4 Weeks Old

Naptime

Hanging with Daddy

Party Time

First Bath at Home

First Days at Home

Going Home!

Time at the Hospital

We spent 3 long days in the hospital after Mia was born - but they were a fun bonding time. The doctor wanted to keep me until Saturday, but I negotiated a Friday evening release.

Mia's Birthday!

Much earlier than expected, Mia made her appearance on July 3rd, 2007 at 12:35pm weighing 6 lbs 1.5 oz and measuring 18.5 inches. I went to my routine 36-week doctor appointment on July 2nd, and due to high blood pressure (165/85) the doctor had me admitted to the hospital for observation. While there I was hooked to monitors and had my blood pressure checked every 15 minutes along with Mia's heartbeat. Everything seemed fine, that is until they did the ultrasound. I was very concerned that Mia was breech, and even though the doctor didn't agree, they decided to do an ultrasound to make sure. What they found changed everything. Not only was she breech, but the ultrasound showed a tear in the amnion (the inner layer of the amniotic sac). These types of tears create bands that can attach to the baby and disfigure or even kill in some cases (known as Amniotic Band Syndrome). The ultrasound could not tell when the tear occurred or what kind of damage may have already been done, but the specialist strongly advised me to have an immediate C-section. My doctor agreed, so after much thought and research, we opted for the C-section. I was concerned over her development at 36 weeks, but was assured that 95% of girl babies born at this age do very well (not needing assistance with breathing or other life functions). I wanted so much to have a natural, vaginal birth, but her health was the most important thing, so we made the decision. Tuesday morning I was prepped for surgery, including an IV, epidural and catheter (yuck!). At 12:15 I was wheeled into surgery and by 12:35pm I heard little Mia crying from the table. The sound of her cry brought tears to my eyes, and I started crying so much while the doctors sewed me up. I wanted so much to hold her, but I had to wait. The best news of the day was that the amniotic band syndrome had not damaged Mia. However, her nose was quite squished to the right, a result of her breech position. With this news, I knew we had done the right thing by getting her out immediately. I had a feeling that she was unable to move in the womb, but the doctors didn't believe me. I learned at that moment to trust my instincts, they had been right all along.

After all was done I was wheeled into the recovery room where Jarda and Mia were waiting for me. I watched as Mia got her first bath and Jarda took pictures. It was a beautiful time, even though I felt beaten up. Returning to my room was great because I really got to spend some time with my new family. We were joined by Pam, my doula, who helped with breastfeeding and other things I needed. Mia is still having some problems with breastfeeding, but that's normal for a preemie, and we are working them out. Here are some photos from the exciting day:

Mia Noelle Kret is here!

I don't have time to update everything that has happened here right now, but here is a link to photos, and I'll be back with the full birth story soon.

http://s118.photobucket.com/albums/o88/michellekretova/Mia/

My Day/Night at the Hospital - 36 weeks 1 day

A lot happened yesterday, so here is a very quick update. Office exam yesterday showed that I'm 1cm dilated, 80% effaced, and contracting (even though I didn't realize it). More news:

1. BP was 165/85 - so automatic admittance to hospital for blood work and 24 urine collection - still being monitored

2. Had a scan of my legs for Deep Vein Thrombosis - everything A-OK (was a concern because one calf was bigger than the other)

3. Had an ultrasound of Mia - bad news - she is breech still (I knew it even though the doctors disagreed!) - worse news - doctor noticed amniotic bands (amniotic band syndrome) - can cause disfigurement and other bad things - but u/s technology not good enough to tell any further details of when the tear in the membrane occurred and what damage we could already be looking at. Big chance that the condition can only get worse the longer she is inside and growing bigger. This condition rules out the doctors trying to turn the breech baby over.

4. Specialist strongly recommends immediate C-section - doctor agrees. Told them I wasn't ready last night, but after doing some research and talking with my doula, we feel it is the safest thing to do right now. So it looks like I'm having a baby today.

Doc thinks Mia will be fine as most 36 weekers do well (especially girls). I hope the amniotic bands haven't caused her any trouble - will have to wait to see (scary, but trying not to think about it too much).

So I'll update you as soon as I can. I have been grieving a bit over not having the option of a natural vaginal birth - but it looks like I don't have much choice - and Mia's health is most important.