[Oreobaby]

Hey girls...I am going to try to get through this birth story, and then I will add some pictures later. Her birth started very routine, and then took a turn for the worse.

I went to my dr. appointment at 11:30 on June 9th. During the internal exam, my dr. broke my water. I was excited and suddenly scared at the same time, this was it...within 24 hours, my little girl would be here!! My dr. told me to go home, take a walk, try to get the contractions to start, and if they didn't start by supper time, to come into the hospital regardless. I came home, called DH and he came home. I put on a load of laundry so that I could finish packing my hospital bag. Because it was raining (as it seems to be a lot here lately) I bounced on my exercise ball instead of going for a walk in the rain. I also did have a bit of a nap, as I couldn't seem to get the contractions to come regularly, and figured, it's going to be a long night. Although, my nap only lasted about a half hour. At 5:30 we decided it was time to head it to the hospital. Because I was cautioned by my SIL that once they started the drip, I wouldn't be allowed anything to eat, we stopped for a last meal at MacDonalds before heading to the hospital. (what a horrible last meal, but man, did it taste good)

We got to the hospital and through triage and I was in a Labor and Delivery room at 7:00. They started the drip to start the contractions, and it was working well. I was trying to breath through the contractions, but by about 12:00, it was more than I could take. I spoke to the nurse, and she said I will still about two hours from getting the epidural based on the amount I was dilated. I opted to take the Fetanol to take the edge off the contractions. At about 2 o'clock they started my epidural. They had to turn the drip down a bit before that, as I was progressing too fast, and they were worried that I would get to far along before I was able to get the epidural. They epidural went in without a hitch, and I was feeling no pain. My mom suggested I take a nap, and DH do the same.

About a half hour after that, Rayanne's heart beat started to dip. They stopped the drip and called the dr. in to take a look. The dr. looked at how I was progressing, and even though her heart rate was dipping, he wanted to start the drip again. I was NOT comfortable with this, and I thank God for the amazing nurse that I had in my labor and delivery room. She was also not comfortable with it, and spoke to the dr. on my behalf regarding that. They didn't start the drip again, but continued to let me labor on my own. Rayanne was not comfortable with this at all, at one point her heart rate was down to 75 bpm (needless to say, I wasn't getting any sleep during this time) They continued to flip me from side to side to try to get her heart rate up, I started rubbing my belly, trying to get her to calm down, trying to help her out, and trying to will myself to dilate...tears in my eyes, as I continue to hear my daughters heart rate drop dangerously low, and feel very uncomfortable with the situation.

They allowed me to continue like this until 6 o'clock in the morning, at which time the dr. examined me again, and I was still 6 cm dilated (same place I was when I got the epidural) it was at this time that they decided to do a C section. Although I was very upset with this decision originally, I knew with her heart rate dropping so dangerously low, it was the best thing for her (and I had wished they had done it 4 hours prior when her heart rate started dipping)

I was in the operating room by 6:30. Hubby waiting outside, and my mom came into the C section with me. My husband does not do well with blood and does not do well with stressful situations, and even though at the time, I wish he would have been there with me, after what happened, it was good that he was not in there with me.

This is where it gets complicated.

They got inside, and found that I was very small. Even though Rayanne was just 7 lbs 13.5 oz, there was no way I would ever be able to deliver her vaginally. Not only that, she was stuck. They couldn't get her out. And the dr. that I had had the worst bedside manner of anyone that I have ever met. They tried to pull her out they tried forseps, they tried everything. Eventually, because it was taking so long to get her out, and they dr. were stressing about how to get her out they had to cut me up my uterus to get her out by her feet. Even that was tough, and even though they got one foot out they had to struggle to get the other foot out. I had lost a lot of blood. In fact, there was splatters on the curtain that was separating us from the dr. Rayanne was taken out at 7:16 am, but was having difficulties breathing, and so was taken out to the NICU right away. I was in tears again, because I knew that she was out, but didn't hear her cry. My mom reassured me that she was ok, not really even knowing herself. I was nice enough to have a good anesthesiologist who went to check on her, and let me know that she was ok. They got her breathing, but still needed to hook her up to IV, and were concerned about the length of time, and stress that it took to get her out.

