Bringing Baby Earthside

Here are some pictures from the birth that one of the nurse's took for us. They're surreal to look at. I wanted a natural birth, but because of some scary medical stuff, an emergency c-section was required. Still, it was the best it could be. The staff were so amazing. I feel blessed to have been able to deliver at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, MT.

So, here they are, in order...

Under the knife!

He came out, eyes wide open.

Cutting the cord.

 

Squalling for momma.

He was so calm in daddy's arms.

 

As with all my babies, they are tear inducing, beautiful to see.

It has been a struggle, but with so many joys, to soften the difficulties. He needed oxygen, and glucose because his blood sugars wouldn't maintain. He showed signs of an unidentified infection, but he was strong and we only had to stay for about 2 weeks.

His older brothers visited him and were so protective and loving from the get go (Lachlan was too little, but saw him when he was in my room to nurse).

At just a week, we got to take pictures. Here is just one from a series of lovely pictures taken at the hospital, by Lot 22...

He has been so fun to watch grow. He loves our dog Cocoa and she loves him back. Connor is the one he practically leaps to now, because he makes him giggle. Chloe loves him too, but only when he's sleeping and can't pull her fur.

 

Lachlan wasn't too impressed with Brennen, who showed he had spunk and a bit of humor from the very start. They get along a little better, though Lachlan still gets possessive of daddy from time to time.

He is such a smiley baby!

Cute as a button!

 I am blessed with four sons, and this last one, I am soaking up all the babyness of him! God took care of us when my medical issues threatened to be overwhelming. I thank Him for all my blessings, big and small.

Baby Bell #4 Arrives!

I have been remiss in keeping up with my blog! However, I have a very good explanation. First, just trying to keep up with three boys, while running a household that also includes a dog, cat (that just had kittens) and chickens as well as homeschooling two of the older boys, is most definitely a full time job. Add to that, pregnancy (while being type I diabetic), and managing my 7yo's diabetes and well, it's pretty much organized chaos all the time.

So, things got more complicated when I started showing early signs of pre-eclampsia. It seemed to be fairly under control, until I went into labor. The doctor thought I was barely 38 weeks, but in the end, we found out I was just 36 weeks, so much earlier than expected.

I went into the hospital and labored for more than a day, but there was no progression, except that my blood pressure was dangerously high and baby's heart beat was dipping too low for comfort, with every contraction. Exhausted and scared, I was told that baby might not survive a natural birth and I might not either, as I was now at risk for seizures. Thankfully, my husband was there to give the immediate go ahead on a c-section. It wasn't what I wanted, but it had to be done to save our baby, and myself.

The doctors and nurses were amazing and so caring. Before my husband could come be with me during the procedure, the anesthesiologist was so reassuring, and the doctor talked me through every step. A nurse took pictures during the procedure so I could look back on what happened. They were simple and modest. At 8:22 am on April 30th, our sweet baby Brennen came into the world, bright eyed and squalling. My smallest baby at 6lbs 11oz and 19 1/4 in.

Brennen had some breathing issues, and his blood sugars didn't want to maintain. There appeared to be an unknown infection causing his little system to work harder than he could keep up with and I wasn't able to nurse him right away. It was so hard to see him, hooked up to monitors and with an IV in his arm (later in his foot when the IV blew). His heels were so terrible looking from all the blood sugar checks and my heart hurt when I heard him crying from my room.

The nurses were like close friends, rather than medical personnel. They hugged me and told me it would be okay. God heard so many prayers for his recovery, because I was eventually able to nurse him with no trouble and his vitals began to improve. He roomed with me for that last couple nights of our hospital stay and now, I want to never let him cry or be hurt. Our family is complete and together finally and I don't want to change a thing.

The boys love their new brother and even Lachlan (2yo) has learned to say "Baby Brennen" and strokes his hair lovingly. I am so very blessed to have such a beautiful and loving family!

A Baby Arrives!

Well, I finally have a moment to reflect on the arrival of my third son: Lachlan!


Last post, I was praying that the labor would progress and I could avoid an induction. Well, the contractions continued to become more intense and closer together. I managed to have lunch which was an oriental chicken salad and look what the fortune cookie held...

At around 4pm, the doctor suggested I take a warm bath to see if that relaxed things. The nurse checked me before I got in and I was at 4cm and 95% effaced. My husband was there but realized, things were happening and suggested I call my doula so he could run home to alert the kids and his parents (visiting). My doula arrived just as I had gotten into the tub and my husband left. The contractions were intense and close, but being in the water was so nice. The doctor decided that the contractions were coming so quickly, that I had better get into the birthing room before I had the baby in the tub (being diabetic, they want me in a room and easier to work on if complications arose). So, the nurse checked me again, and in only about 45min I had dialated to 8cm and was 98% effaced.

It seemed like it took forever to walk to the room. The contractions were right on top of each other. Once I was in the room, I was so tired. I started laboring on my side, pulling my knees up to push. After a bit, I felt like kneeling would be better, so I knelt over the top of the bed so I could rest, and when I felt like I need to push, I could easily just shift into a squatting position. This position was really good. I believe strongly now that gravity, is a laboring woman's friend (go to "One With Child" for more illustrations and descriptions of labor positions). All of a sudden, things got really intense and I asked for the squatting bar so I could be in an squatting position to bear down. I couldn't believe how intense the urge to push was. No where near as painful as when I had to have pitocin, but far more intense. This time, they let my water break naturally, which doused my doula, who was attentively applying warm herbal compresses to my perineum to help avoid an episiotomy and lessen tearing (only needed a few stitches and healed far more quickly than an episiotomy).

Once my water broke, it was on! He was crowning and it was time to really push. I know I was being vocal at this point, saying it hurt, but that was the only way to describe it in that moment. I would say its more like a lot of pressure and a burning sensation. Not at all unmanageable. Chad was gloved and gowned and the doctor let Chad guide the baby out and deliver him! It was amazing! He had never done it before and I know it was an amazing experience for him. He also cut the cord. So they lifted him onto me and I got to meet him. He was so beautiful. Chad said he smiled within the first half hour and the nurse who checked him over after I had a chance to hold him, said that the tests she did (Dubowitz or Ballard Scale) he was more like 38-39wks. I felt vindicated. SEE! I TOLD you I was farther along!! ha!

It was the most amazing experience ever. I think this is our last baby, but I could easily have another if I could guarantee the outcome to be like this. I highly recommend a doula if you have to deliver in a hospital. She took really good care of me and made sure my wishes were adhered to. She has been a great resource and comfort during the postpartum phase as well. She brings me herbs to help the healing process and has answered all my questions I have had. If you have a midwife center in your area (finding a midwife), I recommend visiting even as you are just planning on getting pregnant, so that you can start your pregnancy off right.

So, here he is. Born at 6:55pm on March 3, 2010 at 8lbs 9oz 19 1/2 inches long. Lachlan Dale Bell....