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Chisako checked
into the hospital on Sunday, the day before, expecting to be given
Oxytocin to induce the labor as we were hoping for a delivery on Monday using a
epidural. Turned out her contractions had started exactly on time
without the artificial hormone. Of course her labor continued during the night,
but as it was not too painful Chisako was able to get just a little bit of
sleep. We even managed to sneak out of the hospital to get a bite in a
restaurant nearby.
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the morning the contractions were getting a bit more serious and Chisako was
given drugs through a injection into her spinal cord (epidural).
This helped a great amount as she was not having too much pain and was
still able to communicate and help pushing. Also two sensors were attached to
her belly to measure her contractions and the fetal heartbeat. It is amazing to
hear the quick heartbeat of the baby |
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echo through the room. Just after noon we went into the
delivery room were it looked like it would be a quick affair. At one moment
there was a bit of panic when the fetal heartbeat seemed to be extremely low,
indicating distress, possibly due to low oxygen levels. But as the heartbeat
was exactly half of what it was before, for me it looked like the baby had
moved and the sensor was only picking up half the beats. After the sensor was
readjusted the heartbeat was 'back' to normal. Quite disturbing to see how easy
it can be to misinterpret a reading with possible severe consequences like a
unnecessary cesarian.
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After
this little episode though Elisabeth was still not
getting out. A nurse even climbed on Chisako's belly to help pushing. I
was afraid that het head was too big, a Oskamp family trait, but with the
help of an echo it turned out she could not turn because the umbilical cord was
around her neck. Quickly a more senior doctor was called for a second opinion,
but it was clear that Chisako needed a cesarian. She was rushed into the
operating room. I was told to wait outside.
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She is sleeping already
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It
took about 20 very long minutes until Elisabeth came through the doors.
Quiet, with her eyes open she was looking at her new world with great
curiosity. And you know how fathers always dote on their daughters? Well, I am
just learning what it means to be a parent, but I am afraid I will have to
watch out not to spoil Elisabeth already. Chisako came out of surgery shortly
after and considering the trauma from attempted delivery and the cesarian she
was doing well. I put Elisabeth on her breast and she started feeding
immediately.
The
next day Chisako developed a 40 degree fever and it took a few days to fight
back the infections that were trying to take advantage of her weakened immune
system. These were long days and nights, but luckily Chisako is strong. And the
nurses at the hospital were great, helping out with every little thing, smiling
while encouraging us to get through these difficult hours and not getting upset
finding me sleeping in the middle of the night on the hospital room floor
next to Chisako. After a week Chisako and Elisabeth were strong enough to come
home where Chisako's mother was waiting for us.
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I am writing this Elisabeth is three weeks old already. My mother has flown in
from Holland for the occasion. And on this Christmas Day sitting here
surrounded by three generations of women I am wishing you a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year as well. |
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