*Baby Corner*

[Autumnchik 6]

Hi everyone Hope all the babies and mommies had a good holiday and are doing well.

We are back in the hospital with Declan. We came to CT to visit my family for the weekend. On the way back home, we stopped to eat dinner. Afterwards, I was outside at the car, feeding him when I noticed that his feet turned blue. We called the ambulance and they brought him to a local children's hospital. There, the doc could not find a cause for the blue feet (and said it actually is common for infants to have that). However, while doing the exam, he noticed a subtle abnormality with Declan's heart sounds. They were more to the right than they should be. So they did a chest xray which then showed a possible hernia in his diaphragm, with his bowels pushed up into his chest cavity which then made his heart move to the right.. We spent the night last night, had an ultrasound today and had a consult with the surgeon. He is having surgery on Wednesday. I am terrified about the surgery, but am really thankful this was caught here, where he could be seen by specialists at a children's hospital, rather than at a small community hospital if we were further north when this occurred. And since we are still in CT, my family is able to be here. And it is amazing to me that we caught this, because there really were no signs. If he didn't have the feet turning blue episode, we probably would not have found out about this.

Anyone who prays, please pray for Declan on Wednesday. Thank you

[sara535 15]

aaawww ((((autumnchick)))) thats so scary. I will pray for Declan and also for you take care. and yes, its great you caught it and all of that but still, i would be freaking out. Hang in there!

[chnst 6]

@Nannygirl: I'm doing pretty good. I've spend the entire morning in the pool with Adam and now he's been asleep for almost two hours. Sleep is rather rare, since I can't really find a comfy position no more but I can squeeze in one or two naps a day so that's good too.

We finally took the hospital tour yesterday. I like everything except that they put your feet in stirrups for the pushing part but I guess I can just do whatever feels best in the end. We'll see.

@Evi: Don't have them put you flat on your back and feet up in stirrups!!!!!! That was the worst part of my delivery. worse than 4 weeks of wheelchair, hip pain, root canals, episiotomy, epidurals and whatnot.....

The birth preparation dvd i watched and all the books I read stressed that you should be comfortable (haha as if there is such thing during active labor) and have your back in an upright position, or even better- squat.

Putting women on their backs for the pushing part is old-school and it's like pushing your baby out up-hill. I swear, I bet that's why the c-section rate is so high in this country!

But even though I was prepared for this it happened to me- I BEGGED the nurse to allow me to sit up, but she wouldn't even entertain it- she even took the pillow away and I swear my head was lower than my butt. I don't know but I think they teach them in med school to ignore anything coming out of a laboring woman's mouth. But it is soooo wrong. Having my legs pulled up with every contraction (and 2 people pull 2 different ways) hurt more than the contraction. dunno but maybe that's what broke my hips and not the baby.

If they do put you on your back ask them to try it your way first and if it doesn't work, then you can try it their way. trust your intuition. And have your Doula/husband speak up for you if they don't listen. Most hospitals still practice the lying flat on your back- with legs pulled back to your ears-position.

[♥JP♥ 5]

Hi everyone Hope all the babies and mommies had a good holiday and are doing well.

We are back in the hospital with Declan. We came to CT to visit my family for the weekend. On the way back home, we stopped to eat dinner. Afterwards, I was outside at the car, feeding him when I noticed that his feet turned blue. We called the ambulance and they brought him to a local children's hospital. There, the doc could not find a cause for the blue feet (and said it actually is common for infants to have that). However, while doing the exam, he noticed a subtle abnormality with Declan's heart sounds. They were more to the right than they should be. So they did a chest xray which then showed a possible hernia in his diaphragm, with his bowels pushed up into his chest cavity which then made his heart move to the right.. We spent the night last night, had an ultrasound today and had a consult with the surgeon. He is having surgery on Wednesday. I am terrified about the surgery, but am really thankful this was caught here, where he could be seen by specialists at a children's hospital, rather than at a small community hospital if we were further north when this occurred. And since we are still in CT, my family is able to be here. And it is amazing to me that we caught this, because there really were no signs. If he didn't have the feet turning blue episode, we probably would not have found out about this.

Anyone who prays, please pray for Declan on Wednesday. Thank you

What an absoulute miracle that you caught this time...Declan will definitly be in my prayers. I hope he has a speedy recovery and all goes well, seems like he is in good hands.

