Lessons from my third and final c-section

From the moment we found out we were pregnant, I knew I was scheduling a c-section. After 2 previous c-sections, they highly recommend it or maybe even require it. And I knew it was the right decision for me. But this one also got me thinking about the differences between all of my births. And let me tell you, having a planned c-section with no labor before hand made a huge difference. 

Lessons Learned

1) the night before you get a full nights sleep - or well as much sleep as you can before knowing you’ll be having an operation and welcoming a baby. 

2) the environment and feeling when you arrive at the hospital is very calm - which is what my doctor had been telling me all along. There was no urgency and no rushing. We laughed a lot. Visited with the nurses. 

3) a spinal sucks. No other way to describe it. My doctor held me in place, then the needle happened and I went numb from just below the boobs down. It was the weirdest feeling of being nauseous, out of control, and completely helpless. All feelings that I’m not good at. 

4) I got to see my baby being pulled from me. It was the most surreal thing I’ve ever witnessed. Definitely love at first sight. 

5) after the c-section, take the Benadryl! I declined and regret it. My face itched so bad that I think I almost rubbed my nose right off and made my face bright red. By Friday morning, I couldn’t figure out why my nose hurt and my fam and Ryan said I was rubbing so hard. Not a pretty site. 

6) Tylenol and Motrin are enough. With both my last c-sections I had stronger meds but with this one they changed the protocol and it worked. 

7) techs are amazing. They are kind. They are helpful. And they get right up in your business to help. 

8) get up and start moving as soon as they let you. I had been in a bed for more than 12 hours and felt nasty. So the tech helped me up and to the bathroom. And then the next day I got to take a shower. Once the cathedor was out, I had to keep getting up to use the bathroom. I also could walk around the room. I then was able to walk out of the hospital by myself - no wheel chair. It wasn’t fast but I did it.

9) wear a belly band. I also never knew about this last time. But since I was coughing so much after they nurse worried about my stitches. So I started wearing it the day after and what a difference it made. It gave me support and helped so much. Within days my belly started to shrink. And a few more days I fit back into my pre-pregnancy leggings.

10) it’s still going to hurt. There are questions about it. Take your time recovering and don’t overdo it. 

All in all, a planned c-section made for a great 3rd baby. 

Introducing Nora Ryan

On February 20, 2020, Ryan and I welcomed our third baby girl - Nora Ryan. A perfect bundle of joy at 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and 20 inches long. With long fingers and long toes and a little hair on her perfect little head. 

It was a great day and moments I’ll never forget. Watching the doctor pull Nora from me through a new trap window on the drape. Seeing the girls faces when they met their new sister. Holding Nora in my arms. Ryans cold hand on my arm while they operated. Hearing Nora cry for the first time after they cleared her throat and nose. Finally giving her a name. 

Getting prepped for the big delivery 

All ready in the operating table


Meeting my sweet baby girl


Perfect toes


Meeting the big sisters 


Our family of 5


Changing the first diaper 

She’s perfect!

‘Twas the night before becoming 5

Dear Baby Delaney #3

Crazy to think in 12 hours, we’ll arrive at the hospital and get prepped for you to entire this world.  We prayed for you for so long that it’s hard to imagine you are almost here. I loved you long before I knew you existed and will love you forever. 

Your sisters are so excited to meet you and have told everyone about you. Lola’s class is having the question of the day if you are a boy or girl. Gretas teacher has been counting days with her. I just love it. You are going to love them. 

Your dad is super excited to meet you as well and will always protect you and love you. 

And I am so anxious, nervous, happy, scared, pretty much every emotion you can imagine - I am feeling right now. It’s been 4 1/2 years since we’ve had a newborn so take it easy on me. And we’ve all been so sick that I pray I can keep you safe and healthy. But I’m ready to meet you and hold you. So until we meet tomorrow, I pray God will guide us and keep us safe through everything. 

Love you lots and lots, 

Mommy