Dotty_woman
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So the final addition to the Crossley family arrived on Monday 11th November 2013 at 10:22 by elective section on the advice of the doctor due to slowing growth. I am 42 and already have two sons: Lewis (15) and Morgan (12) and a new addition to our family of four later in life has been an emotional but very happy journey.
I have never had a c-section before so the recovery has knocked me for six somewhat. Today I am 12 days pp and I am trying to get out and about and have been going for a few walks with my OH to get some much needed fresh air whilst he is off for a couple of weeks. I can only amble slowly but am trying not to rush things.
After the c-section at St. James' Hospital in Leeds, I was wheeled back to the maternity Ward on my bed cuddling Violet with my OH Chris right beside me. I was so chuffed I couldn't stop smiling although I felt quite emotional on seeing my little girl for the first time. This was all going to be like starting from scratch again, especially with having a little girl for the first time and it being so long since I had last been here. I went back onto a ward with about another 4 ladies.
It was so strange being completely numb from the chest down following the c-section, my initial fear had always been "what if I don't get the feeling back" after the operation. Probably an irrational fear but largely due to the fact that I had made it to 42 without having to have any other surgery before. Needless to say, the feeling did return to my legs and I was able to walk to the bathroom by the end of day 1. I had wanted to do skin-to-skin immediately following the birth but in light of the section, this was delayed until I got back into the ward.it was lovely spending that early time with her in such close contact and I was really glad I did it.
As I was going to breastfeed, I wanted to try to feed her as soon as I could. She latched on quite well but was really snuffly - a trait that made it difficult for her to feed on the first day coupled with the fact that I was out if practice and the colostrum was hard work for Violet to get out of me!! She was getting frustrated with the amount of effort it was taking and that coupled with the fact that she was struggling to breathe through her nose made the first night extremely difficult. I got no sleep at all on the first day and was at my wit's end by the early hours and very emotional. The midwives were very helpful but I found d it extremely difficult in a ward with other people in the same situation where my baby was the one creating all the racket. As soon as I put her down, she would start crying. I reached the point where I was totally exhausted from lack of sleep and the midwife took her for a short while for me but I still couldn't sleep and was then worried about her. Worried I was doing something wrong and whether I'd be able to breastfeed this time. Formula feeding was not part of my plan but I wasn't going to just give up. The midwife suggested trying express a bit of colostrum and trying to feed her like that . It wasn't easy but I managed to get a few drops into her.
Once the following morning came, I was completely shattered but after having some breakfast, I had a bit more energy. The midwife shift swapped over and there were some fresh faces on the ward. I was really missing my OH and couldn't wait to see him again. My OH turned up at about 110am and when I saw him I burst into tears. I couldn't face another night in hospital. Fortunately as the day progressed I had a bit more success with the breastfeeding although Violet was sleeping for long stints. It was just if I tried to put her in her cot, she would constantly not settle. Chris took over with cuddle duty for a bit and I had a rest although I didn't get any sleep. It was just great to see him and my mood improved significantly. I gad been getting my blood pressure and temperature and occasional blood samples taken throughout the night and it looked as though everything was looking ok. As the midwife had seen that breastfeeding was improving she fave me a glimmer of hope by saying I might be able to go home in Tuesday evening. This was music to my ears and gave me a massive boost.
After making it through the day, it was confirmed I could go home My mum brought Lewis and Morgan to see their new baby sister for the first time that evening. The best part was knowing that we would all be going home together as a brand new family of five for the first time that evening. I didn't look back!!
Tbc...
I have never had a c-section before so the recovery has knocked me for six somewhat. Today I am 12 days pp and I am trying to get out and about and have been going for a few walks with my OH to get some much needed fresh air whilst he is off for a couple of weeks. I can only amble slowly but am trying not to rush things.
After the c-section at St. James' Hospital in Leeds, I was wheeled back to the maternity Ward on my bed cuddling Violet with my OH Chris right beside me. I was so chuffed I couldn't stop smiling although I felt quite emotional on seeing my little girl for the first time. This was all going to be like starting from scratch again, especially with having a little girl for the first time and it being so long since I had last been here. I went back onto a ward with about another 4 ladies.
It was so strange being completely numb from the chest down following the c-section, my initial fear had always been "what if I don't get the feeling back" after the operation. Probably an irrational fear but largely due to the fact that I had made it to 42 without having to have any other surgery before. Needless to say, the feeling did return to my legs and I was able to walk to the bathroom by the end of day 1. I had wanted to do skin-to-skin immediately following the birth but in light of the section, this was delayed until I got back into the ward.it was lovely spending that early time with her in such close contact and I was really glad I did it.
As I was going to breastfeed, I wanted to try to feed her as soon as I could. She latched on quite well but was really snuffly - a trait that made it difficult for her to feed on the first day coupled with the fact that I was out if practice and the colostrum was hard work for Violet to get out of me!! She was getting frustrated with the amount of effort it was taking and that coupled with the fact that she was struggling to breathe through her nose made the first night extremely difficult. I got no sleep at all on the first day and was at my wit's end by the early hours and very emotional. The midwives were very helpful but I found d it extremely difficult in a ward with other people in the same situation where my baby was the one creating all the racket. As soon as I put her down, she would start crying. I reached the point where I was totally exhausted from lack of sleep and the midwife took her for a short while for me but I still couldn't sleep and was then worried about her. Worried I was doing something wrong and whether I'd be able to breastfeed this time. Formula feeding was not part of my plan but I wasn't going to just give up. The midwife suggested trying express a bit of colostrum and trying to feed her like that . It wasn't easy but I managed to get a few drops into her.
Once the following morning came, I was completely shattered but after having some breakfast, I had a bit more energy. The midwife shift swapped over and there were some fresh faces on the ward. I was really missing my OH and couldn't wait to see him again. My OH turned up at about 110am and when I saw him I burst into tears. I couldn't face another night in hospital. Fortunately as the day progressed I had a bit more success with the breastfeeding although Violet was sleeping for long stints. It was just if I tried to put her in her cot, she would constantly not settle. Chris took over with cuddle duty for a bit and I had a rest although I didn't get any sleep. It was just great to see him and my mood improved significantly. I gad been getting my blood pressure and temperature and occasional blood samples taken throughout the night and it looked as though everything was looking ok. As the midwife had seen that breastfeeding was improving she fave me a glimmer of hope by saying I might be able to go home in Tuesday evening. This was music to my ears and gave me a massive boost.
After making it through the day, it was confirmed I could go home My mum brought Lewis and Morgan to see their new baby sister for the first time that evening. The best part was knowing that we would all be going home together as a brand new family of five for the first time that evening. I didn't look back!!
Tbc...
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