10 days to go...

As I'm sure I've stated before: Every week with this baby is an adventure and she isn't even born yet! This week has been no exception.

It started with another hour of intense contractions early Thursday morning. At 4am for over an hour every 10 seconds. Super ouch! We decided to hold out and do the recommended home remedies (ice, tylenol, lots of water) and eventually they went away on their own. However, as my mother pointed out, I really shouldn't be counting on these episodes as false alarms considering how important it is that Brynn be born at the hospital. If it happens again in the next week we will probably go back to labor and delivery.

Later that morning we headed to see the OBGYN. Everything was looking great until Brynn's heart rate slowed (apparently very common, we just happened to catch it) requiring us to spend about 20 minutes on the monitor to make sure it is not a reoccurring phenomenon. Luckily, she checked out fine. However, we were expecting to get our first dose of the steroid needed to mature Brynn's lungs and were told that they didn't have it at the doctor's so we would have to head up to labor an delivery to have the injection done there. Injection!? I had been told that it was given orally...but NOPE. Two shots, one in each cheek 24 hours apart. So...we headed up there where I was admitted to labor and delivery (oh the irony) the order was placed and filled at the pharmacy, and I left with a very sore bottom. Oh, and I missed the majority of my baby shower and pot luck at work due to all the extra time it took that morning to get everything done. Luckily, the staff saved me lots of food that I was able to enjoy after an exhausting morning.

Happily, my OB and I finally got on the same page about having me start my disability leave ASAP. Another doctor that I have been working with called and advocated on my behalf that all the stress, back pain, etc. have really been taking their toll and that the best thing for me and the baby would be to start my leave right away. The OB agreed! Yay! So, my last day of work was on Friday.

I had been having some really mixed feelings about having to leave work and I think I was in denial about having to say goodbye to my incredible co-workers and clients. However, in the last week or so I have really begun to shift and look forward to having some time off to prepare for this baby physically and emotionally. It was still difficult to say goodbye but I am feeling much more confident that I will be back in the next six months and have felt ready for the closure and the goodbyes.

Friday morning we got up and headed back for my second shot (hardly hurt at all!) and our weekly trip to the Heart Center. The scan showed no change in the amount of restriction. We are always of course hoping that it will become less restricted but are relieved and happy that it has not closed off anymore. The doctor told us that she thinks we are still on track for a delivery on the 17th! Just 10 short days away...

In case anyone didn't get a chance to view the board I made with FAQ about Brynn's health and delivery, I will post them here now. Thank you again to our amazing friends, family, and co-workers who continue to be such a source of support, inspiration, and strength. We love you!

Where will Brynn be born?

Brynn will be born at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. She will be stabilized and then taken to the NICU. Brynn will undergo her first surgery within minutes or weeks (depending on her stats) and then be transferred to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) in the same building.

How long will she be in the hospital?

Typical recovery time from surgery is 10 days. Complications could develop, including arrhythmias, fluid build up around the heart or lungs, or infection. These can delay hospital discharge for several weeks. Average time from birth to discharge is approximately 2-3 weeks (although it could be longer since she will be premature).

Will you breast feed?

Hopefully! Brynn will most likely not receive any breast milk during the first few days of her life (she will be given IV fluids). There is a possibility Brynn might lose her sucking and swallowing reflex due to being intubated and sedated after surgery. Hopefully she will regain this reflex before she is discharged (up to 80% of HRHS babies do!). If she doesn’t, she will go home with a feeding tube.

Can I come visit?

Two visitors are allowed in the NICU and/or CVICU at a time (one of them must always be the parent). Children under 12 are not allowed. Anyone who has a cough, cold, fever, or rash should NOT visit. Tony and I will pretty much be there 24/7 so please come by and keep us company if you would like (we would love it!). Shift change is always between 7-7:30 AM and PM. We will not be allowed on the floor when this happens so that would be a good time to meet up for dinner or a cup of coffee.

What can I expect to see at the hospital?

The CVICU is a 20-bed state-of-the-art facility. Brynn will most likely be “on the floor” with 6 other babies. She will be connected to many tubes, wires, and monitors. Don’t worry, that is normal at this stage of the game. She will have one-to-one nursing care 24 hours a day. We might not be able to hold her during this time but can hopefully read and sing to her, touch her, stroke her face, and hold her hand. Parking at the hospital is not free but there is free valet. Be prepared to check in at the entrance and let them know you are going to the CVICU on the 2nd floor. Not sure yet if we will have cell reception or access on the floor.

How about when you are home?

Heart babies have difficulty recovering from even a common cold. If Brynn gets sick between her first and second surgery it can compromise her recovery and jeopardize her life. For this reason we might not be able to have visitors or leave the house with her for the first three months. Please check with us before stopping by and make sure all your immunizations and flu shots are up to date if you would like to pay us a visit. Please leave your little ones at home unless you hear differently from us.

What will her surgeries and life be like?

All of her surgeries will be performed on the outside of her heart so she will hopefully never have to be put on a heart/lung machine. The most tenuous time for Brynn will be between her first and second surgeries. Her first surgery is the simplest but the most dangerous for her. Brynn’s life depends on the little piece of plastic (shunt) they place in her PDA (duct). After her second surgery her quality of life should improve greatly, and even more so after the third. She will have early intervention services, including physical and occupational therapy, to assist her with milestones as needed. Brynn should be able to do everything a normal baby, toddler, and child can do.

What can I do to help?

A lot!

v Food: Let us know if you would like to be contacted about providing a meal while we are in the hospital (yucky hospital food gets old and expensive) or when we return home.

v Prayer: Your prayers and positive thoughts mean a lot to us.

v Read: We will continue to provide updates and information on our blog.