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

[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