Baby Santana Update

Twochickshavinachick

We'll be transitioning to parenting check-in soon but this update felt like it needed its own post.  We also wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for your messages of support whilst we were going through the long process of bringing our little girl into this world.  It really helps to know that there is such a supportive community of wonderful people here.

ETA: sorry if this seems a little ramble-y, I'm still working out some stuff from the birth and the days that followed and I've heard it helps to write it out so - sorry about that.

Whilst they tried to identify the source of the infection and the cause of her slightly lowered oxygen sats, baby Santana was kept in a hot cot with oxygen for the first three days.  I felt the distance between the postnatal ward and high dependency, especially at night. I'm just grateful that the hospital is pro-breast and encouraged me to visit for feeds. The infection has since almost passed on its own, under a general range of anti-biotics but was never identified and was put down to PROM (my waters went over 50 hours before the C-section) And as a result of their investigations, a chest x-ray turned up a concerning sized pneumothorax.  There has been some improvement and she continues to be monitored.

The three days before we came home, Santana and I were on a special ward between postnatal and high dependency. I was the only mother there breastfeeding and found it a little difficult, between Santana's feeding hourly through the night and A returning home for work.  Mum would pop in for half hour visits at mealtimes, giving me just enough time to dash (as fast as my healing would allow) to grab something to eat and attempt to clean/tidy myself up.  Don't get me wrong: given how she had been taken away from us so soon after birth, it felt so good to finally have that time with her and even the long nights felt close and intimate, with the curtains drawn and the soft glow of the night light.  There were just so many moments where I felt down and unsure, living like a single parent and feeling like the night was going on forever.  The dawn always came though and with it: mum, pastries and a hot shower for my aching back.  She continues to cluster feed through the night but now that we're home, I'm starting to take it into my stride.

At home now and we continue to marvel at what a character she is.  She has such a calm, placid nature, most of the time.  At night, she asks for a feed with a little whimpering and will lie quietly once she's acknowledged, waiting patiently until I have myself sorted.  Even the nappy changes are quiet and stress free.  It's almost a completely different baby however when we try to change her clothes...

P.S can someone please remind me how to change my sig?

ATXmommas

No apologies needed. This is absolutely a place to write it all down and share. I'm so happy S is doing better and is home with you and that BF-ing is going well. Wonderful news. This update definitely deserves its own post. Look forward to you joining Parebting any time!

Jazibel

I'm glad to hear that you're home and hitting your stride with Santana.  I'm sorry that those first few days were challenging on so many levels.  Post as much and anytime you like :-)