Recovery In The Hospital

My recovery in the hospital was pretty rough... I couldn't get out of bed at due do to epidural that had numbed my legs. The first time the nurse and Josh helped me up to use the restroom, my legs both felt like lead weights. I honestly felt like I was learning to walk all over again or something and felt proud to count the "laps" I did in the birthing center wing. A lot of my memories about my recovery are pretty personal (ie. the aftermath of pushing for 2 hours, removing my c-section dressing, trying to pass gas... LOL).

My mom and sisters were there visiting and holding the baby a ton. Josh was up with me nonstop helping me however I needed it. It felt SO great to finally get the "go ahead" to order some food... I woofed it down! I remember how badly it hurt to cough or laugh due to my incision. The hardest part besides walking was getting in and out of bed. I needed assistance almost every time.

Isaac slept in our room the whole time in his basinette (except for the first night when the nurse took him for about 4 hours). Nursing was a struggle each and every time. Josh and I were extremely frustrated many times! The nurses and lactation consultants were a huge help. Isaac only had to be supplemented once with glucose water because they were worried he was dehydrated. I am very happy we stuck with breastfeeding though because our little guy is happy as can be and is gaining weight.

The birthing center was very busy while we were there and my recovery room was tiny. By our last night there, I was the only patient! So, they let us move into a big suite and spread out. Josh and I had to watch newborn care videos and go through discharge info. with a nurse. Dr. M, our family doctor, came to perform Isaac's circumcision the last morning... we felt so horrible for the little guy! What a pain diaper changes were that first week, too! He was in a lot of pain each time he peed and was changed, I'm sure.

It was quite a chore to pack everything up... all my toiletries, our clothes, flowers, etc. Josh brought the carseat up and it all seemed so surreal as we carried Isaac down the elevator and out of the hospital. He was so good in the car the first time and slept the whole way home!

In my next post... I'll post tons of pictures from Isaac's first few days (during our stay at the hospital).