The Ultimate Gratitude Post

[theatokos]

On Friday evening Adam and I went to go see the 5pm showing of Indiana Jones. Ten minutes into the movie my water broke. 8 hours later Bennett David was delivered into the world, a full 6 weeks early. He came of his own accord, arrived amazingly perfectly healthy, and via a natural childbirth. He weighed 4 lbs, 14 oz. I am still in the hospital (on day 2) and will probably be discharged tomorrow, since I am recovering just fine. Benn will remain in the NICU for anywhere from 2-6 more days. However, he continues to be healthy and snuggly. He is absolutely beautiful and I couldn't want for any child other than the one I have. Not being able to with him all the time is really hard - especially when I hear the families together in the rooms next to me. But I won't lie and say he didn't look slimy and squid like when he was born.

I am grateful for:
*Adam's amazing support before, during and after the labor
*The support of my midwives and a surprise doula (our childbirth class teacher) - they (plus Adam) kept me focused and strong and helped block out the other 8 people present in the birthing room!
*For my and my support team's ability to keep a sense of humor through out the labor
*The emergency pediatrician - he was excellent at keeping the mood light and positive, and he knew when to stay out of things as well as get involved
*Our nurse, who was 100% supportive of natural childbirth and midwives
*That Kaiser Oakland has been such a positive experience
*For my continuing health and relatively quick recovery
*And ultimately I am grateful for Bennett's amazing heartiness and his presence in this world

Comments

[baileywicked.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! Hope all continues to go well!

[snowcalla.livejournal.com]

Not being pregnant...10 minutes into the movie I was praying my water would break - anything to end it.

Congratulations on the fine baby boy!!! How unexpected and wonderful. The little guy obviously couldn't wait to see his momma and get some hugs and kisses.

Pictures when you can, I know we are all dying to see him.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Pictures will be forthcoming! Grandma (Adam's mom) got some good ones!

[bravenewcentury.livejournal.com]

Wow! Congratulations! *g*

[chiv.livejournal.com]

*squeeee*

[teamrose.livejournal.com]

yayeeeee! Congratulations! It's good to hear that you got the labor and delivery that you wanted! I am glad to hear that you and Bennett are doing so great, I can't wait to see pictures!!!! <3

[thekitchenvixen.livejournal.com]

I am so incredibly happy for you. It sounds like you got a fantastic birth experience and had a great support team.
If you have any questions or need any support - please please ask. I don't have much experience with preemies, but I do with breastfeeding and diapering and cosleeping.
I've been thinking about you and I'll be sending little Benn something soon.
Much love and hugs to your new family!

[said-by-me.livejournal.com]

whoa honey


Please let me know what if anything I can do. If you need to call my number is 916 968 2424

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I may. There are some feeding issues now that B's developing jaundice - normal, but frustrating. We are doing breast and formula and if that doesn't up his weight and hydration the doctors are talking about using a feeding tube. Let's pray the milk comes SOON! However, I'm getting my own pump in about half an hour which should help.

[said-by-me.livejournal.com]

definitely use the pump, massage your breasts and nipples as much as possible to help stimulate the milk production

Jaundice is normal in preemies, breastmilk is the best thing for him. Let me know what I can do sweetie, I am thinking about you guys

[said-by-me.livejournal.com]

oh and try to go with syringe, cup or finger feedings to avoid any nipple preference issues

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Turns out, since my last post, he has been put on a gravache - a nasal feeding tube, specifically to avoid nipple confusion and the exhaustion of trying to feed. This will continue until my milk comes in and he can feed without exhaustion. It also means that I get to stay home tonight and just sleep sans interruptions - well, except for waking up to pump. Adam and I are committed to breast feeding - he was doing so well for about half a day! But we are also committed to getting him well as fast as possible so he can come home ASAP.

[said-by-me.livejournal.com]

keep me posted sweetie... let me know if you need me to research anything, need moral or physical support... whatever


thinkin about you guys

[(Anonymous)]

Wow! How wonderful that your birth experience was good, and that you are both healthy. Blessings on all of you. I hope your NICU staff will let you spend as much time as you want there while he has to stay.

[msmidge.livejournal.com]

Whoops, that was me, not logged in. Congratulations!

[goldenmoonbear.livejournal.com]

Whoa!!

Congratulations!

[queen-of-wands.livejournal.com]

Love and hugs and congratulations.

[inkprincess.livejournal.com]

Congrats!!!! I'm so glad he's doing so good!! {{HUGS}}

[introducingyael.livejournal.com]

I have been holding my breath for this and I am SO VERY THRILLED to see it. Thank G-d for everything and I am so delighted to hear he is as healthy as he can be and will soon be home with you!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I am constantly thanking G-d. B's strength and resiliency is an AMAZING blessing. I am praying a lot for my own reserves and patience. I just want to take him home!!

[automata.livejournal.com]

Holy shit!!!

congrats and welcome to the new member of your family!

I look forward to one day being able to get to meet him.

♥

[howilearned.livejournal.com]

Love, lurve, and more loove to you, Adam and Benn. The lil one obviously had his agenda, and I'm so glad to hear things went smoothly given the surprise. We'll be coming up the first weekend of August and can't wait to see all of you!!!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Yay! By then he'll be stronger and bigger and you'll be able to hold him!

[pwilk.livejournal.com]

fabulous!

[qibitum.livejournal.com]

Hooray! And welcome Bennett! I'm so glad to hear you've been having a positive experience with the whole thing-- I've been thinking about you all weekend. Are you & Adam up for hospital visits next week? I'll ping him too...

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

No, I'm leaving this afternoon. B's is still in NICU and will remain here for ......? No visits yet.

[(Anonymous)]

Yay! I'm so grateful for all these people taking such good care you of you and Benn, and for all these things you're grateful. I can't wait to see you all and meet Benn...sooner than I expected! :-) Very exciting. I love you! Your Twig

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I know!! Next week!! I'll see you and you'll see me and you'll get to see Benn. I can't promise that you'll get to hold him, but..... we'll see.

[(Anonymous)]

PS-As it happens, Jay and I were watching Indy at the same time you were not. :-) It's great, and a travesty at the same time, just like you'd expect. Cate Blanchett was pretty creepy and cool, and Jay says there was so little archaeology in the movie that there wasn't much to critique. More on that another time!

[fictional-emily.livejournal.com]

That's crazy town!
I'll bring y'all over some food tomorrow if you want.
Big welcome to Mr. Benn!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Food will MOST welcome. Thank you.

[miss-malloreee.livejournal.com]

CONGRATULATIONS! Glad everyone is healthy!

[norasma.livejournal.com]

amazing! I thought about you and Benn for about 24 straight! I'm so happy for you, your birth sounds really amazing especially under the circumstances. It really does sound as though he was ready to come. How do you feel? Can you believe that you're a mama? YAY!

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

I am tired! And it's hard being at the hospital all the damn time. It's also hard living in 3 hour blocks. But really, he was ready to come! He has hair and strength and is ready for some serious snuggling.

[ginger-root.livejournal.com]

Oh my GOD! I'm totally misting UP!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so proud of you! Holy cannolli. Benn! What a great name!

So much love. Lovelovelove!

[ginger-root.livejournal.com]

Ok, that was the wrong icon. It was supposed to be this one.

[3ravenstar.livejournal.com]

OMG!!! I am so excited and happy for you! You rock! I can't wait to meet this beautiful creation and independent spirit! Huge hugs to you!