Meanwhile, they are trying to sew me back up together. The next two hours are very foggy for me, and I'm not even sure what totally happened. I didn't have any idea that I was even in there for that long until I was getting taken into the recovery room. During the surgery, my blood pressure had dropped dangerously low, 70/45. And I was given nitro glycerin as well as laranzapam to try to improve my heart rate, and to help control the uncontrollable shaking I was experiencing. I'm not entirely sure what happened between when Rayanne came out and me finally coming to in the OR. I know that I did sleep for a short period of time, as the dr's and nurses were commenting on my snoring. I know that my mom came out of the operating room looking quite distraught and scared. It was a struggle to get my heart rate up, and there was a time when they weren't entirely sure if I would pull through.

I was not allowed to see her till about 12:00 later that day, and really, that was the most difficult part of it all. Even though DH was able to take a picture (he wasn't able to hold her at the time earlier that day) and even though I had seen a picture of her, I just couldn't believe she was here and ok till I was able to see her myself. It wasn't till 12:00 when I voiced quite loudly for the nurses on the other side of the curtain to hear how ridiculous it was that she was 5 hours old, and I had not been able to even see her, let alone hold her. (she was in the NICU) She was in the NICU till Friday evening, and even though we were allowed to see her any time we liked, and did often, it was just not the same till she was off of the IV and able to be in my room with me.

Even though all the difficulties that I had, my baby girl is doing awesome. She is a great little girl, and I love her to pieces. I am getting better and healing from my C section. Unfortunately, because of the way the C section was done, I will never be able to try to have my babies vaginally. Which is ok. I was struggling with it at first, but my biggest fear at the end of it all was that they were going to tell me that I would no longer be able to have any kids.

I will try to post some pictures from the hospital, they are just on my other computer. They can also be seen on FB. If you made it through all of this, I have to commend you. I hope that my story does not scare any of you, as that isn't my intention. I know that next time will be a stress free scheduled C section. And regardless of all that I have been through, I can't wait to do it again!

[fromustobaby]

OMG!! Marci...how incredibly scary...we were all worried about you...but wow, what a birth story!

I'm so so glad that you are healing well, and Rayanne is absolutely beautiful (she looks just like you)...I'm so sorry that you will not be able to have a child vaginally, but glad you can still have kids...

Just have to say !!

[tiffanys]

Wow Marci, that all sounds so scary, but I am glad that you are getting better and that your little girl is perfectly healthy! I can't wait to see more pics of little Rayanne! And I pray that you continue to recover better each day!

[Lyz]

wow, Marci, I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that!!! Thankfully everyone is okay and I hope for a nice, speedy recovery Also geat news that you can have more kids!! my co-worker had to have a repeat c-section, after a scary first birth like yours and she said it was SO much more relaxed and a better recovery.

[MommaLee]

What a horrible experience. I'm glad you both are doing well.

[mlyster]

So scary Marci. But thank you for sharing even though I am sure it was hard to re-live. I will certainly be more prepared for a less than ideal birth because of your story. Thanks again and I am so glad things are progressing well for you and Ray.

[bliss]

Marci, reading this has got me crying and shaking..! Wow, have you been though hell and back, or what? I'm glad there is a very happy ending though. Big Hugs!

[KCMomma]

OMG Marci, I'm so sorry and I completely 110% empathize with you. I had a VERY traumatic labor and emergency c section as well, but did NOT have near the complications as you. I was scared out of my mind and often still tear up when I talk about it in detail. I was horrified that I had to have a c section and scared out of my mind that I wasn't going to be bringing my baby home with me. UGH it's the worst ever, BUT BUT BUT the great news is that she is HERE and HEALTHY! I struggled with the same feelings over having a repeat c section, but I've come to terms with it now. I'm actually excited because you can pick your childs birthdate now! How many moms can say that??? Anyway, I can't wait to watch her grow and if you ever need to vent, I'm all ears!

[Im.Nayomi]

Your story really touched my heart, thanks for sharing!!!

[~* Liss *~]

Marci! I had no idea how bad it was for you - I'm so sorry!!

I'm so happy that Rayanne is doing so well! You had a scary experience but the outcome is the best that the world could offer!!

[MarinaAndCharlie'sMommy]

So, so sorry you had such a scary experience! After reading that I'm even more relieved that you and Rayanne are doing so well. She's such a little beauty! She is definately your little mini-me! Anyway, hope you have a speedy recovery. I'm so glad that you will be able to have more children as well.

[baby:mama]

Thank you Marci for sharing your story. I am very happy that you and little Ray are doing well. Wishing you and your family all the best

[CandaceDianne]

What a story!!! I am sorry it didn't go as planned, but I am glad that you and Rayanne are doing better!!

