Liam Michael- 6/8/09

As many of you know I had some blood pressure issues and protein in my urine as of 36 weeks. At that point in time, my doctor wanted me to stop working and stay home and rest. So I continued to go to the doctor 2x/week, do 24 urine collections and have my BP checked often. My BP got better after being home but they were still somewhat concerned.

On Thursday, June 4 at my almost 38 week appointment, the doctor decided that I should be induced at 38 weeks. He said he wanted me to go into the hospital Sunday (6/7) at 7 pm to begin the induction process. So DH and I went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and went over to Stony Brook Hospital at 7 pm. At that point in time, I had to check in and then sent me to the ante partum area. There they took a bunch of info from me and put me and on monitors to monitor my BP and the baby’s heart rate and etc. They started me on Cervadil at around 9:15 pm. The doctors told me that it would take 12 hours for the Cervadil to take effect. So I had DH go home at around midnight and he was going to come back at 8 am. Well I tried to relax and really couldn’t because I was starting to have contractions shortly after they started the Cervadil. Then as it turns out I was lying in bed and my water broke at 3:15 am. The doctor examined me and said I was about 2 cm dilated at this point.

Once my water broke, they took me up to labor and delivery (on a different floor at SB). DH met me up at L&D at about 3:30. At this point they took the Cervadil out. Basically I was on the monitors up there and was having more intense contractions. I tried to rest but I really couldn’t. I really did use the breathing techniques that I learned at Lamaze. They were very helpful to attempt to block out the contractions. At around 4:30 the doctor examined me again and said I was 4 cm dilated. I was really contracting a lot at and they were going to give me something for pain shortly after but then they asked if I wanted the epidural now. I said yes. I got the epidural at around 6:30 am. This helped a lot.

My doctor, Dr. Soviero, arrived at about 7 am and said that I am progressing nicely and I was about 5 cm dilated at that point. At this point they made me take magnesium sulfate via IV because of the blood pressure issues (this helps to prevent seizures). It wasn’t too bad but it made me feel really hot. I was able to relax off and on at this point once the epidural was in (I absolutely loved having the epidural—it made things more bearable for me). Basically contractions continued and I was monitored continually and at around 9:30 am I was 7 cm dilated. My doctor was pretty happy with my progress because the original plan was to give me Pitocin to start the contractions at around 10 am but since my water broke earlier I didn’t need the Pitocin in the morning. The epidural probably slowed my dilation down somewhat because at around 12:30 pm I was only 8 cm dilated.

My doctor decided to give me some Pitocin at this point. The Pitocin really made the pain worse and more intense. My left side and hip was really hurting at this point. The anesthesiologist came in and gave me some more epidural medicine that was stronger. This helped for a while and I was able to rest. At around 4:30 my doctor said that I was fully dilated but the contractions had slowed down so I wasn’t quite ready to push yet. So we waited until I was ready. At around 5:20 pm I was in a lot of pain in my left side and hip again and felt like I needed to push. I began pushing with the nurse at first at around 5:30 pm. My doctor came in and I pushed for a little while longer with a lot of encouragement from DH, my doctor and the nurse. There were times when I didn’t think I could do it but I did! Liam Michael was born at 5:55 pm. He was 7 lbs and 20 inches long.

His birth was the most amazing thing. Being team green was awesome! My doctor, Dr. Soviero was amazing! She said to DH that he is going to tell me what the baby is and he is going to cut the cord. DH was totally fine with this. So DH said “It’s a boy!” and I was so excited. They put Liam on my chest right away which was awesome! They weighed Liam and then shortly after took him down to the nursery. DH went down with him for a little bit. I made it down to the women’s and children area at around 10:30 pm by the time everything was all said and done.

I have to say that all of the staff at Stony Brook were amazing! The nurses in L&D were outstanding (and I got to know 3 of them because I was up there for so long). The nurses and staff in the women’s and children area were awesome as well. The rooms are beautiful in the new area! Great views and beautiful bathrooms! The nurses were so helpful with everything from baby care to helping me feel comfortable. I had to have the IV of magnesium sulfate for 24 hours after birth which made me a little groggy and hot. So I felt much better on Tuesday once that came out and I could shower. I didn’t wear most of what I brought to the hospital. I used a gown until Tues evening. Basically I only wore my own pajamas for one night and then real clothes to go home in. The hospital gave us everything else we needed whether it was pads for me or diapers and ointment for Liam. I have nothing but rave reviews for Stony Brook!

Another tip....definitely bring your own pillows! I loved having mine instead of the hospital ones. Much more comfy! Oh and bring a pen. I had a million things but didn't have a pen. Thank god SB gave us one in a care package.


ETA pics...sorry I forgot the pics!

Message edited 6/13/2009 12:23:32 PM.

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Great birth story- lots of details - CONGRATS on your baby Liam :)

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

YEEAA! Ive, I am so happy for you!! Sorry that your dilation stalled- but you DID IT!! And what a beautiful idea for Mike to announce that Liam was a boy- OMG . That's just beautiful. I'm so glad you had a wonderful experience at Stony Brook.

Congrats!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

So glad you had such a good experience, and Liam is beautiful!

Strange question--do they provide you with toiletries in the hospital (just shampoo, soap, like a hotel)? I am packing and don't want to bother bringing soap and shampoo if they have them there.

How was the food?

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Congrats IVe! So glad you had a wonderful experience!!!


Liam!!!!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Yay! I feel so bad for you but I appreciate the honesty about what to expect....and of course I cant wait until delivery to find out the sex lol but that moment must have been so amazing for you guys! Congrats!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Posted by nov04libride

So glad you had such a good experience, and Liam is beautiful!

Strange question--do they provide you with toiletries in the hospital (just shampoo, soap, like a hotel)? I am packing and don't want to bother bringing soap and shampoo if they have them there.

How was the food?

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Posted by CaseyGirl

Yay! I feel so bad for you but I appreciate the honesty about what to expect....and of course I cant wait until delivery to find out the sex lol but that moment must have been so amazing for you guys! Congrats!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

I'm going to bug you with more questions!

Did they send you home with diapers/formula? What types did they use in the hospital?

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Checking back to see pics. He is beautiful! congrats again!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story!

Enjoy your son!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Thanks for sharing! Your little guy is so cute!!! Congratulations!!!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Fabulous birth story, Ive!! He is so handsome and I hope my birth is as great as yours!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

I got teary reading this one too!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Congratulations! Your little man is adorable!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

Thanks so much everyone!

Re: Liam Michael- 6/8/09

So happy to read this again! I have Dr. Sorviero on Monday!
Hard to believe Liam is 4 months already!