A week of Firsts...
Robbie, Jackson and I are home and happy. After a long unmedicated labor, failed epidural attempt and getting stuck at 8 cm of dilation with no progression after about 5 hours, the decision was made to deliver our son by c-section, which meant being put under general anesthesia, which meant neither Robbie nor I would get to witness the birth of our baby boy. I could talk in great detail about our birth story experience and probably will someday, but for now, I would rather focus on our amazing week of first experiences becoming Mommy and Daddy to Jackson. And of course, like any good mother, I will include pictures.
May 31, 2009 our first child was delivered at 11:04 am. Robbie was not allowed to be in the operating room while I was undergoing the surgery, but, Dr. Martin, the physician who delivered Jackson, allowed Robbie in for a few moments to capture a couple of pictures of the big moment. I will always be grateful to her for giving my husband this opportunity.
My first glimpse of Jackson was about an hour after the c-section. I remember waking up a bit and turning my head towards the couch in the room next to the hospital bed. Sitting there, still in his scrubs, was my Robbie holding our sweet little boy. I later learned that after they worked a bit with Jackson in the operating room, they sent him in to spend time with Robbie. While I was being sewn back together, Robbie had about 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to bond with his son. My glimpse of the two of them was just about the sweetest sight I had ever seen. One of the things I loved about having Jackson at St. Luke's was the hour of bonding time they give parents with their newborns. It was a policy I thought was important and special. Sadly, when things aren't typical in the delivery room this policy has to be suspended for obvious reasons. For Robbie and Jackson to have this time together, well, it made it perfectly okay for me not to.
For the first time this week my parents became grandparents, or Nana and Grumpa, respectively. My Mom came in Sunday evening and is staying until I am able to get around and do most things on my own. My Dad came in this last Friday for a short visit. I am pretty sure he was a little sad to leave the little fella. They became fast friends.
Robbie and I have had plenty of firsts this week as a couple. Because of the c-section, Robbie's role in caring for both Jackson and myself was elevated to epic proportions. For the first time Robbie experienced with me intense physical pain and he coached me through it. For the first time Robbie changed a diaper and loved every moment of it. For the first time Robbie witnessed a circumcision and provided comfort to his baby having the procedure and to his wife who was left crying in the hospital room. For the first time Robbie experienced the love he had for his child.
Breast feeding Jackson was something I had prepared to do and by "prepared" I mean read some books and took a class. For some it comes easily and for many others it does not. I knew it could be a challenge but felt confident in making the attempt. I had great support in the hospital and Jackson worked hard at being hungry and eager to eat. The day we were to be discharged our pediatrician informed us that Jackson had lost 11 % of his body weight and would need to be supplemented with formula. I didn't exactly feel like a failure, I knew this was a possibility and could recognize his lethargy and dry voice. He needed nourishment. I sought out more information on feeding my child and what would be best for him and made the best out of the situation. For the first time I set aside my personal desire for the needs of my child. And I am happy to say he is eating like a pro, breast and bottle, breast milk and formula.
Jackson is one week old today and for the first time I cried about my baby growing up so quickly. (I know!) We are a family of three now and I have never been happier to be married to Robbie and to have my life flipped upside down. I am emotional, tired, swollen and sore and content with my new role as Mommy.
May 31, 2009 our first child was delivered at 11:04 am. Robbie was not allowed to be in the operating room while I was undergoing the surgery, but, Dr. Martin, the physician who delivered Jackson, allowed Robbie in for a few moments to capture a couple of pictures of the big moment. I will always be grateful to her for giving my husband this opportunity.
My first glimpse of Jackson was about an hour after the c-section. I remember waking up a bit and turning my head towards the couch in the room next to the hospital bed. Sitting there, still in his scrubs, was my Robbie holding our sweet little boy. I later learned that after they worked a bit with Jackson in the operating room, they sent him in to spend time with Robbie. While I was being sewn back together, Robbie had about 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to bond with his son. My glimpse of the two of them was just about the sweetest sight I had ever seen. One of the things I loved about having Jackson at St. Luke's was the hour of bonding time they give parents with their newborns. It was a policy I thought was important and special. Sadly, when things aren't typical in the delivery room this policy has to be suspended for obvious reasons. For Robbie and Jackson to have this time together, well, it made it perfectly okay for me not to.
For the first time this week my parents became grandparents, or Nana and Grumpa, respectively. My Mom came in Sunday evening and is staying until I am able to get around and do most things on my own. My Dad came in this last Friday for a short visit. I am pretty sure he was a little sad to leave the little fella. They became fast friends.
Robbie and I have had plenty of firsts this week as a couple. Because of the c-section, Robbie's role in caring for both Jackson and myself was elevated to epic proportions. For the first time Robbie experienced with me intense physical pain and he coached me through it. For the first time Robbie changed a diaper and loved every moment of it. For the first time Robbie witnessed a circumcision and provided comfort to his baby having the procedure and to his wife who was left crying in the hospital room. For the first time Robbie experienced the love he had for his child.
Breast feeding Jackson was something I had prepared to do and by "prepared" I mean read some books and took a class. For some it comes easily and for many others it does not. I knew it could be a challenge but felt confident in making the attempt. I had great support in the hospital and Jackson worked hard at being hungry and eager to eat. The day we were to be discharged our pediatrician informed us that Jackson had lost 11 % of his body weight and would need to be supplemented with formula. I didn't exactly feel like a failure, I knew this was a possibility and could recognize his lethargy and dry voice. He needed nourishment. I sought out more information on feeding my child and what would be best for him and made the best out of the situation. For the first time I set aside my personal desire for the needs of my child. And I am happy to say he is eating like a pro, breast and bottle, breast milk and formula.
Jackson is one week old today and for the first time I cried about my baby growing up so quickly. (I know!) We are a family of three now and I have never been happier to be married to Robbie and to have my life flipped upside down. I am emotional, tired, swollen and sore and content with my new role as Mommy.
Comments
You are a great mom to make those hard decisions that are best for Jackson, even if they weren't what you imagined. He is such a lucky little guy.
-sara