Birth Story

*This isn't going to be particularly poetic or well written, just a written account of little Owen's entry into this world.

On Friday, October 16, I had really itchy skin and my feet were still extremely swollen. Mum was concerned and told me to call the midwife on-call, which I did. I explained my symptoms, and she told me to go to a lab for a blood test, which I did. I was told to expect the results the following morning. By Saturday, October 17 at noon, I still hadn't heard anything, so I called again. After phone tag, the midwife on-call told me to go to Assessment at BC Women's Hospital and pack an overnight bag "just in case" as there was protein in my urine and other abnormalities.

Adam and I, along with mum and dad, hightailed it to the hospital, where I was hooked up to fetal monitors and had more blood tests. After 4 hours, they decided that my blood pressure was high enough and my blood tests were abnormal enough that induction was a step in the right direction.

Long story short, two induction attempts with Cervadil (failed) and one induction attempt with Oxytocin (failed), horrendously painful cervical checks from which I never thought I'd recover, a doctor who thought I had had an epidural for the uterus contraction monitor, and rupture of my membranes all happened by the morning of Monday, October 19. Mum and I had been pushing for a C-section for hours, as we both felt this was where it was going.

By 11:53 a.m. on Monday, Owen was born by C-section. I was left in Recovery by myself for a few hours and then joined Adam and Owen in our private room.

24 hours later (Tuesday, October 20), I started projectile vomiting and became delirious (later found out to be the cause of dehydration). I had two IVs, blood tests taken from my still-swollen feet, I was rambling about dead men in the water (?), my kidneys weren't functioning properly, my blood pressure was high...It was scary. I don't remember much.

I had a team of doctors and nurses look after me, and by Wednesday I was on the mend. It was on this day that I was told I had had pre-eclampsia (undiagnosed by my midwives despite me telling them for weeks that I had extremely swollen feet, protein in my urine on more than one occasion, and abnormally high bp). I later found out my placenta and amniotic fluid were infected, causing Owen to be on antibiotics for the first three days of life. Thankfully, he's fine now. I also lost a litre of blood during the C-section.

Basically, I didn't trust my gut and didn't listen to Adam or my parents regarding the lack of care shown by my midwives. I suspected something was wrong for weeks, but trusted them and their repeated mantra of "It's normal, it's normal, it's normal."

This really isn't well written, but it needs to be written down, for my sake. I would not go back to a midwife if I were to become pregnant again. There's no point in should haves or would haves. I wish I had been listened to and sent for tests. I wish I would have listened to myself!

I'm not going to wallow and feel sorry for myself or brood about the fact that I am recovering from a C-section, taking care of a newborn, and being followed by Internal Medicine and prescribed Adalat, iron tablets, and antibiotics. We are so lucky to have family and friends who have been so good to us, so kind, so caring.

I haven't decided if I will contact SCBP regarding what happened to me. I'm sure there's a lawsuit in there somewhere, but to be honest, I want to spend this time getting to know Owen, figuring out how to be a mum, and taking it easy. I don't want to worry myself with what happened.

Owen Douglas Simpkins

Please meet my son, Owen Douglas Simpkins, born October 19, 2009, at 11:53 a.m. via C-section, weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs 1 oz. No, I did not have gestational diabetes.

His birth story will have to wait for another day. I'm learning how to be a mum, and it's quite overwhelming. Of course I knew life would be different, but you're really not prepared for it, no matter how many times people tell you. 360 degrees in a minute.

He's quite the little man, and I'm finally enjoying the time to get to know him.

39 weeks

Hi Baby,

This is what your mummy looks like at 39 weeks and 1 day.

While waiting for your arrival, she has been admiring the changing of the leaves and wondering when you're going to make your appearance. Today she went to Cafe Medina and yummed out on the best breakfast ever - lavender latte, cassoulet, and a warm waffle with fig compote. Definitely not a baby-friendly cafe, which is why she visited sooner than later.

Daddy is busy building your swing and dreaming of napping with you. Last night we thought you were going to show up - lots of contractions - but nothing happened.

Grandma has been so busy knitting up a storm for you. Yesterday she brought over the most recent finished creation, what you'll be coming home from the hospital in.

Grandma found special vintage buttons for your sweater, and the fish are especially special - daddy loves the ocean and grandma made sure to include these fish buttons.

Huh?

Finally packed the hospital bag and just realized we will be coming home with a baby. A baby!

New Dimension

Today is my last day at work, which is bittersweet. The last few weeks have been tough because of my swollen feet and general heaviness, but I truly enjoy my job.

The same week I started this job, I found out I was pregnant. Starting a new job that I love while preparing for the biggest life change possible has been somewhat challenging and a little bit messy. I'm not sure how I'm going to like being at home for a year but am certain that it will bring many new obstacles and opportunities for growth as a wife, daughter, woman, and mum.

Sole to Soul

My feet are now so swollen that these Lady's Cosyfeet (Model "Poppy") may be the only thing I can wear over the next two weeks! Thank goodness they come in a range of colours, including fuscia!

Perfect Autumn Day

So happy the baby will be born during our favourite season.