Labor Thread

bearsandbeets7 · June 2016

Someone posted about something like this in the randoms thread so I figured we could go ahead and start one.

This thread can be for updating everyone if you go to L/D and it can also be used for our Labor Buddies to post updates in as well.

Hopefully we still won't need it for a few weeks but I know some are already around 35 weeks.

Jaspertheyoungturnip · June 2016

I'm not thrilled to be the first to post here, but I'm on my way to get checked out...

I was cleaning our bathroom floor and slipped and fell pretty hard on my tailbone. I instantly felt a gush of fluid. Luckily, my fiance was home from work due to the weather, and his job being a landscaper, and our next appointment with our midwife was today anyway. I just finally stopped crying over this, I'm 35w1d, so I'm trying to stay calm since I'm pretty far along, and the stress can't be good for baby anyway. I'll keep you all updated.

ballofmeat · June 2016

keeping you in my thoughts today mama!

Stephanie7693 · June 2016

35 weeks isn't bad! Baby would be ok if he/she end up coming out now, so try not to worry too much. I'll be thinking of you!

DDRRT1982 · June 2016

Thinking if you.

TMI warning...if I slipped and fell I am pretty sure I would feel a gush of fluid too. Unfortunately, mine is discharge and end of pregnancy grossness. Try not to worry. More than likely you either peed yourself or you have the yucks too.

Jaspertheyoungturnip · June 2016

So everything is looking alright for now... Baby still hasn't moved since I fell, but I've only had two contractions, hour or so apart and relatively short, so they were BH. My midwife listened to baby's heart and did some vitals, but since the fluid had stopped leaking, we didn't get to test to see if it was amniotic or just normal pregnancy stuff. She said to call if I feel more gushing fluid, if there's blood, or something changes. But right now I'm in the clear thankfully! I appreciate all your thoughts. I cried like a baby thinking about how small she would be and how unprepared I was! But she seems to be staying put.

bearsandbeets7 · July 2016

Bumping this back up to the top.

Curls919 · July 2016

Can this be pinned??

@BumpAdmin @BumpTara

TCUFrog08 · July 2016

Well ladies, I just left the OBs office this morning with an c-section scheduled for JULY 27th!! I will
be 37 weeks and as long as this pre-eclampsia doesn't progress and I continue to stay healthy, July 27th is our golden date!!! EEK

jaceru · July 2016

@msdidonato good day... That's my birthday!

No more Miss! · July 2016

@msdidonato

congrats! So exciting to have a date!

ShanRum3 · July 2016

My labor buddy, @AliKay20 went into labor early, and had her baby yesterday afternoon. Baby has been admitted to the NICU, but I don't have any further details yet.

ShanRum3 · July 2016

Just texted with @AliKay20, it appears she has posted her birth announcement and i somehow missed it.

AliKay20 · July 2016

Update: We just got discharged and arrived home while Avery is still in the NICU. It tore my insides apart after skin to skin with her. It's amazing how they know the difference between being in mom/dad's arms vs. their little heated bed. She cried right away after nurse put her back so I gave her my pinky to grab. She then pulled her hand that gripped my pinky & brought it to her chest. Crying stopped. I was in relief for that split second until we had to go back to our room to pack and leave.

I left her back to crying after I slipped my pinky out of her tightly gripped hand. People keep saying it's not my fault and I am trying to be brave but I haven't stopped crying since I saw her this morning. What an emotional mess I am in. I see all these moms getting discharged on the same day as me except their DH's have carseats with babies in them. I felt so sad and held it in since hey, given the situation, she's in very good hands.

But when we got to the car and saw our empty car seat, I fking lost it and started bawling. DH and I just let go from trying to be strong or putting up a front for a minute and we just cried it out together, him repeating that I didn't do this to her and that she is going to be alright.

I guess I was just hoping two days ago that she just needed to be under watch for a day or two and be released from the NICU. When doc told us today her breathing is still very fast but will try the feeding tube and now she needs goggles because she developed jaundice, I about lost all of my optimism of bringing her home in the near future.

