In this honest and raw episode, Krista shares her challenging journey through pregnancy and birth, navigating a large fibroid, a rare incarcerated uterus, and an emergency C-section after a prolonged labor. She opens up about the lack of answers and support she received from providers, the toll of severe postpartum complications, and the importance of advocating for yourself when things don't feel right. Krista also discusses the difficult emotions that come with a birth experience that deviates far from your plans and the power of sharing your story to help others feel less alone. Through it all, she offers valuable advice on seeking specific support and finding healing after a traumatic birth.
Join us for a candid conversation about facing unexpected complications with courage and grace, trusting your instincts, and finding strength in community. Krista's story is a poignant reminder that birth is unpredictable, and that self-advocacy and leaning on others is crucial during trying times.
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In this honest and raw episode, Krista shares her challenging journey through pregnancy and birth, navigating a large fibroid, a rare incarcerated uterus, and an emergency C-section after a prolonged labor. She opens up about the lack of answers and support she received from providers, the toll of severe postpartum complications, and the importance of advocating for yourself when things don't feel right. Krista also discusses the difficult emotions that come with a birth experience that deviates far from your plans and the power of sharing your story to help others feel less alone. Through it all, she offers valuable advice on seeking specific support and finding healing after a traumatic birth.
Join us for a candid conversation about facing unexpected complications with courage and grace, trusting your instincts, and finding strength in community. Krista's story is a poignant reminder that birth is unpredictable, and that self-advocacy and leaning on others is crucial during trying times.
To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.
Have you ever felt blindsided by a complication in pregnancy that left you feeling lost and unprepared? In this episode of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast, we sit down with Krista, who vulnerably shares her journey navigating a large fibroid, an incarcerated uterus and an emergency C-section after a long labor. Krista's story brings up the important question how do you navigate for yourself and find support when faced with unexpected challenges in pregnancy and birth? Join us as we explore the power of trusting your instincts, seeking specific help and finding healing through sharing your story. Krista's experience highlights the importance of speaking up when something doesn't feel right and leaning on others during trying times. Tune in to gain valuable insights on facing the unknown with strength and grace. The Golden Hour Birth Podcast a podcast about real birth stories and creating connections through our shared experiences.
Speaker 2:Childbirth isn't just about the child. It's about the person who gave birth, their lives, their wisdom and their empowerment.
Speaker 1:We're Liz and Natalie, the Golden Hour Birth Podcast, and we're here to laugh with you, cry with you and hold space for you. Welcome to the Golden Hour Birth Podcast.
Speaker 2:I am your co-host Liz and I'm your co-host Natalie, and tonight we have Krista from St Louis on. We were connected through our husband's cousin, so thanks so much for coming on tonight, krista. Thank you for having me. Yeah, so if you want to go ahead and tell listeners a little bit about you and your family, yeah, so the reason why we're all here, I am Nolan's mom.
Speaker 3:He was born May 5th 2022. So he's a Cinco de Mayo baby, is 20 months old, or you know, almost two years old, a year and a half. It's so crazy, like how we say months in the age, but like I get it now after being a mom. So, other than that I'm a wife, I'm a friend, sister, daughter. I'm also a teacher. I've been teaching for about 10 years. Outside of being a teacher mom, I love exercising. I play pickleball. We recently got a Peloton, so I've been really into that. I love meal prepping. Spending time with family and friends is really important to me. And I love technology, shopping, a little bit of Netflix. Also, becoming a mom, I've been really big into self care, so I love getting my nails done, like going to get a massage because, like, as I like to say, like mama deserves it. Yeah, I was born and raised in St Louis, so also, like, love anything St Louis, like chemo, just ravioli, like, give me all of the things. Yes.
Speaker 1:Gooey butter cake yes, all of it.
Speaker 2:Oh my gosh, I could talk about emos all day.
Speaker 3:I mean, I love Provel cheese yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I just moved while my work moved to the hill and, like I just started, they just opened like a month or two ago and I'm just like in heaven with all of the Italian restaurants love it.
Speaker 2:Um so, if you want to go ahead and go into, like you guys, deciding to start a family or finding out you were pregnant, yeah.
Speaker 3:So my husband and I met in college back up a little bit. We dated actually seven years before we got engaged. It was kind of like I was young and we knew we wanted to get married eventually and like start a family, but like we wanted to live life a little bit on our own first. So we're actually both living in Soulard. So, yeah, you know about Soulard so much fun, lots of things to do there both with our friends and kind of like enjoy that life before. But now at this point my husband and I, patrick, have been married for almost seven years.
