We got wheeled into the post anesthesia care unit where Abe was going to be delivered to me. I was feeling pretty out of it but so excited to get my hands on him! We knew we were going to try nursing and the midwives had told me it sometimes takes an hour after birth before the baby shows interest. A nurse brought in our swaddled little burrito and he was literally rooting the second he heard my voice. It was amazing! He latched on immediately. It didn't last long but it was so cool.
After a brief visit with Grandma & Grandpa Bryngelson and Auntie Jade, we all headed up to our post partum room. We were super impressed with the size of the room. They made us comfortable (I got a percoset IV drip!) and let us be! I was very out of it so I just laid in awe dozing on and off. Zach watched football of course. Abraham didn't exactly just go to sleep nicely so when the nurse asked to take him for his first bath, we agreed. We missed the bath but I was able to sleep at least 2 hours. I missed my baby so much but didn't want to page the nurse to bring him back so I lied awake till she returned.
Recovery was first on the list for Friday- which meant walking around and getting as much rest as possible. Moving out of bed was absolutely terrible that day, but with the nurses' help, I moved around a bit. I secretly enjoyed getting to order food off the hospital menu! We had my family and my best friend AJ come visit which was a nice break.
That night we slept a little better but I still allowed the nurse to take Abe. This time I told her to bring him back, ha. He was returned after an hour.
Zachs friend Bruiser and Mel visited Saturday morning and it was so cute to see Bruiser enamored with Abe. Then we got a visit from Grandma Lori, Auntie Jess, and cousin Livvy. It was so neat to see how big Livvy seemed after holding our not so little 9 lb peanut!
Saturday night Abe would not sleep unless I or Zach held him, so even though it was discouraged, we slept with him on our chests. It was a restless night for me as I kept panicking about myself letting go of him. Of course the nurse never offered to take him that night! In Abe's defense, I wouldn't want to sleep in a hard plastic box either!
Sunday we got up and I ordered my daily bagel. Both Abe and I were cleared to go home, which I had mixed feelings about.
First of all, during this recovery I felt like what I called a "Superhero Princess." I was literally so proud of myself for that journey, and so many doctors and nurses gave both Abe and I so many compliments about how well we were doing. Maybe that's part of their job, but dang if it didn't boost our egos a bit. I walked from our room to the water station once (probably 25 yards) and all the nurses at the front desk applauded me. I was sore and exhausted but my adrenaline from that birth was still high. The princess part of my self proclaimed name came from the constant attention to me. Anything I needed, someone would get it for me.
Secondly, I was a touch nervous for recovery at home with a newborn. I was just getting used to getting out of bed and now I was told I needed to be taking care of myself and my baby? Eek.
However, the nurse called for the transportation and packed us up with blankets, wipes, etc. Zach was pumped to make it home for the 3 pm Packers game. The wheelchair arrived and I just wanted to burst into tears. The crazy, amazing experience was coming to an end! Who would make me Superhero Princess at home? I don't know if it's just the fact that I got Abe out of it all or what, but shortly after I got home and several times since I've told Zach I just want to relive it all over again!
The main reason I took the time to write this was so that I could go back and remember everything. I already am having trouble remembering all the details so I think I'll be really happy to have this documented. Truly I was not prepared for the way I would feel post-birth. I am so relieved that everything has totally exceeded my expectations. I feel so content.
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