A Birth Story
January 5th, 2009 § 10 Comments
Sofia Amelie Pajalic was born Monday 29 December 2008 at 9.46 pm, 51 cm and 3.740 kg to Amra and Fikret Pajalic.
While giving birth wasn’t easy, I’d take it any day of the week over being pregnant. I thought I’d be squeamish about the whole process but I was so desperate not to be pregnant that every medical procedure that brought me closer to the end result was greeted with joy and every medical professional like a long-lost friend.
I had to be induced because of the gestational diabetes and being on insulin. I had the induction booked for nearly 2 weeks before, but wasn’t telling anyone the date because I didn’t want them asking on the day.
When I got in on Monday I’d already dilated to 1 cm so they didn’t do the gels and instead broke my water. By 1 pm I hadn’t had any contractions so they put me on the drip. By 6 pm I’d only dilated to 3 cm and we were all disheartened. I was using gas throughout the labour and it was wonderful. I’ve never been high and apparently I was a riot with my best friend Veronica and husband having a good giggle. The gas mostly worked and toward the end when it didn’t, at least it gave me something to focus on.
Then I had the worst hour of my life where pain just kept coming at me in waves and I nearly blacked out 3 times. I was asking for an epidural because I was fading. I had a pethadine but couldn’t take it anymore.
Just when the midwife paged the anaesthologist she did another examination and I was fully dilated. I started pushing and 90 minutes later I was so close but she wouldn’t come out. They ended up using the vacuum and two pushes later she was out. The feeling of having her yanked out was so bloody wonderful. It signaled an end to my ordeal and not even the half an hour needed to stitch me up could put a dampener on my spirits.
The first week has been challenging. Getting used to each other and figuring out different things. I had some trouble breastfeeding because I wasn’t attaching her properly and hurt my nipples so ended up expressing for 24 hours. I gave her formula twice while I was in hospital because I was stressing she wasn’t getting enough milk. I’ve had her on the breast now for about four days and am figuring out the rhythm of her feeds. Trying not to feed on demand and rather do a schedule but realising she needs a bit more milk than that.
I had trouble figuring out how to sleep. Fikret was taking care of her while I went to sleep but I couldn’t switch off. Last night I tried co-sleeping and it’s worked well. I had the best sleep I’ve had since she was born.
Otherwise things are great. Fikret and I have always worked as a team doing things around the house, but now he’s been doing all the housework (at least one load of washing a day) etc while I take care of baby. I don’t know what I would have done without him. The last few days I’ve been able to enjoy her a little more.
It’s been uncomfortable because of the stitches (I had to be cut because of the vacuum) but it hasn’t been too painful. The sleep depravation isn’t pleasant, but I finally had a better sleep last night so feeling a little more in control. Could use some more sleep, especially since she’s been down for a while but I’ll get the hang of using every minute of her being down.
Sofia had a bit of jaundice for the first few days but thankfully it was mild. Exposure to sunlight and frequent feeds have flushed it out of her system. She looks pretty pink now so I think she’s completely over it.
Congrats to you and Fikret, Amra! Sofia is beautiful. Sounds like you’ve all been settling in alright. Enjoy and grab whatever sleep you can.
She’s lovely, Amra! What a journey—and what a prize! Long may you bond, over books and other things starting with ‘b’! Best wishes and a very wonderful 2009 to you and the family. Judith
Congratulations, Amra and Fikret! What a beautiful family you make and what a great start to the new year. Also: co-sleeping was my salvation, too.
Enjoy!
What a relief! Have been checking in every day hoping for some news.
So happy your ordeal is over and that eveything turned out ok.
Such lovely photos of the new family. Thanks for posting them.
Hugs and kisses all around!
She’s beautiful Amra! Congratulations – what a way to start the year. Glad you and Sofia are doing well.
[...] And I’d tag Amra, except I imagine she’s far too busy. Congratulations on the safe arriv… [...]
Thanks everyone. This week I’m finally able to enjoy her. Been getting some sleep during the night so feel more human and having some fun moments. She’s a week old and she’s already changed so much. The Maternal and Child Health Nurse checked her out yesterday and she’s a little chubber baby who’s put on 200g weight in a week. She’s got little chubby rolls and chipmunk cheeks. It’s funny, but I’m falling in love more and more every day.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
She is so beautiful! Congratulations Amra and Fikret!
Can’t wait to meet her, after seeing her give mum such a hard time most of last year:)
She’s beautiful. And she looks like her mother…
Congratulations sweetheart.