Speaker 3:As far as starting a family too, we wanted to like save up money to buy a house. Like we were living in this very small apartment in Kirkwood for about a year and I told him we will buy a house in one year, like I want to get out of this little apartment after Soulard. And so we bought a house in a year. After that too, it was like okay, let's save up money so that we can have some kids and like want to like kind of live the life like the way that we want to live. Bought a house in 2018.
Speaker 3:And then COVID kind of hit in 2020. And it feel like it just changed everything. There was just so much uncertainty there so it was like okay, like what do we do? Do we wait? We also really wanted to travel, so we took actually all in one year the year I got pregnant. We went to Mexico, gulf Shores, la, and then our last trip was like a small little trip to the Lake of the Ozarks with some good friends for my birthday, and that was when we were kind of starting to try to get pregnant. So it took us about two months to get pregnant. So it happened very quickly for us.
Speaker 2:Yeah, sounds like you had a good year, though Like perfect, kind of like last hurrah. Not that you have to stop traveling when you're with kids, but it's just, you know, an uncomplicated journey there.
Speaker 3:Oh, so that was super fun too, just to do all of the things and then like, okay, we're ready.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, perfect. So what was pregnancy like?
Speaker 3:we're ready. Yeah, yeah, perfect. So what was pregnancy like? So pregnancy, it kind of started out pretty normal. I mean, it's my first one, so I didn't really know what to expect. So it was like when I was at the Lake of the Ozarks I actually started to get like really shortness of breath and I was like okay, like this is really weird. Like I usually exercise a lot, like this is something different. I was nauseous on the car ride. I'm like that's definitely something that's not like me. So it was like all the symptoms of like my period, but like it never came, so kind of like taking that pregnancy test and like it was like okay, we want to like wait to tell people, you know, not right away, like afraid you know something might happen and, like I said, awful morning sickness. It was like all day sickness, like I never threw up, but it was just awful. I remember I look back at like my notes and I'm like this is the worst, like why did I get pregnant Um a Zofran?
Speaker 3:and like it really didn't work either. Um, um, we went to the doctor in nine weeks and she's like, okay, everything is good, except. She's like, okay, you have this 12 centimeter fibroid that is on top of your uterus. And it was like I didn't even know what a fibroid was. Um, I remember I like didn't even Google like what's a fibroid. I went on Facebook and I Googled fibroid pregnancy and I actually found this group, um, it's called fibroid sisters pregnancy, and I kind of found a lot of comfort like finding that group. Like later on in pregnancy, um, I went on there, it was like, okay, women had like five fibroids or like one very tiny fibroid. And I'm like, okay, like I'm hearing all of this, like I feel you know a little bit more confident about um, kind of what's going on. Um, and so it's basically like a large growth that was on top of my uterus and I remember my OBGYN was like did you?
Speaker 3:know, that you had, like you don't know. I'm like, how would I know? Like feel like you're the person that's supposed to kind of yeah, so other than that it was like okay, like what do we tell people? Like we're ready to tell people I'm not going to say, hey, mom, I'm pregnant. I also have this gigantic fibroid. So we kind of just didn't talk about the fibroid because the OBGYN she was like we don't really have to worry about it, like everything is fine, we're just going to kind of monitor it. So like in the back of my mind I just kind of kept that in there.
Speaker 3:So I remember at 12 weeks I had a really bad stomach pain and I remember calling my girlfriend and she's like, okay, don't go to the ER, like don't freak out, you can go to the maternity center, and like they will take care of you. Um, so I went there and they basically told me, um, like that it was a stomach bug. And so I go walking out of the maternity center, like I'm hunched over, I cannot walk at all, and like remember thinking like something's wrong, like this is not how a stomach book should be. So the next day I'm kind of laying in bed. My mom comes over. She's trying to help me do things around the house and she's kind of like you know, like maybe we should go back and like my mother-in-law is also texting me like you should probably go back. So we ended up going back again because it was like I knew like something's wrong and and they did an ultrasound my mom was there with me, um, and they explained at that point that I had an incarcerated uterus, um, so basically meaning like my uterus was out of place and in my mind they never really said it, but I think that the fibroid on top of my uterus was what pushed it um kind of out of place. Um. So I remember he was like, oh, if any issues come up, like we'll schedule a little procedure, like but you're fine for now. And my mom kind of motioned, like the room was very dark, I had a wheelchair, that I'd come up to the um maternity center and and she's like she's in a wheelchair, like, and he's like, oh well, that like changes everything that you're in pain, um, and everything kind of moved like really fast.
