Originally, #24 on My Chesapeake List was to make my own wine at Carafe. Guess what? They went out of business! So, without changing my list too much, I will just make one substitution. I want to write about giving birth at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.
This journey began back in March when I found out I was pregnant. I was out playing Bunco and remember being extremely tired. I didn't want to eat dessert, I didn't want to play...I just wanted to sleep! The next day I took a Dollar Tree pregnancy test and those double pink lines popped up FAST. I immediately started the search for an OBGYN. My coworkers recommended Drs. Powers, Linder, and Rector with Total Care for Women. I had to meet with each one of them before I could pick one to be my doctor. I chose Dr. Rector to oversee the last few weeks of my pregnancy, but switched to Dr. Linder towards the end for reasons I will expand on in the next paragraph.
My pregnancy was filled with nausea, heartburn, weight loss, sleep deprivation, and hypertension. The nausea went away at the end of first trimester. Heartburn reared its ugly head in 3rd trimester, but I was able to counteract it with TUMS and Zantac. I did lose 10 pounds at the beginning of the pregnancy and kept it off until the last month when I was put on bed rest. Also, sleep deprivation was another problem I had from 2nd trimester through the end. I had to take half a Unisom every night to get my rest. All of these problems paled in comparison to the problems I had with hypertension. First, they changed my meds for something that was safe for pregnancy. I was able to stay on that medication and dosage for most of the pregnancy. During my 3rd trimester, things got crazy. I was stressed out about anything and everything (who would cover my classes at school, how would we survive with a newborn, how would this work financially, etc) which caused my blood pressure to rise. The doctors changed my meds, upped my dosage, and ordered me to do weekly non-stress tests. It was during this time that I met with Dr. Linder. I was put on bed rest at 36 weeks and was frustrated that I would have to wait at least another month before having this baby. Dr. Linder, unlike Dr. Rector, was comfortable with the idea of inducing me at 39 weeks. I was so happy that I wouldn't have to waste too much of my maternity leave just sitting around with no baby to show for it.
On Tuesday, November 5, my husband and I went out for our "last supper" as a childless couple. We had a delicious meal at Texas Roadhouse and then headed to the hospital to start the induction process. Showing up to the hospital to be induced is a lot like checking into a hotel. We walked calmly into the hospital with our suitcase and pillows, took the elevator to Labor and Delivery, and checked in at Registration. Once I got into the room, changed my clothes, and got into bed, the "fun" started. I got an IV, hooked up to monitors, and was given drugs to thin out my cervix.
The next morning, they started me on Pitocin. Dr. Powers was on call and he broke my water. This caused my contractions to intensify, so I was given an epidural. That was heaven! I was able to progress from 1 to 4 cm pain free. However, the baby's heart rate dropped and doctors rushed into the room. I was turned on my side and put on oxygen. I could only see my husband's face as he was standing up against a wall looking scared and clueless. The baby's heart rate did improve, but not enough to satisfy my doctor, so I was sent to the OR for a c- section. I remember telling my husband that once the baby was born he should go with her to take pictures, be with her during those first few moments, etc. However, I totally freaked out on the OR table and wouldn't let him leave my side. The next thing I remember is waking up as the doctors were finishing sewing me up. I had been put to sleep after the baby was born and (according to my husband) was snoring on the OR table. Afterwards, I was wheeled into recovery, given pain meds, and was able to hold my daughter for the first time.
Once I was stable, I was moved to my own room on the maternity ward. This is where things got hectic for me. On one hand I was elated to be a new mom, receive visitors, and bond with my baby. On the other hand, my recovery and adjustment to motherhood was not so smooth. I have never been a patient in a hospital, so I didn't know what to expect. I was visited by doctors, nurses, consultants, and other staff at all hours of the day and night. The nurses were awesome in taking care of me and my baby. However, I just didn't have a moment's peace to calm down. This didn't help my blood pressure at all. I was also trying to get the hang of breast feeding. I tried for about a week before my husband and I decided to exclusively formula feed. Breast feeding in the hospital as a new mom is a stressful experience. You want to do it and you feel all this pressure to do it right. Even with the help of the Lactation Consultants, I couldn't get my baby to latch on my right side nor could I produce much on that side.
We stayed at CRMC from Tuesday night thru Saturday late afternoon. I was never so happy to bust out of a place in all my life. However, I was also scared to do so. I was leaving 24/7 care. I was going to be on my own to figure out this whole painting thing.
It's been two weeks since my baby was born and things have calmed down. I go to my doctor tomorrow to check my blood pressure (which I believe has improved since I have been home) and talk about things. I'm more at ease about taking care of my daughter. I believe that the doctors and staff at the hospital had a huge role in making sure I started my new life as a mother off on the right foot.
My review/suggestions:
1. The hospital food is delicious! Enjoy the room service too.
2. Don't be afraid to ask questions or be your own advocate. They will work with you.
3. Be courteous and respectful to the staff. They work long hours in taking care of you and your baby. A little kindness goes a long way.
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