- three weeks early! It was quite a labor and delivery experience so I thought I'd share my cautionary tale to all of you pregnant mamas. If you are in labor- run, don't walk to the hospital. Master L was almost delivered in a cab- by Mr. R. I can't even imagine.
On Saturday, we had a quiet afternoon, going for lunch and just walking along the waterfront. I had some cramping, but thought nothing of it. At about 11 p.m. my water broke. I was in denial. It was three weeks early, we had no plan to care for Master A, we had no bag packed, no list prepared of Master A's schedule. We were not ready- but Master L was.
I called the doctor and she told me to come up to her office in Tribeca. It turns out I was only 1 cm dialated and had a "thick cervix". My OB told me it would be hours and I should just labor at home till I was closer. I didn't think it would take that long because it was only a few hours with Aidan but I didn't want to be in the hospital all night. Thankfully, my brother in law was in town this weekend, as many of my mama friends I may have called were not. He came over to stay for the night.
I got home a little after midnight and within a half hour the contractions started coming faster. Some weren't terrible, so I wasn't sure if they all were contractions and how far apart they were. We frantically tried to write up some lists on Master A, pack a few cosmetics in a Ziploc, and grab my non-filled out preadmissions paperwork for the hospital. Then, the contractions became much worse and only about two minutes or so apart. I had just left the OB only two hours ago. I didn't think there was any way I could be that far along. By 2:30 a.m., Ryan dragged me out the door. We jumped in a cab and headed to midtown. About halfway through, I became delirious. I couldn't get comfortable on the seat and was just groaning. The cabbie started flying through the city. When we arrived, he had to back down 59th street the wrong way to get us to the emergency room door. I am just thankful that I didn't think to push to alleviate the pressure. I was so miserable that I absolutely would have- not thinking of the consequences. Some nurses at the hospital told me that some taxis will deny pregnant women (though it's illegal) b/c they don't want to deal.
We went upstairs and after telling them I needed to push and my OB had called and said I was a direct admin (she was on her way by bicycle), they told me I was 10 cm plus one. I was absolutely miserable b/c I knew there would be no epidural for me. (I loved my epidural with Master A. It is great if you want to deliver naturally, but I had no desire to be a super hero. I never had any intention on delivering naturally.) Everyone was running around the room, pulling off my clothes and my OB raced up. Within 15 minutes and four pushes, Master L was here. I couldn't believe it. Although it wasn't long, it felt like hours and I really felt like I was going to die.
When he came out, we saw that the cord was wrapped around his neck 2xs and also had a knot in it. We were extremely lucky. If I had my epidural, it would have slowed down labor and Master L would have probably gone into distress. I don't even want to think of it. So- in the end it was a blessing. It's funny, I was never officially admitted to the hospital, it was called a "precipitous delivery". The moral of my tale- spend more time laboring in the hospital- these second babies come barreling through.
I decided to try breastfeeding with Master L. It wasn't for me with Master A (I know I'll hear about it when he's older- how I loved Master L more to give him a better start). Wow- it is tough and painful. Any advice from you experienced mamas would be appreciated.
It is much different this time, coming home to an active 18 month old and because I never had a chance to slow things down for my business- I'm having to put in a few hours for that each day. I wasn't sure if I'd need help- but now I know I absolutely will. Can't wait for you all to meet the munchkin.
Wow, Mama J, even if you never desired the title, you truly are a Super Mom now!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your Mini-Master L again - isn't he gorgeous, Mamas, or are we biased to think that our friends' babies are beautiful?
We are all here for you as you start the journey of Mom-to-two...Master K would love some playdates with Master A while you have a chance to get some stuff done. Hooray!
He really is beautiful! I love the middle photo. It looks like a professional shot. Congratulations Mama J! Both our kiddies will be 2 weeks apart!
ReplyDeleteAs for the breastfeeding it HURTS LIKE HELL!!! I've said this before but a friend had baby 1 naturally without drugs, baby 2 by c-section and she said the most painful thing was breastfeeding baby 1.
Just stick with it because it does become a beautiful experience once your nipples toughen up and the milk regulates.
Congratulations Mama J! What a harrowing experience you had. I had a crazy cab ride like that with Master L, and went from 1cm to 6 in about 35 minutes, totally out of the blue. Though they initially wouldn't give me the epidural due to my blood pressure rising (too much pain for me to bear), they finally cleared it and labor slowed. I am so happy to hear that your story turned out for the best and little Minimaster L is safe and sound. What a gorgeous babe! I am sure you are exhausted with your transition. I look forward to visiting and meeting your little one, as well as helping you settle in.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mama N. The second photo is gorgeous - it does look like a professional photo.
