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| Minutes before we headed to the hospital the day before Sander was born. |
Parenthood is definitely all about being flexible. On Friday, May 17th, my OB called me out of the blue and told me they wanted me to come in and deliver Sander via cesarean that day! I was shocked. I had it set in my head that I would be able to try for a VBAC. Due to gestational diabetes, I had the looming possibility of complications toward the end of my pregnancy. At 39 weeks I noticed a sudden drop in my blood sugars, mostly my fasting numbers, and my OB was concerned that there was a serious risk the placenta was calcifying and failing to provide for the baby. This OB was very supportive of me trying for a VBAC so I knew this was not to be taken lightly. She was sorry to deliver the news. I agreed to come in and be monitored overnight, hoping they could induce me naturally, but that was not the case. I was also given the option to head to another larger hospital to try for an induced VBAC, they were more comfortable with inducing me there due to the size of their surgical unit in the event of a rupture. It would have to happen that night. After much discussion, it was decided amongst all of us that I should just go ahead and have a repeat cesarean the following morning in the comfort of a team I was familiar with. I was nervous but mostly just ready to have the whole thing over with. I was 39 weeks and 3 days pregnant.
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| About 5am the morning of Sander's birth. |
I was scheduled for 7:30am. I started a non-stress test shortly after 5am just to be sure the baby was still as active as usual. I then received an IV, filled out paperwork, and began to be prepped for the move to surgical. Matt was by my side the entire time. Although the surgery was less than pleasant, the most beautiful moment was when I heard Sander cry over and over again immediately after being lifted rom my abdomen. This was a healthy baby! He peed on the OB as soon as she lifted him out. My OB also discovered a true knot in the umbilical cord and stated this could have caused issues during a vaginal birth. More proof to me that we made the right decision.
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| Sander, born at 8:07am, scored a 9 on the apgar test. In other words, he's perfect! |
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| Meeting mama. |
I was able to hold Sander in my arms and nurse him one hour after his birth, not too bad. Matt, Sander and I were all in the recovery room together and Matt gave Sander kangaroo care (skin to skin) while they waited for me to be cleared to hold him.
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| Matt and Sander skin to skin. |
Soon after we were brought back to the birthing center and comfy in our own room. After spending about 5 hours together alone, Matt went to go pick up Lucy so she could meet her little brother. She was simply elated and instantly in love with her little brother.
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| Lucy meets Sander. So much love! |
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| She is so gentle with him. |
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| Another loving moment. |
I have to say, once that surgery was over, I was out of recovery and our entire family was together, nothing else mattered. I was just so happy that our little Sander was healthy and in my arms. The birthing process was behind me already with just a short recovery ahead. I also wasn't too upset that I got a couple extra nights in the hospital. I knew rest there would be easier than at home!