Speaker 3:After that, um, my OBGYN was there and with a resident, and she's like this is really rare, like what has happened, um, and it was like something like one in 3000 pregnancies this actually happens, um, and she's like I've done a few of these in my career, so it was like very fast, like she needed to do it right then. Like she didn't even have time for like Patrick to come, like I was texting him kind of let him know what was going on, but my mom was in the room and basically they work together kind of with their hands and tools to push the uterus back into place. So like I was on all fours at this point and like my poor mom is like in there having to experience this, and I was in like so much pain. And when I got done they were like well, labor is going to be nothing for you if you deal with this.
Speaker 3:Yeah, Okay, like am I supposed to feel better? And they also said that usually they put people under anesthesia for that. Um, but they said it was better that I didn't, because they kind of knew, by the sounds that I was making, that like it had worked. So basically, when like I screamed the loudest like it was done, and that was like crazy to me. Like it is 20, you know 22 at this point Like what, why, why?
Speaker 2:Um, I hope this isn't like too TMI, but like did they like put their hands up?
Speaker 3:Yes, that's what I was trying to explain their hands up there, tools up there to push it into place. Oh my God, I am so. I was trying to explain their hands up there, tools up there to push it into place.
Speaker 3:Oh, my God, I am so sorry you went through that and yeah, I remember after two that someone was like that also could have caused a miscarriage and I'm like I didn't even think about, I like had no time to ask questions or like anything like that. It just happened so quick, like anything like that. It just happened so quick. Um too, um, so kind of after the procedure I wish they would have just said like, hey, you're going to be in a ton of pain for like a few days. Um, because I kept going back to the maternity center because I was in so much pain and I was like, did it happen again? Like can the uterus go back out of place? But it was just kind of part of the procedure and they gave me some pain medication to to kind of just get through it.
Speaker 1:Was it like an outpatient, like they didn't admit you or I? Went right home Like what.
Speaker 3:Yeah, yes, I remember like my best friend brought me food and it was like I could not do anything that weekend. Um, I had to miss work a few days but it was like okay after that, like let's keep on rolling. Um, so after that it was pretty normal. I always in the back of my mind like thinking about that happening and I was just so scared that something else was going to go wrong, like yeah it's just, yeah, that was tough, kind of dealing with that, but, yeah, kind of skipping ahead a little bit to like 36 weeks.
Speaker 3:So, yeah, everything was pretty normal Other than that. I remember I think I made one more trip back to the maternity center, um, but um, that was it. So at 36 weeks it was like the baby. They said that the baby was really big, but I also had that big fibroid in there too. So I was measuring ahead, like my stomach was just huge, uncomfortable, um, they actually had me redo my glucose test and I don't know if that's like a normal thing that happens, but I passed that again and our one, yeah, just the one hour one.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, you didn't have to, like, do the three hour because, like I know that, that's another one that you might have to do.
Speaker 3:So I did the one hour one, like previously, and they're like let's just redo it again. Yeah, A 36 weeks. So that was kind of strange to me, but everything was always good with the baby and they did say I had low amniotic fluid at that 36 weeks. So that's when I had to do the weekly non stress test and kind of those extra ultrasounds to which I was kind of already doing with the fibroid to just to kind of keep an eye out with that. So we were like ever since, I guess, 36 weeks it was like we were so prepared, we had our bags, we were like ready to roll, like anything can happen, Like this crazy fibroid pregnancy, like let's do it.
Speaker 3:So I remember our 37 week appointment, like everything was good, and then at 38 weeks we didn't have our bags, Like we drove separate cars like from work, so like we weren't prepared at all, Like I don't know why. Um, so we had to do the non-stress test and basically when that was going on the baby's heart rate dropped when I had a contraction and I didn't know at the time. Then we went into kind of the ultrasound room and they're like when that happens, like you don't get to leave the hospital.
Speaker 3:And it was like whoa, like okay, did not expect that, and I just start like crying. I'm like calling my parents. I'm like we don't have our bags and like the baby is coming right now, like we got to go people, like it's go time and like little did I know, like so much was still like in store for my journey. After that, so kind of after that, they took us up to our room Like my parents come, they get us our bags, like we're kind of cozy, and at this point this was Tuesday, may 3rd, getting admitted and then like skipping ahead just a little bit, so he was Cinco de Mayo baby, so born on May 5th, on Thursday, um. So I remember like relaxing and they were starting the Pitocin around like 8 pm. I think was when everything started to kind of get rolling, um, but at that point I was dilated like two centimeters, so like not very far along, um.