ReplyDeleteBreastfeeding is really hard. It sounds like you have a good supply and that is a great start. It gets stressful when they lose weight at the beginning and you are their only source of nutrition. Realbirth in Chelsea (soon to be at Tribeca Pediatrics too) has wonderful drop-in sessions with lactation consultants. I know it will be hard to travel with two, but maybe if Mister R can come home for lunch or if someone can watch Master A it would free you up to trek up there with Mini Master L. I had a lactation consultant come to the apartment first for a private session which helped tremendously (I can email you her contact info if you would like to call her). It was about $250. Then I went regularly to the Realbirth drop-in sessions. I think they offer two a week. My lactation consultant ran one of them so I really came to rely on her guidance and support. I still keep in touch with her. I would call/email with updates on feeding during the transition to solids and from breastmilk to cow's milk.
I think the drop-in sessions are really helpful. They have scales where they can weigh the babies and they really help you get a good routine and set-up down to make breastfeeding successful, which is different for everyone.
I also agree with Mama V that you are Super Mom for your courageous delivery and for trying breastfeeding. Oh, and most importantly, if breastfeeding makes you frustrated and makes you cry a lot, that is NORMAL.
Oh, Mama J, what a cutie!! Your news and updates have made my week, and you will have a great story when Master L asks you to tell him about the day he was born.
ReplyDeleteThe cord thing is scary, but Master D had that, too, and somebody told me it happens to 1/3 of all babies. That sounds like a crazy percentage, but maybe that helps explain our high c-section rate. My ob didn't know until Master D's head came out, so I was yelling, "Get it out!!" over and over while the poor woman was probably panicking trying to get the cord off. So scary! Like you, I was relieved I went natural afterwards - I hate to think what could have happened if labor had slowed down even a little bit!
Breast feeding does hurt at first, but pretty soon you will toughen up, baby will get the hang of it and you'll be drifting off to sleep while he's still nursing! My mom, a former La Leche League leader, gave me the best bf-ing advice when I was whining/sobbing about the pain at first: "Suck it up!!" She probably phrased it more delicately, but that was the gist, and she was right. After a few days of gritting my teeth the worst was over. Now, bf-ing even spares me pain - I give away hundreds of calories a day that I would otherwise have to work off at the gym. When Master A gives you a hard time, just tell him you did it for the Crumbs, not the baby :)
XO to you all, enjoy the new addition to your family :)
Thanks all for the encouragement and support. So far we are doing well. Liam latches great- he just doesn't like to get up and feed- though he has no problem all through the night.
ReplyDeleteIt was so sweet of Mama V & Master K to stop by the hospital! Can't wait to see you all- I'm sure I'll be going nuts here by Monday.
WOW, you and your Mister make some seriously cute Masters!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing what a range of breast feeding experienced Mamas we have in this small group? From the first timer to the self proclaimed Uber Boober (love that)! I believe Mama H and I coincidently used the same LC and I sent you her info a few months ago. She is great and well worth the home visit because, as said, you can consult with her over the phone. She will try to get you to come in to the clinic because I believe she is very busy but tell her you have a big baby as well and she will make time for you I am sure (IF you need it.) Good Luck! XXXOOO
You are all right- I just have to suck it up! You doubt yourself as you do this- whether you are giving him enough- is it worth all the effort? I'm used to living life multi-tasking and w/breastfeeding - you really can't do that. I am enjoying just spending time looking at Master L- though I would prefer to see less of him in the middle of the night. I have to work on that lying down position- we haven't worked that out yet.
ReplyDeleteI think Mr. R is feeling a little left out too- his awake time w/Master L is mainly changing and swaddling him. He misses feeding and bonding. I think he thought breastfeeding would be beautiful and sexy. Boy- was he in for a surprise!
Mama N just emailed me about breastfeeding in public- wow- that will be interesting. I hadn't even thought about that. All of these new experiences. I think I'll probably try it at playgroup first w/all my mamas around!
Pain is getting better- I'm not chewed up anymore and it's really just dealing w/the initial latch and the pressure. I did speak to Susan the LC a few weeks ago and plan on having her come out one day this week. We'll see how it all goes. No one tells you that you'll feel dirty and drippy all the time. Ah- the sacrifices we make for our little Masters.
Mama G- I am looking forward to watching the weight just fall off of me. I had an initial deflation of the belly and I know working out this time around won't be so easy. Can't wait till I see one of the great benefits of b-feeding and lots of cupcakes!
This is Mama G's Mamacita chiming in. A helpful hint for the initial early-latch-on problem: Treat sore nipples like a mild burn. Run a wet ice cube over your nipple to numb the area a bit, which can be both soothing for soreness while allowing the babe to latch on and get a grip without so much pain. And keep in mind, it does get better. At some point not too far down the road, you won't realize he is nursing, but will have to look down to see if he is still hooked on or has fallen asleep with a sweet milky grin.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mama G's Mamacita- I have been using the ice- that is helping as well as Mama LS's tip of saltwater on them hourly. I just need to really watch my latch. Thanks for all the advice!
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