On Tuesday morning, after about 3 hours of sleep and a late night dinner of 5 Guys Burgers, we headed out for Baptist Hospital at 4:15 am. When we arrived, there were 2 people in front of us at the registration desk who were in active labor, so we had to wait a few minutes to get checked in. We received our hospital bracelets and were sent to the waiting room, where my mom, dad, sister Maggie and Uncle Bob were waiting for us.
At about 6 am, they led me back to a room where I changed into my gown and received my IV. Ouch. After what felt like a billion questions from the nurse Donna, they hooked me up to a fetal monitor where I could hear Max's little heartbeat for the very last time before he was born.
The anesthesiologist, Dr Hollowell, came in to speak to us about the spinal block and then my family was allowed in to see us.
At 7 am, they wheeled me into the operating room. Shane had to wait outside while they gave me the spinal block. Bryan was my nurse anesthetist (which I still have trouble saying) and Lonnie was Dr. Piper's first surgical assistant. Lonnie tried to distract me with some of his new iPhone apps while Bryan administered the spinal block, which wasn't as bad as the IV had been. It was a very bizarre sensation to feel one's butt and legs go numb in just a few seconds. As the spinal began to take effect, I found it very hard to breathe. But, Shane walked in the door and I felt instantly better. They began the surgery at 7:14 am.
After what seemed like 3 seconds, I felt tugging and pulling, heard Dr. Piper grunting with the effort of getting Max out, and then I heard the sounds of the OR staff telling me that Max was here. He was born at 7:23 am. He was whisked away to the heated table and I heard his little cry for the first time. He was perfectly healthy and strong, so Shane was able to hold him and I was able to see him. He was so beautiful, I can't even describe it. After a few minutes, Shane carried him to the nursery and they closed me up. I was so tired that I fell asleep on the table.
The surgery was not bad at all, just a little scary. And, it was the right decision. Max had tied a knot in the cord and it was wrapped around his shoulders. Plus, the fact that he was 9lb, 1/2 oz was a big factor. It was a very happy experience.
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