Brenna Raine's birth story

[AZsungal]

Hi everyone,

Brenna Raine was welcomed last Wed, May 10th at 4:06 PM. : )

Here is a short version of the birth story:

On May 4th, my water broke in the early morning. My DH and I went immediately to the hospital thinking that we were going to have a teeny tiny premie at 29 wks. But, after getting checked into the hospital, they discovered that I wasn't dialated.

So, I made it thru a 48 hour steroid treatment (for Brenna's lung development) and 4 nights of very, very painful contractions...they hurt more when there's no fluid there...and then I delivered her on May 10th. I was on complete bed confinement the whole time, bed pan included. BTW, everyone was right. I was beyond tired after many nights of sleep deprivation and, of course, weak after 6.5 months of HG, but pushing her out was a breeze. I only pushed twice and out she came : )

Brenna was born at 30 wks and 2 days. She's in the NICU still of course, and will most likely remain there until her expected due date of 7/17. We are very, very sad to not have her with us, but are happy that she is getting the best care possible in our area. They call her the "30 wk super star" in the ward because she needs no supplemental oxygen support. But, she does have a PICC line and an NG tube and some gastric problems. It's quite ironic because these are the same treatments I was trying to avoid. The docs have no clue as to why my water broke so my theory is that Brenna, thru God, decided to take her turn and share the pain with me.

I decided to breast feed after all so my life now consists of round the clock breast pumping. It sucks (no pun intended). I'm so sleep deprived I'm delirious...getting about 4-5 hours of sleep a night. I've resorted to naps, which normally, I would never do. Even then, I'm lucky to get just an hour in.

On a positive note, my stomach feels so much better that I can almost say I'm HG free forever!! I went cold turkey off my tummy meds, not recommended, but litterally, I just couldn't keep track of when I needed to take them after Brenna was born. I think that what discomfort I'm feeling now is mainly due to hormones and lack of sleep. It feels SOOOOO good to be almost "normal" again.

Can someone please let me know how to post pics on the site? I have pics to share, but I cannot get them to be the res that is required, and I don't know how to load them.

I want to send out HUGE thanks and hugs, hugs, hugs to all of you who helped me get through my HG experience. I couldn't have done it without you. Once things settle down a bit in my life, I will be an advocate on this site, helping out other HGers. No one can understand how hard it is until you've lived thru it. (please ignore the ticker below...I need to change it when I have time).

God bless all of you,

[Proudmama]

Kendra,
Congratulations on your new little girl and being almost HG free. I am happy that she is doing so well for being born so early. How much did she weigh?

Hugs,
Jamie

[Atsie]

Kendra,
That is awesome! I am glad she and you are doing well. Thank you for sharing. As for pictures you can get a www.photobucket.com account and after you upload your pictures you copy the [IMG] code (the bottom one) and past it in your message.
If all else fails you can email it to me and I can upload them!

I am so happy for you all.

[Babyontheway]

Congratulations Kendra! I'm glad that your little one is doing okay.

[mshellebean27]

Kendra, I can't wait to hear how much she weighs and how long she is... I can't wait to see her... I am sorry you are not getting so much sleep and the puming all the time is a hassle.. Things will get a little better once you get use to it... Happy HG free days!!!! I am so, so jelouse!!!! Miss you, Michelle

[bratty477]

Kendra,

Congratulations!!!!! I'm so glad that your little Brenna is doing so well in the NICU. Really hoping for a fast recovery!!!

[anna8660]

BIG congrats!!
I am glad she is doing so well, she IS a superstar because her mommy is too!!

Cant wait to see her,

Good for you too that you are breastfeeding, did you know God adjust our milk when the baby is early so they continue to get what they need, she is a lucky girl!

[BrandiJK]

Oh Kendra!!!!! I have tears for you! Tears that your HG ordeal is at an end, and tears your little girl is in the hospital.

Congrats to you! Please keep us updated on her growth, sending prayers to you and your family.

