Birth Story - Elijah James

Hello All!

I apologize for it taking me so long to post this. It's been a crazy couple weeks, but our little boy is here and we are in love!

If you are interested, here is our birth story.

Elijah James Doty was born at 3:02pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by emergency C-section. He weighed 7lbs, 3.2 oz and was 20.3 inches long. The doctor decided to induce me that morning so we were at the hospital at 7am. By 9am, I was hooked up to pitosin and the contractions were coming regularly. After the first epidural failed, we opted to try another epidural which this time took. I was checked and told to start pushing. Being very stubborn and with much help (unsuccessfully) from the doctor and the vacuum, Mr. Elijah did NOT want to turn his head to get past my pelvic bone. This led to an emergency C-section. His heart rate dropped and everything got crazy for a while. James (my DH) was not able to go in with me which scared all of us, but 15 minutes later Elijah entered the world and according to the doctor was "Mad as hell". He apparently liked being inside his Mommy's belly.

I was able to see James within a couple hours and they brought the baby in to us. I immediately said he looked just like a doll baby. It took me a while to realize the second epidural had NOT caused the c-section (which I had greatly feared and hoped to avoid) but was soon overcome with the joy of finally being a Mom.

On Thursday, I noticed a headache which came and went, but didn't think too much of it after taking motrin. By Friday morning I could not sit up without being in severe pain. The doctor came in and diagnosed me with a spinal headache from the epidurals. We spoke with the anesthesiologist who confirmed the best and quickest way to resolve the issue was to have a blood patch to fill the hole. The headache could go away on its on in a day or could take up to 6 months according tot he anesthesiologist. I couldn't take that chance. Yet another scary procedure, but we made it through and I felt much better afterwards. We were released around 7:30pm on Friday evening.

I am recovering slowly and recouping well from the surgery. The episiotomy she had to do when trying to get the baby out vaginally has been more of a problem than the pain from the c-section. I am *finally* able to pee without it feeling like there are knives sticking in me. My headache lasted a couple days after we got home, but eventually went away completely with lots of fluids and rest. It could have been residual from the spinal headache or just the stress of everything.

So that is our story. We are elated and in aww to be parents of this precious little boy. Thanks to all of you for your support, prayers and loving words throughout this journey. Thanks for reading.

Melinda

Wow...what a wild ride. Glad it worked out and Elijah is here safe and sound! Congrats!

Congrats to you all, and welcome little Elijah! Now, get lots of rest and enjoy that little baby, momma!

Wow that sounds crazy and fast!! I am happy they moved quick and well for you. I never heard of the patch thing for the headaches from the epidural though. That sounds like an imporvement from a long time ago. My cousin had that eeect from epidural and it lasted awhile they just gave her meds. I am glad they have come up with something to help cause that would be even worse for you. I cant wait to see some pics of your beautiful baby boy!!

wow glad that all worked out well!!

NOW we want to see him! lol :)

Congrats...and what a story to tell for years to come.  Spinal headaches must be unbelievable.  I know my mom worked at a pain clinic who gave epidurals..and she talked about how some patients had to have those patches to be able to function after because of the headache.  I remember hoping and praying that would not happen to me.  Thank goodness it didn't but I was prepared.  Enjoy your baby doll.

welcome elijah!

Congratulations!  Can't wait to see a picture of Elijah.

Wow!  What a crazy enterance Elijah made into the world!  It'll be a story to tell him some day. 

Glad everything worked out - glad you're doing okay.

Enjoy your baby! 

Cindy

I'll try to post a few pictures.

Yeah, the epi headache was awful. Really makes you consider having another one. The headache is awful. You seriously can't raise your head from a horizontal position without severely intense pain. I went to the restroom just before we realized what it was and I thought I was going to DIE! I said call the doc, I can't deal with this pain! I can see why many women go 'natural' now although the contractions are too intense for me! At least I will know the next one will be a c-section and maybe they can just put me to sleep again. I hate to "miss" the exact moment, but I don't want to chance a headache again. Oh well, we'll deal with that bridge when we get to it.

Here are a few pics. he is 2 weeks old and we can't imagine life without him. Thanks Gastric Bypass!

Enjoy the pics!!!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h312/ECUMindy06/DSC05452.jpg

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