[*Mommy2Camden*]

SOO scary Marci. What a trooper you were!!! SOO glad you are able to have more kiddos!!! Your little girl is BEAUTIFUL!

[Oreobaby]

Thanks ladies...I still haven't had a chance to post pictures. I have been trying to get all the sleep I can get, and since it seems that Rayanne is going through a growth spurt right now, it has been a little bit harder. She has been getting up every hour and a half or so to eat. I'm hoping it doesn't last much longer. Thankfully tomorrow is a holiday so dad can help me out with the feedings.

Hope you all are doing well, and I hope to catch up soon.

[Kirss1]

Hey hun, your mom said that it was a story...but wow. My heart breaks for you. Bedside manner makes a world of difference in cases like these. I'm so sorry the first was this way. Noah's was a bad experience, but not like this. The second will be much better!! Im glad Ray is doing better, and you my dear sound better too!

Oh.....and thanks so much for the card in the mail....we got it when we got back from the lake! Talk to you soon babe!

[Oreobaby]

Ok, so tons of time has passed, and now my little girl is 2 months old...where the heck did the time go??

She is doing great...she can lift her head up when she is on her tummy, she can hold weight on her legs...the last couple of weeks she has started smiling, and today she started making other sounds besides grunting...not many, but a few. She is growing so fast, and was 11 lbs at her dr. appointment on Monday!! And I absolutely love her to pieces!!

Here are a few pictures.

She was almost 6 week here, and we were at a birthday party...she was right out.


This was just before we went to BC, I decided she needed sun glasses.


Apparently the cat is no longer scared of her...I got her to get off right after I took this picture. I just don't trust her yet.


She was smiling at me last weekend. It was one of her first smiles.


These ones I took on her two month birthday.

[fromustobaby]

She is such a beautiful baby Marci!!!
I can't believe that she is 2 months old already!!

[LuvsPecanPie]

What a cutie!!! Love the sunglasses!

[Oreobaby]

I am going to try to keep up with this now. Rayanne is on a bit more of a schdule and spends time on her einsteins mat, and is a little more independant.

She has been sleeping really well. Most nights lately she has been sleeping from about 9 or 10 at night till 6, 7 or even once 8 in th emorning. She is a super sleeper. If she does get up, then she usually gets up at around 3:30 or so, so still a really long stretch. The only thing that is frustrating, is the days that she gets up at 3:30 in the morning or so, it takes about an hour and a half to get her back down after eating. But it's a small price to pay for the long nights sleeps I get normally. I just have to get the courage to get her in her own room, so that I don't wake up with every noise that she makes.

She took her first flight at the end of July at only 6 weeks. We went to BC to visit my brother and sister in law and neice. It was my neices first birthday, and it was nice to be there for that.

This is a picture of my brother and I taking our girls to a water park.



And this is a picture of the two of them together...it's crazy the difference 10.5 months makes!



Rayanne was supposed to get her 2 month shots on Monday, but my doctor got called out to do a delivery. It was then that I decided, I'm going to go back to seeing my family dr. I love my OB, and I know that she would take good care of Rayanne, but when Rayanne was just a month old, I didn't call a head of time to see where she was in her appointments, and we ended up waiting three hours for our appointment. Rayanne was very unimpressed by then, plus, I hadn't taken enough breast milk with me, so she cried all the way home because she was starving. I was so upset. (I should explain, I am exclusivesly pumping because with all the trauma that we both went through for the delivery, and me getting sick after, and her blood sugars being low, and her having a short frenlum, breast feeding just wasn't working, she couldn't get a proper latch.) And then this time, Rayanne was suposed to get her shots, and I was supposed to get a pap, and I'm sitting there in the gown, waiting for her to come and do it, and I hear on the other side of the door...Dr. Lee, they need you at St. B to do a deliverly. We rescheduled for Yesterday.

She did get her two month shots yesterday, and she did really well. She cried for about 15 seconds, and was a cry I had never heard before. She looked at me and gave me the What the H-E-L-L is this lady doing to me mom it HURTS!!!!!!! I didn't cry! I think I prepared myself for it really well...I teared up a bit, but I think I did well too.

Anyway, that is pretty much caught up. It's hard to believe that my baby girl is 2 months old already. It is going so fast. And she is changing always. She has started grabbing on to things, and trying to put them in her mouth. She has started making other noises besides just grunts and growns. She pays attention to things even more than she did, and is just so curious. She is amazing...and I would do absolutely ANYTHING for her.