As some may have seen on Instagram, we welcomed our sweet baby boy into the world on July 10th. He’s still currently in the NICU, and I wanted to take a minute to write his birth story while everything is clear in my mind.
On Thursday, July 9th, I went in for my normal weekly appointment. I had just been feeling “off” that week, so I knew something was up. Doc had ordered another growth scan, so while I was in having that done, the ultrasound tech told me his head measurements were way behind schedule around 35 weeks. Most of his other measurements were on-target, but that one was really lagging.
I knew something was wrong. The doctor said he had plateaued with his growth, and that his environment was not conducive for him anymore, and that he thought it was time to have a baby. Not in the next week — I was admitted to the hospital that night, with the plan of induction in the morning.
They gave me Cervidel to get the contractions going. Apparently I had already been contracting, but just wasn’t feeling it — at this point I was just about 1 cm dilated. At around 10pm, my water broke. Sheffield was coming — he wasn’t waiting to be induced the next morning. They started Pitocin, and I quickly progressed to 6cm. At this point, I asked for the epidural — which was amazing, and I’d do again in a heart beat. The doctor promised a long Friday, and that I’d need my rest. Contractions at 6cm are no joke — and I was done with all of that.
At about 830 in the morning, the doctor came back in, and explained that every time I was contracting, Sheffield’s heart rate would drop. And that that had been going on pretty much all night. We were told that he wasn’t going to last 6-8 more hours in labor, and it was time to go on and have a baby. We were scheduled in for a C-section immediately, and Sheffield was born at 9:14 Friday morning.
Everything went so fast — we really didn’t even have time to process that we were in fact having a baby and were about to be parents.
Sheffield was born small at 5 pounds, 3 ounces. He had gotten himself wrapped in the cord, and that had stunted his growth. After birth, his glucose level was really low, so they had to put him in the NICU for observation. He also developed jaundice and low platelet count. It was a few really rough days for us and for him.
As we speak right now, his glucose levels are great, jaundice level has dropped and his platelets aren’t the greatest, but they’re improving. We will get to take him home with us on Tuesday and for that, I couldn’t be more thankful.
Obviously, I won’t have to explain a brief absence from the blog, but I wanted to get this all out while it was fresh in my mind.
I hope y’all have a great week.
First of all, congratulations!! He’s beautiful. Secondly, hang in there. It gets easier, I know everyone says that, but I’m living testament. I had two NICU babies, a pair of blood transfusions for myself–plus a stay at a children’s hospital–and we’ve made it. You are going to be amazed at what your mind and body does once y’all get home.
I can’t believe he is here and that you are a mommy!!!! You have a very handsome little man there, and I have no doubt that he is going to be just fine! I can see the look of joy and pride in your eyes in that picture. It makes me all kinds of emotional. I know you cant wait to go home Tuesday and introduce him to Stella and get settled in. You let me know when you are ready for visitors 🙂
Oh my goodness, he is beautiful!!! Congratulations, momma, so happy for you! I’m so sorry it was rough for a few days there, but so glad to hear he is doing much better! Cheers!! 🙂
He’s so handsome! I’m so happy for you both! The same thing happened with my Godson, but they didn’t realize the cord had wrapped around his neck until labor started. He wasn’t handling contractions well, but he was strong enough to continue on and she ended up not having to have a c-section. Like Sheffield, he was born small at 5 Lbs. 11 Oz. I know labor must have been very overwhelming for you, but I’m so happy to hear that mom and baby are both doing great! Even better news to hear is that he is coming home tomorrow! YAY!!! Let me know when yall get good and settled and are ready for a warm dinner to be brought over. 🙂
WOW! What a gorgeous lil guy. So happy for you guys. Next thing you know, he will be driving =)
Wow! You’re a mommy! He is so precious. Congratulations. I’m sorry that his birth was so stressful and quick, I can’t imagine the storm of emotions you must have been feeling these past few days. That must have been so hard and overwhelming. I”m glad that he is here and that everyone is doing well. That’s great news that you can take him home on Tuesday! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to hear more about Sheffield.
Such an amazing gift from God! I was 5 lbs 11 ounces when I was born with the cord wrapped around my neck. It just means he is strong and isn’t going to let anything get in his way. Praying for him and for your healing too. Thanks for taking the time to share your blog.
awww!!! congrats girl. he is so precious.
i am sorry it was a rough few days. that really is so scary. all that matters is baby is here safe and sound, and you all get to go home soon. he is adorable, and amazing, and please send more photos. haha. congrats seriously, and hope all goes well tomorrow!