Speaker 3:And I remember the first night they had to move us rooms because of staffing issues and that was kind of a whole big thing too, like we did not get any sleep. I ended up they did the Foley bulb around 2am and we did not take any birthing classes or anything like that. She was kind of like we'll talk you through everything, like you don't need any of that. So I had no idea what some of these things were and like I trust that the nurses, you know, know what's best and are going to do what's best. So they said I could get like the epidural before the Foley bulb. And in my mind, like I knew I wanted an epidural, I was like to them, I said is there any reason why I should wait? And they're like no, go ahead and get it if you want it. And in my mind I'm like there is no gold star for how long you are without an epidural.
Speaker 2:That's what my pediatrician said to me you don't get a gold star, yeah.
Speaker 3:That's yeah. Like yes, there's metal. Like so, just get it if, like, you want it, and if you don't, that's okay too. But I knew that I wanted that. So, yeah, everything kind of Tuesday just moving very slowly, and like the same for Wednesday. It was like, okay, it's May 4th, like I'm ready, I'm having a May the 4th. Be with you. Star Wars yes, it is what it is.
Speaker 3:Um, so I remember I was dilated to four at 430am on Wednesday and then they came back and they're like no, you're actually a two. Like you haven't made any progress. It's all about perspective. And I was like what? Like I was so excited, thinking I was making this progress. I remember like they got the peanut out I'm trying all these different positions, like we're FaceTiming people just to kind of pass the time, like letting people know what's going on and they're like is there the baby? Yet, like what's happening? I was like nothing, like nothing is happening.
Speaker 3:Um, so they ended up like upping the Pitocin and they just kept checking me and checking me Still no progress. And they had to stop the Pitocin and then start it over from the beginning. I'm like okay, like let's do this, it's all right. And they were still kind of checking me and yeah, basically like it was still the same. So then I have, at 1230 AM they tried a suppository kind of a different medication so this would be on Thursday and they're like this is going to work better.
Speaker 3:So it was 430am. I was still at a three and that's when they decided to break my water and I had no idea what that was like gonna be like either. It just kept coming and that was something totally crazy too. I'm like, oh, my goodness. And finally I was at four centimeters dilated and I was just starting to feel like a lot of pressure and like some time went on. I was at a five and I took notes like the nurse is amazing right now so like everything was moving along and she got checking on me and it was 1130 AM and I was dilated to a nine.
Speaker 3:And then it's like, okay, like a nine, like still at a nine, still at a nine. I'm like calling my mom and dad. I'm like come to the hospital, like what are you doing? It's raining. My mom was at the post office. I'm like, come to the hospital. Like what are you doing? It's raining. My mom was at the post office. I'm like get here Like the baby is coming. I knew that I wanted my mom in the room for that too. That was really something that was important to me. Patrick was in there as well, but I just really wanted her to be in the room, so she kind of rushes over there and like we still were not close.
Speaker 3:So I don't really remember when or like if ever they're like you're out of 10. But I just remember I'm like I'm feeling a lot of pressure and they're like it's time to push. So I couldn't really figure out what time that was around my husband thinks around 5pm. So I basically pushed for an hour and it was like nothing was happening there either. So they actually had me stop for an hour. They're like we want like the head to drop. So like stopping for that hour was like the most pain I had like ever been in. It was just like I kept telling myself I was like you cannot like remember pain. I'm like you'll never be able to like feel this pain again. Like just get through it, have this baby, like it'll be okay, um. So I don't know how, but that kind of got me through that hour of stopping. And, um, they were like well, your hips are small and the baby's head is really big, so like it wasn't like I was getting a lot of answers as to kind of what was happening, um, and basically they were like you're pushing like a rock star, um, but if you want to stop, like that's okay, we can do the C-section, or you can keep pushing. And I was like I want to keep pushing, like I want to know. Like that I gave it my all before let's have a C-section.
Speaker 3:So I pushed for another hour after that and just I mean nothing was happening. So kind of. After that the baby's heart rate was really high and I ended up spiking a fever. And I remember they're like have you been exposed to COVID? Like trying to kind of figure out. I'm like no, I like I've been here, I haven't been exposed to COVID.
Speaker 3:And kind of after that it got a little bit scary. It was like what is going on? So the doctor kind of came in and they're like we're going to have to do an emergency C-section. And I remember just like crying at that point and like not because I didn't want to see section or I was scared or anything like that.
Speaker 3:It was like I spent so much time and energy on one way and like now it's like just going to be a C-section, like it was so like kind of just like frustrating. Like you know, should we have done that from the beginning? Like what, what, what, like what's happening, um, and I mean I was scared too, just what's gonna happen, and it was like so many people in the room, um, like my parents were in the room for a little bit. Patrick is in there. Um, only he was allowed um for the c-section, so he was getting his scrubs on, he was getting his mask on and I was so sleepy like I could not keep my eyes open. Um, I guess because of all the medicine, and like I was exhausted yeah, it was like 48 hours but like at the time I'm like why am I getting sleepy?