Every RN that has taken care of her has been super caring and loving (mad respect and appreciation for all RNs out there). They say she def is a fiesty one with a lot of strength for her size. It calms me down a bit knowing she's a fighter until I see moments of distress from her like gripping the band from her cpap trying to take it off with her tiny hands.

It's going to be all good, Avery. This is just a transient process right now per docs. We just need to keep looking at the bright side & thank God even for this outcome that it isn't anything more than something some babies at this stage typically go through. I'm mentally prepared to go in tonight and not break down when I see that she has more things stuck to her body despite her distress from them all. I HAVE to be strong for her.

Stephanie7693 · July 2016

@AliKay20 I'm so sorry you have to go though this! I felt exactly the same way leaving my oldest in the nicu. She was born at 37 weeks (after birth they decided she was actually 36 week) at 5lb 6oz. She couldn't remember to breathe all too often and had reflux. She had a 16 day nicu stay. It was hard, but looking around the nicu I saw how much worse it could be. And you're right, she could not be in more capable hands. It's ok to lose it sometimes, it's nothing any parent deserves. And being a 37 weeker, her stay shouldn't be too long!

kristynmac · July 2016

@AliKay20 my heart breaks for you. I can't even imagine what it feels like to be in your situation, but I do know that you are supported in this community and we will be here for you to talk. Have you reached out to @bananers? I know her situation is a bit different, but she seems to have a lot of NICU knowledge. I am praying for Miss Avery's recovery and that you and your husband continue to hold each other together as you get though this.

lotsofsunshine · July 2016

@AliKay20 oh my word! I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I hope she has a speedy NICU stay and that you will be taking her home very soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

MamaKSquared · July 2016

@AliKay20 She is absolutely beautiful! I know it has to be hard having to leave her. Praying for a quick NICU exit!

ballofmeat · July 2016

@AliKay20 Praying that she gets to go home soon! You are doing great mama! Remember to take care of yourself too and try and get some rest.

bearsandbeets7 · July 2016

@AliKay20 I teared up reading that! I couldn't imagine how you and your DH are feeling right now. I hope your NICU stay is short and uneventful!

Katienu · July 2016

@alikay20. Good luck with this I can only imagine how hard this is

ashleybaker712 · July 2016

@AliKay20 I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. Hopefully little miss Avery will be able to go home very soon. She's lucky to have a Mommy and Daddy who care so much about her.

Mrsrundell · July 2016

@alikay20 hugs momma, little Avery is in good hands and she will be home in the blink of an eye. Xoxo

the_other_mother · July 2016

Definitely sending prayers for Avery @AliKay20 I can't imagine the strength it takes to be in your position, but you are strong enough.
Hang in there

sbelle474 · July 2016

@alikay20 lifting you and Avery and your DH in prayer. Take care of yourself and little one will be home before you know it!

pelorunningmama · July 2016

@alikay20 my heart breaks reading this. I'm so sorry you had to leave her and hope she is ready to be home very soon. Sending hugs!

Car0liiine · July 2016

@AliKay20 Big hugs to you and your husband! I know it's hard but I'm sure little Avery is going to be out of there soon, and you are probably bothered a lot more by the tubes and procedures and all that than she is. Probably just as annoying to her as diaper changes and the nose sucker and such are to all babies!

riveridgional · July 2016

@AliKay20 Thinking of you and praying she can join you home very soon!

tmk0325 · July 2016

AliKay20 said:

Update: We just got discharged and arrived home while Avery is still in the NICU. It tore my insides apart after skin to skin with her. It's amazing how they know the difference between being in mom/dad's arms vs. their little heated bed. She cried right away after nurse put her back so I gave her my pinky to grab. She then pulled her hand that gripped my pinky & brought it to her chest. Crying stopped. I was in relief for that split second until we had to go back to our room to pack and leave.