You did it mama!! Such a battle you had, and you did it!!!

[nomore]

(((((((((((((((((((((KENDRA)))))))))))))))))))

Congrats to you for being HG free. Im sorry this has been so very rough for you.

My 2nd daughter was a preemie- 34 weeker..... she spent 14 days in the NICU.... you have my sympathies.... its very draining emotionally and physically. They told me Katie could be in there till her due date, but she was fine to come home after 14 days. There was a 30 weeker who went home at 34 weeks... so she may not need to stay till her due date... it all depends.

Katie also had a PICC and was on TPN, and had an NG tube. She will get past this... thier little tummies have to get used to having food in them and how to digest it.... it can take a while (since techincally she should still be developing and not "eating" this way).

BTW- at 4 1/2 months you cant even tell by looking at her that she was premature.... she is right on track in all ways... she is almost 13 pounds, and is even on track with her cognitive and physical development (which they told me could be delayed by the # of weeks she was early).

PM if you want to talk.....

Lots of love to you

Robin

[bibliojo]

Wow! Congratulations Kendra! I hope your little girl grows strong quickly so she can go home with you as soon as she can. It can't be easy making trips back and forth to the hospital! I hope you regain your strength quickly too.

Joanna

[Cin]

As I said on the third tri board.... congrats on your daughter's arrival. So sorry she is early and needs NICU. but so, so glad you are almost HG-free!

I can't express how happy I am for you! Look what you did! You did it! We knew you could! So very, very proud of you!

As for BFing and pumping.... yikes, that must be exhausting. My boys were full-term and good BFers. When I did pump (for work), I found looking at a pic of the baby always helped get more milk.

Congrats, and prayers for Brenna's quick arrival home!

[IslandDreamer]

(((Kendra)))

Congratulations!!!!!

I've been wondering how you and Brenna were doing. I'm thrilled that she is hanging in there strong like her Mama, but I am sorry she is in the NICU.

I am so very proud of you and all you endured to bring that gorgeous girl into your family.

I can't wait to see her picture.

Love,
Suzanne

[rjdecker]

(((((Kendra))))))

You sound so much better, even though you are tired! I am so glad you are almost HG free! You did it! Keeping little Brenna in my prayers! Can't wait to see pics!

Jenny

[Hurlygirl]

Many, many congratulations for bringing your little girl into the world. I hope she can come out of special care before your due date and that you can rest more in the coming days and weeks. Outstanding that you are almost HG free. Go woman!

Best

Lisa

[Natalie]

HUGE congrats Kendra. You mafe it!!!

Hope your little girl is home safe and sound with you soon.

Love Natalie, x

[HelenA]

OMG!! How on earth did I miss this! Congrats Kendra, and I can't wait to see pics of your darling girl.

[m.ij05]

YAY!!! Kendra! I'm so glad that things are great with you and your family. I can't wait to see a pic!

[caleighbelle47]

Congrats. My John was a preemie too. The pumping while they're in the NICU is sooo hard. I couldn't believe how tired I was. That's awsome that she's not needing oxygen though. I hope her NICU stay is short and uneventful.

[krisalis]

Yea Kendra!

I was so surprised to see your post. I'm so happy for you ! Here's to being HG free. I know you were suffering so badly. To have a earlier end and a happy ending is great.

Hugs to Brenna. I bet she is beautiful. I can't wait to see her. She'll grow so quickly.

Kris

[Sarah Myers]

Kendra,

I am so excited for you and your precious baby girl. Yeah, she's got your spirit for sure. You KNOW she's a fighter! She's going to be great, and I bet they are right- I bet she gets to come home before you know it.

Meanwhile, sleep, girl! You deserve it! You've earned it!

I know my baby is a boy, and (obviously) he will be a little younger than Brenna, but I am looking for a good wife for him! Tee hee- just kidding- we have to keep our babies babies as long as we can!

Congratulations again! Hooray for babies! Hooray for the end of HG!!!

Sarah