Delivering Adam was SO exciting! Doctor Cardwell, who reminds me of Bruce Willis and my Brother-in-law Jim Butts - because he's tall, bald, and amazingly calm under pressure, asked me if I wanted to do the delivery. So as the baby started to crown, I kept wondering when I was supposed to jump in. But once the head was ready to emerge, the doctor stepped back and let me ease the head out of the baby chute. Then I had to turn the head to the left and press down so that the shoulder could emerge. Once the shoulder was through, Adam just slid right out. I pulled him out the rest of the way and he laid there on the bed while the doctor suctioned his mouth to clear out the baby juice. Then I handed him to the nurse and we went over to the warmer to clean all vernix off him. He occasionally cried, but calmed down right away and just laid there.
It was an amazing experience - if any of you have a doctor who is willing to let you do the delivery - you should definitely do it! The doctor stays right there to assist (so that you don't mess up). I was rather nervous about doing it, but Doctor Cardwell was so calm and helpful that I was able to just enjoy the experience without any worries.
Adam sleeps a lot right now and doesn't really cry much - he's a very contented baby and seems rather snuggly. The kids are SO excited. Ruth refused an opportunity to go jump on the trampoline this morning so that she could protect Wanda and the baby 'from lightning'. The whole family is thrilled to have Baby Adam finally join us.
I'm off work for two weeks to help Wanda and then I'll be off every Monday and Friday to help ease her back into the normal schedule. Wanda is up and moving today (she just went to the store for blue balloons) and seems to be recovering quickly. She's sore from the after-contractions of course, but she doesn't complain. We're looking forward to her mother visiting in a few weeks.
Dan thinks you're amazingly brave, Robert! He doesn't even normally look! lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a great great story!
ReplyDeleteI have to share my favorite tip for after-delivery contractions: Arnica (homeopathic remedy available at Whole Foods). It is WONDERFUL! The midwives at the Madison Birth Center give it to all new moms. Now-I can't explain how or why it works, but it does. :)
I am just so excited. If you need anything please let me know. We are always free for a trip if you guys need any help ;)
ReplyDeleteMy second came out so quickly that my husband had his hands ready to catch her. The doctor delivered her with one glove on and it was pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteMy third was a c-section and they let my husband on the side of the curtain and pointed everything out to him, he was able to help with that delivery a little more.
When I told him that Robert was able to actually deliver Adam he was so jealous, he even considered a 4th baby just so he could try it too! :)
Awesome story, cute baby and congrats again!