The dreaded C word

I had wanted a natural birth but it was not to be.  Never in the 40 weeks leading up to the event did I imagine that I would end up having a Caesarean section.  I had been so well during the pregnancy that I just thought that the birth would be plain sailing as well.  In the end the C-section itself, and the induction, epidural and continuous foetal monitoring before that, did not worry me that much but the fact that Baby might be unwell, as a result of the ordeal from the birth, in the week after was worse.  There was quite a lot of banter in the theater and time passed quite quickly amidst the good humour.  It was slightly surreal to know that one was undergoing surgery, and feel the pressure from the procedure happening behind the blind in one's lower half, but to not really 'feel' the procedure.  Also my partner was with me and the support I felt from everyone around me made me feel surprisingly relaxed about the surgery itself. 

As it was over 24 hours from the breaking of the waters to his birth, I had a fever during the induction, and Baby excreted meconium during the C-section, the medics thought there was a distinct probability that he might have an infection as well.  We had a few minutes as a family together before Baby was whisked off for blood tests and other checks, and was started on a course of antibiotics.  I later found out they had problems putting a cannula in his hands- there were bruises where they had tried- and ended up putting one in his foot for drug administration.  He disliked this addition to his little body and eventually did dislodge it with his vigorous kicking protests; they didn't manage to put another one back in so he ended up having injections of the rest of his antibiotics.  Surprisingly he didn't protest as much about the injections as he did the administrations via his cannula.  It was all hard for me to watch as a parent, even though I knew it was being done for his good.

All I can say is that I am glad we are home and that we are well.  He is a joy to be around and there is much to look forward to.

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