[Eveline 9]

@chnst: That is why it bugs me a little that they put feet in stirrups. I'm glad I'll have my doula with me and I think then it comes down to pushing, I'll just pull my legs closer so they won't be in those things no more.

@Autumnchick: My goodness, all the best to you and Declan. Poor little boy, I'm glad they caught it so early but I can understand that you are terrified of the surgery, I would be to. You are in my thoughts.

[chnst 6]

@autumnchik: oh dear.... woww! I thought they usually find this during the prenatal checks or right after birth. I know it probably doesn't help you much, but it's very rare and I've only seen it once during nursing school. The baby had a severe case and it required more than 6 hours of surgery right after she was born, but she made it and she was doing great only a few days after the surgery.

Declan has the advantage that he is older and stronger and I guess his case is probably less severe or they would have found it earlier. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to you!! I'm glad that you are staying at a good hospital! keep us updated. good luck!!!

[BelwinMills 0]

YES!

We are so happy we are gonna have a little AmeriDutchFloridian if it is Gods will.

Congratulations and welcome!! Your bundle of joy will be here before you know it.

[BelwinMills 0]

Hi everyone Hope all the babies and mommies had a good holiday and are doing well.

We are back in the hospital with Declan. We came to CT to visit my family for the weekend. On the way back home, we stopped to eat dinner. Afterwards, I was outside at the car, feeding him when I noticed that his feet turned blue. We called the ambulance and they brought him to a local children's hospital. There, the doc could not find a cause for the blue feet (and said it actually is common for infants to have that). However, while doing the exam, he noticed a subtle abnormality with Declan's heart sounds. They were more to the right than they should be. So they did a chest xray which then showed a possible hernia in his diaphragm, with his bowels pushed up into his chest cavity which then made his heart move to the right.. We spent the night last night, had an ultrasound today and had a consult with the surgeon. He is having surgery on Wednesday. I am terrified about the surgery, but am really thankful this was caught here, where he could be seen by specialists at a children's hospital, rather than at a small community hospital if we were further north when this occurred. And since we are still in CT, my family is able to be here. And it is amazing to me that we caught this, because there really were no signs. If he didn't have the feet turning blue episode, we probably would not have found out about this.

Anyone who prays, please pray for Declan on Wednesday. Thank you

Autumn your family is in our prayers. Thank goodness you caught the problem. I know God is looking out for you guys. All the best on Wed!! May Declan be o.k. through this hard time. All the best.

[Carolyn 1]

I just had the tour of my hospital last week--the midwives showed us that they HAVE stirrups, but mentioned that they rarely use them. The beds come apart and can be used to support the mom while standing/squatting--they said that you can deliver the baby whatever way seems most comfortable.

I am going to be reading a lot about birthing over the next few weeks...my big concern right now is whether or not my husband will be helpful to have around! He will be there because I want him to be there for the birth of our child. I love him dearly, but he can be a bit high-maintenance sometimes. I would love to have a female friend with me, but it seems that my most supportive/knowledgeable friends will likely be out of town at that time. The midwives are great, but not the same as someone you know.

[sara535 15]

I am going to be reading a lot about birthing over the next few weeks...my big concern right now is whether or not my husband will be helpful to have around! He will be there because I want him to be there for the birth of our child. I love him dearly, but he can be a bit high-maintenance sometimes. I would love to have a female friend with me, but it seems that my most supportive/knowledgeable friends will likely be out of town at that time. The midwives are great, but not the same as someone you know.

He may surprise you, Carolyn. My husband is like that too but you know what, he has amazed me from the moment I went in to labor. REALLY stepped up to the plate. And yours probably will too, parenthood changes everyone in an instant.

as far as the labor thing goes, read up and be familiar with it all. My only advice is, go ahead and read the chapter on C-sections. I didnt and I sure wished I had. No one plans for one or wants one but it does happen and its best to be prepared

[nannygirl82 0]

Hi everyone Hope all the babies and mommies had a good holiday and are doing well.