I left her back to crying after I slipped my pinky out of her tightly gripped hand. People keep saying it's not my fault and I am trying to be brave but I haven't stopped crying since I saw her this morning. What an emotional mess I am in. I see all these moms getting discharged on the same day as me except their DH's have carseats with babies in them. I felt so sad and held it in since hey, given the situation, she's in very good hands.

But when we got to the car and saw our empty car seat, I fking lost it and started bawling. DH and I just let go from trying to be strong or putting up a front for a minute and we just cried it out together, him repeating that I didn't do this to her and that she is going to be alright.

I guess I was just hoping two days ago that she just needed to be under watch for a day or two and be released from the NICU. When doc told us today her breathing is still very fast but will try the feeding tube and now she needs goggles because she developed jaundice, I about lost all of my optimism of bringing her home in the near future.

Every RN that has taken care of her has been super caring and loving (mad respect and appreciation for all RNs out there). They say she def is a fiesty one with a lot of strength for her size. It calms me down a bit knowing she's a fighter until I see moments of distress from her like gripping the band from her cpap trying to take it off with her tiny hands.

It's going to be all good, Avery. This is just a transient process right now per docs. We just need to keep looking at the bright side & thank God even for this outcome that it isn't anything more than something some babies at this stage typically go through. I'm mentally prepared to go in tonight and not break down when I see that she has more things stuck to her body despite her distress from them all. I HAVE to be strong for her.

It is hard, but you have to remember this is what is best for her now. I know it doesn't help much to hear this, but the best thing you can do is to keep kangarooing and provide breast milk (if you can). You need to take care of yourself too. For me this meant not spending the night there (we can stay in the room), but the one time I did this I got no sleep because Clays alarms kept going off and on between I was pumping. It was very stressful.

I was told by our nurses that we should take it one day at a time and focus on the positives each day that happen.. Got off oxygen, gained a couple ounces, got an iv out, etc. Ours boys are on day 16 in the nicu and still have probably a month left. I felt the same way you did initially but believe me it does get a bit easier. If you have any questions please let me know! Hang in there @AliKay20

gadzooks_3 · July 2016

Thinking of you and little Avery.

AliKay20 · July 2016

Thanks everyone. And @tmk0325 I am so sooo glad to hear your boys are doing better! You make a good point in that I need to take care of myself. I nearly fainted in the hosp parking lot yesterday as we were going to see Avery for the night. It reminded me that I hadn't gotten much sleep while in the recovery room and I haven't been eating/drainking much.

I got some sleep (6 is good, right!) but woke up just now wanting to go see her. They have a set schedule for her and 9 am seems to be the best for AM. We get to change her diaper & check temp except I skip on that as I can't take off my ring!! FTM noob action: I thought I could get away with not taking off my ring, unable to foresee the possibility of baby going in the NICU. They do NOT allow any type of jewelry. I tried to take mine off by the string method, dish soap, windex, you name it but to no avail.

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement! Thinking that this is what is best for her does make it better/easier to accept. I need to think that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

SkiChic626 · July 2016

@AliKay20 I'm really bad with knowing what to say to this kind of stuff, but I just want you to know that I'm thinking of and praying for you and your babe. **virtual hugs**

entropicallyfavored · July 2016

@AliKay20 Also thinking of and praying for your family from here.

It sounds like you've tried it all with your ring, but mine got stuck on last week (also FTM noob here), and I finally got it to come off after about an hour of rubbing ice cubes on my finger and palm area below the finger. I guess the ice reduced some of the swelling just enough so that I was able to slide the ring off with lots of soap. Might be worth a shot.

Thinking of you, @tmk0325 and @bananers daily and sending all of the good vibes and thoughts.

ballofmeat · July 2016

Sending prayers and lots of positive thoughts to all of your little fighters. @bannaners @tmk0325 @AliKay20

riveridgional · July 2016

@alikay20 You've probably tried it, but going off of @entropicallyfavored's suggestion, I put a damp rag (hand towel) in the freezer for about 15 minutes (err on the lower side as they will be FREEZING cold), wrapped my ring finger seperately, then the rest of my hand with the left over towel. I then layed down on the couch with my hand restinh on top of a pillow (dry towel on top to keep the pillow dry), which was resting on top of the back of the couch (we're going for optimum elevation here). I layed like that until the rag wasn't cold anymore, and when I was done, my hand was back to almost normal size. This also works wonders for swollen feet, by the way. You wrap each foot with a chilled hand towel and prop your feet up on a mound of pillows. It may be worth a shot for you, and hopefully your swelling is on its way down on its own!

