Happy Birth Day, Simon

Simon Robert (AKA Burt Reynolds)
11/16/10, 4:24 AM
8 lbs 4 oz, 20 inches



This is the only photo I have for now. We've taken plenty, but it's been a crazy 72+ hours. I'll hopefully be able to update soon with some more pictures and a very detailed birth story. You guys know how I like the details.

A few words about the birth: I wish I could say that I did end up with a VBAC, but Simon had other plans. I did go into labor on my own, slept through my entire early labor (about six hours), and then labored for 21 more hours (I think) without meds. I had two pushing stages: the first was two hours and the second was six. It was determined pretty late in the game that Simon was posterior, and while we made every effort to get him into an anterior position, progress was so slow that I ended up being completely exhausted and unable to go on. We transferred to the hospital, where I had a repeat C-section. I was able to be awake for it, which made the experience so much better.

My recovery hasn't been the easiest in the world. My bladder got nicked during the surgery (due to scar tissue from my first C-section), and so I'm still catheterized. We're hoping to get that out tomorrow. It's been waaaaaaaaay too much fun trying to get up and walking again while dealing with a catheter. It isn't a big deal, really, just one of those pain in the ass things. I've also had a major headache for the last 48 hours, probably due to muscle tension/exhaustion/stress. It's pretty much the worst headache I've ever had. So if you combine the sexy catheter with general C-section recovery and the headache from hell, yeah, I could be feeling better.

On the up side, Simon is doing really great at nursing. And emotionally, both Roy and I are doing really well. Even though I ended up with another C-section, I really did give a VBAC my all, and there wasn't a whole lot more that I could've done to change the outcome. All I ever really wanted was an empowered birth, and that's exactly what I had. I have no regrets. I think I kicked ass, actually.

And Simon is an amazing baby. I had forgotten just how sweet and floppy newborns are. He's just wonderful. We're completely smitten.

Thank you so much for all your support and love and good thoughts. xoxo