Introducing Nolan Giovanni Casey. Born
Sunday: January 13, 2013 at 7:26 PM.
Here is his story...
Last week I made a decision to go to
work on Sunday. The previous week (week 39 of pregnancy) I was sure
my little man was going to come, so when he didn’t I accepted the
fact he would come in his own time. The house was clean and ready,
and statistically most first time babies come late. So, Saturday
night I got a few lessons ready (remember Sunday is a school day
here), and tried to head to bed early for work the next day. Shawn
decided to stay up to watch the Ravens football game, so he kissed me
goodnight and I went to sleep. Unfortunately that didn't last long. A
nerve was pinched in my leg and sleeping was nearly impossible. I
spent most of the night trying to get comfortable and walking around
in circles. Shawn's game went into overtime, and so he never came to
bed.
Around 5 am, after tossing and turning,
I got up to use the bathroom. I noticed I was bleeding slightly, and
that made me nervous. I was having very slight cramps, but had been
on and off for a few days so thought nothing of it. I walked down the
hall to the living room, and just as I rounded the corner I heard
Shawn shouting cheers. The Ravens won their playoff game! When he saw
me, he thought he had woke me up from his excitement. I told him I
wanted to go to the hospital to be checked and make sure everything
was alright. We decided to bring the hospital bags, but really
thought we would be back home in an hour or so.
We checked in and thankfully they took
my policy number, because I still didn't have me new insurance card.
The nurse and midwife checked me out and informed me I was 2cm
dilated, the head was down and ready, and after hooking me up for a
CGT I was informed I was having contractions. They told me the baby
would come that day and booked me in. I think we were in shock!
I was booked into a very nice private
room, where a hot bath was already drawn for me and I was given a
birthing exercise ball. The contractions were still not bad, so I
turned on the TV and ate a snack. I told Shawn to take a nap, and I
walked around and used the birth ball. I soaked in the tub also. It
wasn't until around 11-12 that the contractions really began to
pick-up. By 2pm I was ready for an epidural, but was told I couldn't
have it yet. I had to wait until I was 5 cm dilated. I have to admit,
I was a baby. Shawn was so great and helpful, but I was begging for
the meds. Finally they checked me at 5 and was told I was ready, and
by 5:30-6:00 I was moved up to the birthing room.
Shawn napping
Let me say, all those women who give
natural birth... you are amazing. That epidural was a miracle drug
for me. I know everyone has their own story and experience, but for
me it was the right choice. I could actually enjoy the experience,
speak to Shawn and the nurses, and understand what was happening
around me instead of crying and just wanting it to be over.
After the epidural things slowed down,
and they eventually broke my water. After that, they said they would
check my progress in an hour and see how things were going. An hour
later the midwife came in to check and said “He's here, time to
push!” I was shocked and said, “Now?” She said “YES!!!”
I won't explain everything, but he came
and was beautiful and perfect! The midwife and nurses were fantastic
and so helpful and kind. They listened to my wishes very well. We
delayed the cord cutting, but Shawn did cut the cord when it was
time. I got to hold my sweet baby skin to skin and bond. They weighed
him and measured him and did a little wipe down, not a bath (I wanted
to wait for that). Everything here is kilograms and centimeters.
3.046 KG (6 pounds 11 ounces) and 50 cm (19.7 inches long). We had to
convert later. The midwife then informed me that although we both had
tried to avoid it, I has a tear and had to be stitched up. I was
grateful they didn't cut me though. Although I asked, I was not told
how many stitches I had. All I know is it took over an hour. I didn't
mind though as I held me sweet boy the whole time.
Just born
After waiting for some time, I was
moved back to my room. As said before, it was a private room... very
nice. All the nurses were fantastic and the food was good! They even
had English channels, so I ended up semi-watching a lot of movies
over and over again. I think Harry Potter came on three times haha.
It was more just a background noise as Shawn and I dozed and I was
stuck in bed.
The room
The first night was rough. As the
epidural wore off I was in a lot of pain. Although Nolan slept well,
I did not. We also had some problems with feeding. Nolan refused to
wake up and eat. Actually, breastfeeding has been a challenge up
until now, but we both have been persevering and he is getting much
better. I know it is worth it. They eventually gave me some pain meds
and I was able to sleep a little here and there the next day and
night.
We spent the next two days bonding,
cuddling, attempting to feed, etc... Shawn changed most of the
diapers. He is an excellent father! He came home to make all the
phone calls and post pictures, as well as pick up our new car to take
Nolan home in. Then on Tuesday it was time to go home. Nolan had his
vaccinations and screening and of course everything was perfect! I
was visited by the doctor, dietitian, pediatrician, and lactation
consultant. They gave me my prescriptions and we were on our way. I
couldn't believe they were letting me take this tiny miracle home. I
think I still am in shock that he is mine... but he is. So there it
is. Nolan's beautiful birth story!
Ready to go home!