We are back in the hospital with Declan. We came to CT to visit my family for the weekend. On the way back home, we stopped to eat dinner. Afterwards, I was outside at the car, feeding him when I noticed that his feet turned blue. We called the ambulance and they brought him to a local children's hospital. There, the doc could not find a cause for the blue feet (and said it actually is common for infants to have that). However, while doing the exam, he noticed a subtle abnormality with Declan's heart sounds. They were more to the right than they should be. So they did a chest xray which then showed a possible hernia in his diaphragm, with his bowels pushed up into his chest cavity which then made his heart move to the right.. We spent the night last night, had an ultrasound today and had a consult with the surgeon. He is having surgery on Wednesday. I am terrified about the surgery, but am really thankful this was caught here, where he could be seen by specialists at a children's hospital, rather than at a small community hospital if we were further north when this occurred. And since we are still in CT, my family is able to be here. And it is amazing to me that we caught this, because there really were no signs. If he didn't have the feet turning blue episode, we probably would not have found out about this.

Anyone who prays, please pray for Declan on Wednesday. Thank you

OMG....that is SO scary....i am freaking out kinda because on Saturday when i was shopping with my sis i notices Kaila'a feet turing like a dark purpulish color and i said to my sister to look at it and she said oh she might be cold...hhmm i am wondering if i am freaking out about a little too much....

Declan will be in my thought and prayers before and after Wednesday for a speedy recovery!!!

[Mommy2ZaidnSalma 11]

carolyn...i agree with sara, ur hubby may surprise you...i was expecting sofyan to sit tucked away in the corner at best...and he participated and watched the whole thing....all 12 hours!

[churipu 4]

Autumnchik I am really really sorry your little angel is so little and already having to face 2 surgeries in the next future, he will be in my thoughts and prayers. Everything will be fine though, I can only imagine how hard this must be on you but you have to believe that. Hang in there, he will recover just fine you'll see! Please keep us posted on how things go. (((((hugs)))))

Edited July 8, 2008 by churipu

[Eveline 9]

I just had the tour of my hospital last week--the midwives showed us that they HAVE stirrups, but mentioned that they rarely use them. The beds come apart and can be used to support the mom while standing/squatting--they said that you can deliver the baby whatever way seems most comfortable.

I am going to be reading a lot about birthing over the next few weeks...my big concern right now is whether or not my husband will be helpful to have around! He will be there because I want him to be there for the birth of our child. I love him dearly, but he can be a bit high-maintenance sometimes. I would love to have a female friend with me, but it seems that my most supportive/knowledgeable friends will likely be out of town at that time. The midwives are great, but not the same as someone you know.

THERE is the difference between midwifes and OBs. I HOPE HOPE HOPE not to be GBS positive so I won't be strapped to bed with an antibiotics IV. I will just have them stick those little tubes in me but only put me on the IV when necessary so I can move around freely and do whatever feels good. The nurse said "These beds come apart right here cause there are stirrups that you will have your legs in druing delivery". As I said before, it is the only thing that bothers me and I really think that as long as it feels better for mom in the end, they will let you pull your legs closer. I don't think OBs will catch a baby when mom is squatting since it is 'uncomfortable' for them (go figure). Midwifes are so much better. I wish I had one and I'm glad I have my Doula.

[chri'stina 190]

Hi everyone Hope all the babies and mommies had a good holiday and are doing well.

We are back in the hospital with Declan. We came to CT to visit my family for the weekend. On the way back home, we stopped to eat dinner. Afterwards, I was outside at the car, feeding him when I noticed that his feet turned blue. We called the ambulance and they brought him to a local children's hospital. There, the doc could not find a cause for the blue feet (and said it actually is common for infants to have that). However, while doing the exam, he noticed a subtle abnormality with Declan's heart sounds. They were more to the right than they should be. So they did a chest xray which then showed a possible hernia in his diaphragm, with his bowels pushed up into his chest cavity which then made his heart move to the right.. We spent the night last night, had an ultrasound today and had a consult with the surgeon. He is having surgery on Wednesday. I am terrified about the surgery, but am really thankful this was caught here, where he could be seen by specialists at a children's hospital, rather than at a small community hospital if we were further north when this occurred. And since we are still in CT, my family is able to be here. And it is amazing to me that we caught this, because there really were no signs. If he didn't have the feet turning blue episode, we probably would not have found out about this.

Anyone who prays, please pray for Declan on Wednesday. Thank you

Aww, I am sorry to hear that. I will definitely pray for him. I am glad they found out! God bless all of you.