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**Baby Amayah is here!!**
Hello ladies!!
Sorry for the delay, but I've finally checked back into civilization after delivering my baby girl Amayah Georgiana via emergency C-section on Thursday, June 10, 2010!!
Many of you know I was put on bed rest by my OB at the start of my eighth month, 32 weeks due to severe swelling in my legs, ankles and feet caused by pregnancy induced hypertension. Since my OB's concern was to monitor me for precclampsia symptoms, she had me come in for weekly sonograms to see my baby's progress. At 37 weeks, my fetal doctor concluded that my precious Amayah was growing at a very slow pace and was under five pounds due to Intuterine Growth Restriction (IGUR), which is believed to be caused by pregnancy hypertension. They estimated that if they did allow Amayah to remain in my womb until even one more week, much less full term at 40 weeks, she would only gain a gram a week. The recommendation was to induce labor in the hosptial on June 9th.
It was then, DH and I scrambled to get the house in last minute, spit-shine order, stock up on groceries, etc. and get to the hospital. I can't even describe the range of emotions that shot through me--frightened, uncertain, and anxious--my baby was coming--then again, my baby was coming by induction and not naturally the way I desired. But, in my heart of hearts, I absolutely knew that it was the best thing for my baby girl if my womb was not allowing her to thrive and grow the way she should. Thankfully, her being full term with developed organs and lungs made the whole ordeal less emotionally taxing then it could have been.
My induction began at almost midnight using the hormonal gel Cerdivil, which slowly helps the cervix dilate and begin contractions. This had to remain "inserted" for 12 hours. Then next afternoon, the results were promising--I was 2 centimenters and 50 percent effaced, and feeling pretty good--more or less just feeling menstrual achy. Then the dreaded word I prayed to avoid in labor--Pitocin. Thankfully, I had a wonderful, caring nurse who not only stayed by my side in labor but came to see me in recovery afterwards. She told me Pitocin would begin slow contractions and not the monstrous attacks of pain I had read about. She was right and after roughly eight more hours of labor, I had slowly progressed to 4 centimeters and 75 percent effaced. My OB (who by the way might as well be a guardian angel with her excellent care and experience), knew that I wanted to avoid a c section unless medically necessary to save my baby's life.
Before we knew it, that decision was tested and baby Amayah's heart rate began dropping and was not going back up or stabilizing. Before I knew it, my DH and a whole team descended upon me to prep me for an emergency c section. I was terrified at first in one word, but as I was prepped and throughout the procedure, my anthesiologist was so amazing, funny and relaxing, that he put me and DH so much at ease, that before I knew it, my OB pronounced Amayah's arrival by saying: "Alesha, she's a fighter!!" I was so emotional, as I soon heard my baby girl's cry and saw her being cleaned and her long legs and toes. She was four pounds 6 ounces and 18 3-4 inches long!! She's small but mighty and now after over two weeks old, weighs over five pounds and according to our pediatrician, is doing great. Amayah definitely has mommy's height and long limbs, (I'm 5'9) , but looks so much like DH in the face. Our families are still debating over who she more looks like. But, no doubt, she's got my athletic genes as I played volleyball and track in school.
DH has just gone back to work and we're so unbelievably consumed with her. Amayah's name means close to God, and after everything I went through in my pregnancy and almost 24 hour labor, DH and I definitely consider her our miracle baby! As for mommy, I'm healing well and am amazed at how breastfeeding shrunk my tummy which immediately after my c section, had my stomach nearly hitting my thighs! I'm already one pound less than my starting weight, thanks to my body finally ridding itself of the massive amounts of fluid I retained. But, the pain after the c section is so intense and like none other, and pain killers are a must.My birth plan may not have gone anything according to "plan," but the fact that Amayah is healthy, thriving, clearly defies any plans!
Since I'm terrible at uploading pictures here, please see my website for pics of our lil angel! www.totsites.com/tots/babywhyte, as I know some of you have seen some pics already on facebook.
Thanks for all your Nestie support and love!
Re: **Baby Amayah is here!!**
Our New Home! Renovation Underway! The Law Nest
TTC Journey
7/2008 - begin TTC
7/2009 - began charting
9/2009 - Dx Endometriosis
10/2009 - HSG/SA (Normal)
12/2009 -6/2010 - Lupron #1 & 2
Sep-Nov 2010- Clomid Cycles #1&2 = BFN
Dec 2010 - Clomid Cycle #3 = BFP (1/11/11);no h/b (2/10/11); D&C (2/23/11)
5/11-6/11 - herbal tea regime = BFN
7/24/2011- herbal tea regime = surprise BFP
Bubblegum Explosion
A great big congratulations to you and your family!! You should feel very proud - both you and Amayah are very strong. I'm also so happy to hear your postpartum recovery has been good and that she is healthy and thriving! they really do grow so fast - in the blink of an eye - so cherish these early 'tiny baby' days!
p.s. my family and friends still go back and forth about who Freddie looks more like - it's become a favorite past time! And their looks change so much in even the first couple months!
Our New Home! Renovation Underway! The Law Nest
TTC Journey
7/2008 - begin TTC
7/2009 - began charting
9/2009 - Dx Endometriosis
10/2009 - HSG/SA (Normal)
12/2009 -6/2010 - Lupron #1 & 2
Sep-Nov 2010- Clomid Cycles #1&2 = BFN
Dec 2010 - Clomid Cycle #3 = BFP (1/11/11);no h/b (2/10/11); D&C (2/23/11)
5/11-6/11 - herbal tea regime = BFN
7/24/2011- herbal tea regime = surprise BFP
wow, what an amazing story!
glad you and baby amayah are doing well, congrats!!!
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