Monday, July 8, 2013

Ravenna has an announcement!


In case you didn't catch it in the video, Ravenna now has a baby sister. Lorelei was born July 8th at 7:13 AM. She is 8 lbs. 15 oz. and 21 in. long. When asked in the video what Ravenna wants to say to Lorelei, she said "I love you."

We are both doing well despite a very scary situation. At 4:00 AM, I awoke with contractions but went back to sleep after about a half hour. At 5:30 AM I startled awake because my water had broken. Unfortunately it was filled with blood and I started bleeding heavily. We knew the gravity of the situation and immediately called our midwife who told us to rush to the nearest Labor and Delivery. We had been planning a home birth but we knew that this situation was very serious. Our midwife met us in triage where I was being monitored and was a great support and comfort to us. The baby's heart rate was excellent but I was still bleeding heavily and it was decided to do an emergency cesarean section due to suspected placental abruption (where the placenta detaches before the birth).

I was administered spinal anesthesia and the surgery went ahead quite smoothly. The placenta had detached about half way. I had not expected how painful it would be to have the cesarean. When the baby was being pulled out I thought they were breaking my ribs! As soon as the baby was delivered kicking and screaming and was checked out by the pediatrician, Andrew was able to do skin-to-skin and held Lorelei that way until I was able to nurse her in recovery an hour later. It was quite an experience and now we have a long road of recovery for me.

My heart is so full of gratitude that my water broke early enough that we were able to get to the hospital in plenty of time and didn't cause any distress to our baby. It is such a blessing to finally have our rainbow baby here and doing so well.


16 comments:

Emilie said...

How scary, but SO GRATEFUL all is well. Lorelei is my sister's name. So beautiful.

Much love to your family and CONGRATS!

Lisa Cook said...

SOOOO happy for your beautiful family!!! I am so glad that things happened the way they did, even if it wasn't what you had planned, to keep your baby safe. My heart feels like it's going to explode for you and I'm sure you feel the same to have your sweet girl here!!! And I LOVE her name! I wish you a speedy recovery, Carrie, and lots and lots of love!!!

Sea_Gal said...

What a miracle. Thanks for sharing such a tender moment and time with us. Love you.

Shawna and Family said...

I'm so very happy that your rainbow is here! She is beautiful! What a great blessing modern medicine is... So glad you and sweet Lorelei are safe. Prayers for an easy recovery...

Amanda said...

Congratulations! I am so thrilled that you have another beautiful daughter. :) I love her name, too!

I know how hard c-secs can be--after my first, I had a very hard time emotionally because things hadn't gone the way I'd planned. I hope your emotional recovery is as challenge-free as your physical recovery.

Joy said...

I'm so glad you are both safe! I pray for your recovery to go well. I got your beautiful card in the mail today after reading your news. Thank you for such a lovely and personal card. Of course I remember you fondly even after not seeing your for several years because you are awesome :)

Becca Meservy said...

Great job everyone! Congrats on your sweet baby! That video is so precious. I hope you recover well. Prayers and Hugs, Becca

Jenne Doula said...

Wishing you a quick and easy recovery! I am so sorry that it was much more painful and scary than you had planned for. If there ever was a good reason for a c-section, that was it. I am just so sorry that it happened you to.

Welcome to little Lorelei. She's got a beautiful name, a beautiful sister and a beautiful mom.

Elisabeth said...

Wonderfully good news. I am so happy for you! I remember, Carrie, when you were here to visit how we talked about this, so glad everything went well. Love you and miss you! Big hugs to all of you!

Mary said...

I am so excited for your family! Congrats.

Rob and Marseille said...

congrats! i'm so glad she made it here safely. yikes, maybe i'm glad i wasn't awake for my c-section

Jenni said...

As you know, Alisa has had multiple c-sections. Here she shows a photo of her (almost invisible) scar, and explains what herbs and EOs she used for healing. I hope they will be helpful for you also. http://alisaterry.blogspot.com/2010/04/healing-your-c-section-incision-with.html
I wish I could be there to help in person. I won't have computer much for the next month but feel free to call or text anytime because I will usually have that.

Solviej said...

I've been in Yellowstone all week without Internet. What a scary experience for you all. I'm so glad you both are doing well. I love her name and I can't wait to see you both :)

Laura Lynn said...

I am so glad you and the baby are well! I was wondering what was up and was waiting for your text. Our plans changed but that's ok. I am so happy for you guys and especially Ravenna for getting to be a big sister!! xo

The Wengerts said...

Congratulations on the new beautiful little girl!!! We're so happy for you guys! Beautiful family :)

Kelly said...

Goodness Carrie, I'm glad you are both alright!

Welcome to the world sweet baby Lorelei!