What a roller-coaster!
Having to stay in hospital overnight was not really what we wanted, but necessary for both of us. Thankfully we were given a side room, so Dave could stay over night as well. Good job really - the inevitable tears came in the middle of the night and I don't think some stranger of a midwife offering support would have been the same.
When we did eventually leave the hospital, we were only about 5 minutes down the road when I felt the start of a migraine. My parents were going to come that day anyway, and picked up a key from friends in the village. They arrived before we did, which was lucky as Daisy had left a big smelly present for us. They had started to clear this up, as well as sort out the pool before we got home, so at least we didn't have to think about them.
Apart from that, the first few days went OK. The "Day Three tears" didn't really attack with any vengeance, they just seem to have been drip-feeding since then! It was around day 4 that we began to get into any sort of a routine, after suggestions from the MW. The idea was for me & Imogen to relax in the bath then have a good feed in bed in the hope that we would then get a few hours sleep before the next feed. This seemed to work for several days, and we do still try and do this, however, sometimes, other things seem to take over.
Not surprisingly, there has been plenty of visitors. It has been nice to see people, but sometimes it's just been a bit much, and we've wanted to say "enough now", but haven't felt able to (too polite for our own good sometimes! ;-). It's been mainly family so far, although 2-3 friends from the village have called round too. Today has been the first day since Imogen was born that we haven't got a big pile of cards falling through the letterbox, accompanied by the occasional
parcel. Everyone has been so kind with their cards and gifts, Thank you.
Imogen has generally been a little star - yes, she likes the cuddles, especially from Mummy; yes, she can be a mardy bum when she's hungry, or needs her nappy changing, but at least seems to behave when she's on show! A trip to Meadowhall at 4 days with only Daddy, a couple of church services, and a couple of lunches out have all been undertaken with no mega crises. Her weight has now picked up after the initial drop-off, and poos/wees are all signs that she's getting enough into her.
Shame I'm not doing quite so well. The ragged membranes at birth were an indication of things to come. A week later, doubled up in agony at 2am on Sat morning, we were back at the maternity hospital - diagnosis was a uterine infection, but the required scan couldn't be done at the weekend. To cut a long story short, the scan on Monday showed 'possible retained products' and as things had settled down with antibiotics, no trip to theatre for a D&C was needed - a relief in itself, but it would have been nice not to have been starved for 11 hours (not even a drink!) and if the Dr had had any bedside manner.
Having got all that sorted, I've now moved on to thrush in my breasts - very painful after feeding as if someone is sticking pins behind the nipple (luverly!). We have been to the GP today, so hopefully things will improve in the next couple of days. Until then, feeding will no doubt be a struggle, and Dave will get woken in the middle of the night for moral support (even if he did sleep through parts of it last night!)
We are now discharged from the MW (still have her phone no just in case), but have yet to get the red book from the health visitor. We have an appointment for the 8week check and jabs, but we are supposed to get a visit at 4-6 weeks, so we'll have to wait and see!
The last 2 weeks seem to have flown by, but at the same time, it feels like we've never been without our pooing, puking, screaming bundle of joy! In the middle of the night when it feels like it's never going to get to morning and I can't think straight, at least I know I love her - I guess that this is the most important thing.
2 comments:
Get well soon, and bon courage with the feeding. Makes me shiver those days of gritting my teeth and trying not to scream. It got better. Sounds like you're getting good advice.
Flipping doctors with no bedside manner. Arghh. Remember to scan your hospital notes if you want to keep them before the HV turns up and nicks them. Or maybe it's different down your way.
great to hear how things are going (and maybe a little scary hearing about the realities of labour - hopefully I'll forget it again soon!). In my limited (i.e. complete lack of) knowledge, I can imagine that you have to plan for what you hope for, and then prepare to accept that things don't generally go the way you plan, and know that those you love/the professionals will look after you. Like the sound of entonox.... where can I try it?!
look forward to seeing you soon x
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