Also, do you mind me asking how far along you were when Avery arrived? I know you mentioned around 37 weeks. I'm scheduled for an induction due to high BP at 37w2d and am terrified of the NICU possibility!

AliKay20 · July 2016

Thanks for the suggestions! @entropicallyfavored @riveridgional

My finger is so raw and where the ring is, there's this red mark under it so I am def going to leave it alone for a bit before I try again with some other methods. I think ice & soap method would have worked but I had already aggravated the swelling even more by tightly wrapping my finger with dental floss (hurts like a $&:@/!,?@).

I was 36 wks and 6 days. They say Avery is a late preterm. Don't let my one experience concern you guys! As you know, each case is different. I know few people that had their babies born at 37 wks without needing to stay in the NICU. I also learned through NICU RN that they sometimes see babies at 38 or 39 weeks with the same needs that Avery has so it really all just depends.

bananers · July 2016

Just getting caught up and wanted to say congratulations @AliKay20! The NICU is so hard, but you'll navigate your way through it. Hopefully you'll go home before it gets too comfortable.

Have they given you an estimated release date yet? Maybe we need a NICU check-in since there are a few of us, and a few NICU veterans from previous babies!

AliKay20 · July 2016

bananers said:

Just getting caught up and wanted to say congratulations @AliKay20! The NICU is so hard, but you'll navigate your way through it. Hopefully you'll go home before it gets too comfortable.

Have they given you an estimated release date yet? Maybe we need a NICU check-in since there are a few of us, and a few NICU veterans from previous babies!

Thanks!! And I'm so down with NICU check-in's.

As of now, at least another week. It all depends on Avery but she's still breathing faster than they'd like her to. Yesterday, her heart rate dropped significantly out of the blue and RN just sort of poked her feet to let Avery naturally wake up and reach her normal rate. Because this happened, even though quite common for preemie's, they're going to record it in her chart and if this happens again, there's a default 5 day stay to watch for x, y, z. Ahhhh!

We went this morning but she just got a bath so we couldn't do kangaroo time. Win for the day: She is doing w feeding tube so they'll increase her amt. Here's to our strong little fighters!!

bananers · July 2016

AliKay20 said:

bananers said:

Just getting caught up and wanted to say congratulations @AliKay20! The NICU is so hard, but you'll navigate your way through it. Hopefully you'll go home before it gets too comfortable.

Have they given you an estimated release date yet? Maybe we need a NICU check-in since there are a few of us, and a few NICU veterans from previous babies!

Thanks!! And I'm so down with NICU check-in's.

As of now, at least another week. It all depends on Avery but she's still breathing faster than they'd like her to. Yesterday, her heart rate dropped significantly out of the blue and RN just sort of poked her feet to let Avery naturally wake up and reach her normal rate. Because this happened, even though quite common for preemie's, they're going to record it in her chart and if this happens again, there's a default 5 day stay to watch for x, y, z. Ahhhh!

We went this morning but she just got a bath so we couldn't do kangaroo time. Win for the day: She is doing w feeding tube so they'll increase her amt. Here's to our strong little fighters!!

Ah yes. A bradycardia (brady). Emmett has those about once or twice a day still, but he is also only 34 weeks adjusted tomorrow. They freaked us out at first but now we're used to them. They won't let us go home while he's still doing them so we're hoping he grows out of them in the next few weeks.

Bookhousegirl · July 2016

@AliKay20 thinking of you and your LO, I hope your stay in the NICU is short!

AliKay20 · July 2016

Thanks @Bookhousegirl

I'd like to think that every new day is one day closer to bringing her home.

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