Saturday
Saturday wasn't a very stressful day. It was nice to relax a bit. I finished dialysis and had lunch waiting for me. My appetite has been better since I've been here.
A NICU nurse came in to talk to us and relieved alot of our fears. We now know that they will let us see her after she's born, maybe even hold her before they take her to the NICU. Jason can go with her right away, but if he decides to stay with me then we can send one of my parents back with her. They expect to have to help her to breath (not sure to what extent) and to help her with a feeding tube. The breathing, sucking, swallowing reflex doesn't work well until about 32 weeks. She'll need help keeping warm, too. Chances are that's it.
Jason, Alli, my mom and I got a tour of the NICU, too. I was expecting a sterile, bright room with white walls and floors. Instead, it's a cozy, warm area with dark carpet and dim lights. There are tons of nurses there at all times, too. Each baby has its own little cubical (like an office). We get a "parent's drawer" where we can keep some clothes and blankets for her. She even gets a bulletin board that we can decorate!
They were great with Alli. I'm glad she got to come back with us. The nurse gave her some diapers, a pacifier, and a bottle. Jason said she was taking care of one of her dolls all last night. We also found out that Jason and I as well as our parents are allowed to visit her 24 hours a day. Alli can come back with us at any time and we can bring even non-relatives back with us whenever we want.
They encourage "kangaroo care" which is just skin to skin contact, so we'll be able to hold her for sure. Since I will be on some medication after delivery, I will not be able to nurse her. But the hospital offers a milk donor program. It kind of freaked me out a little in the beginning...someone elses milk seems a little weird. But they told us that the breast milk is better than even the preemie formula. Even if it's for a few weeks, I think we're going to do it. Plus, the hospital believes in it so much that they pay for it. Amazing.
Cardiologist
The cardiologist finally came in around 7:00 last night. She changed my blood pressure medicine and it's working well. My pulse was even down to 88 while I was sleeping. She came back to see me this morning and seemed well with how it's working.
Anesthesia
The anesthesiologist came in today to talk to me about tomorrow's surgery. He said they might have to put me under instead of giving me an epidural. That did not make me happy. But, it turns out that he thought I was getting blood thinners during dialysis which complicates the epidural process. Since I'm not getting blood thinners, he said he'd check my chart again and we should be able to do an epidural instead. I want to be awake...I need to be awake.
Sunday
Not much on my schedule. Jason and Alli will be coming up after church and I get to take a shower. Hooray! Other than that, I just get to rest up for tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be bored, but I'll have my computer and some magazines. I'm glad to be getting the chance to rest and relax. It's amazing how much better I'm feeling.
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I can;t imagine they would want to do general anesthesia since you have not been on blood thinners. Even if you've been getting heparin, the half life is about 6 hours, and they can check your bleeding time today or tomorrow morning. I know women who have been on heparin throughout pregnancy, and have had a c-section. I am on aspirin therapy, which affects platelet function, but my OB says I should still be able to get a spinal for my repeat c-section.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I suggest for a c-section- granny panties. If you don't have any, have someone get some. I took a bunch of disposable postpartum undies home, but my scar remained sensitive long after I finished them. I still have to wear grannies- the bikini's are right at the incision and can be painful.
I will not be able to nurse either because I will have to be on immunosuppressants that are contraindicated as well, but I will tell you I would absolutely jump at the chance for milk bank milk. They test it very well, just like they do blood, and there should be no worry about disease.
I spoke to another doctor who said there's no reason why I can't have an epidural. It made me feel much better.
ReplyDeleteAnd my cousin bought me some granny panties! Funny that you both suggested it. She said her incision was right on her panty line and she was miserable.
We're almost there...
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that you are getting some rest and that your blood pressure is getting better. I am praying that tomorrow goes well for both you and Anna. I am so very happy to hear that you will be able to hold her! I can't even imagine how wonderful that moment will finally be for the two of you! Sending you lots of love and prayers.
I saw Mrs. Spock linked your blog and I thought I'd just take her advice and offer some support! I had a 33 week delivery but my daughter was growth restricted and was 2 lbs 10 oz. Sounds like you have a great NICU, based on what you mentioned! Donor breastmilk...that's awesome! I would have loved having donor milk, as my supply was very, very low. It's also great they encourage kangaroo care and have good visiting hours.
ReplyDeleteThere is a great book that I bought called Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies. It's a good reference, written by a neonatologist and a Mom.
My only other advice is don't be afraid to be pushy. Some nurses made me feel like it was inconvenient to kangaroo, for example, and I should have been pushier about it, I'm the mom for goodness sake!
Good luck! Wishing you a safe delivery and healthy baby who has a short NICU stay!