Speaker 3:like I need to be awake for this? Like be awake, like why I'm always tired, like why, but like, but like looking back, I'm like that's like a marathon, like my, yeah, it was like shutting down almost at that time, um, so like in the C-section room. Yeah, I just remember um like not really all being there but like trying so hard to keep my eyes um open and it was like all of a sudden they were like my eyes open and it was like all of a sudden they were like it's a boy and we we did not find out. So I was like what? Because everyone was telling me like you're having a girl, you're having. It was like we did all those old wives tales and it was going to be a girl, but no, it was a boy. So I was just so excited and Patrick kind of got that time to let cut the umbilical cord and hold him and the whole time, you know I'm being like fixed back up, feeling this pressure, and I'm like, you know, I'm kind of feeling some things.
Speaker 3:So they're like pumping me with more um medication and I'm like why do I have like this IV in my arm and, um, they told me they're like you lost a lot of blood, like we had it just in case we had to use it for like a blood transfusion, but like it wasn't needed and I was like shaking and they're just like pumping more meds in me and I also remember being like how big is the baby? And they were like seven pounds, 12 ounces and I'm like that's interesting, because whole time it was like big baby, big baby, like to me that's a very like middle, medium-sized baby. I was expecting like nine pounds, yeah, after they pumped me up and made me redo the glucose test, but this was. He was born at 9 39 pm.
Speaker 1:So on may 5th oh, did they um when they had you open? Did they like look at the fibroid or anything?
Speaker 3:yes. So that doctor got to see my fibroid but she could not take it out at that time, um, because I would lose too much blood. So probably all like whoa, look at, check it out, yeah, yeah. So after that we went into the post-op room for two hours, so, like Patrick's in there with me, my parents are in there, and actually Patrick's parents ended up and actually, um, patrick's parents ended up, um, they got exposed to COVID. So that was kind of crazy, um, because it was like okay, do we let them come? Do they like wear a mask? Like what should we do?
Speaker 3:And the doctor was very much like you know, if they've been exposed to COVID, like they shouldn't be around a little baby and like that was so hard too. Like, looking back, I'm like, was that the right decision? I don't know. Like you know, we'll never know. They ended up not getting it either. But kind of in the post-op room I was just like where's my Jimmy John's? I went to I love that Because I was. I gave up, like you know, punch me and all of it Like like this is my glass of champagne.
Speaker 3:Like this is not how it should be. Like I was.
Speaker 2:They were closed. You said what's that? They were closed.
Speaker 3:I mean, I think so at almost 10 o'clock at night.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, man I always like think back to my college days, when they would be open until like 1 or 3 a.
Speaker 3:I don't think so. And number two, I was I'm really passionate about breastfeeding. I'm actually still breastfeeding. I absolutely love it. So I was like, is he latched? Is he like saying all this crazy stuff? But like he was just there like so perfectly, like latching, and I was like, well, like one thing is going good for me right now. You know, like I felt like this, just like he was such a good baby to like, right as he came out, that like that was awesome, like I needed that.
Speaker 3:So we finally kind of moved into our room for the night and like I don't feel like I held Nolan a lot because I was just so out of it. So it was like the only thing I could do to like bond with him was like breastfeed. And even with that, like the nurses are like turning on the lights like you need to stay awake right now, krista, like what are you doing? And they're helping me like hold him too, because I'm like falling asleep. But other than that, it was like Patrick changed all the diapers, like had to hold him and like visit, with everyone kind of coming in, and it was like I didn't really get to do all those things. I'll kind of get to that in a minute, like why? Also, kind of what happened after that?
Speaker 3:But so Friday I feel like that was a pretty normal day. I could order breakfast and lunch, like we're in there, just like having a good time, like my family came to visit after they all got off work. But I remember I felt like very sick and nauseous and I'm like I need to lay down and like my mom's like, oh my gosh, like we like overdid it, we shouldn't have came to visit. And I remember my sister-in-law. Later she's like I could tell like something was like not right she's a doctor, so but she's like I didn't feel something was like not right. Um, she's a doctor, so but she's like I didn't feel like it was like my place to like say anything then.
Speaker 3:Um, so that evening was when, like I just started like throwing up and it was just like crazy, like it wasn't thrown up, like I've never seen that kind of throw up kind of before and my stomach was huge. I guess I don't know how it should look, but like the picture that day, it just is like crazy how big my stomach was. So for Saturday we were like no visitors, since I was throwing up and having this awful time. But I'm like mom, I need you to come up because, like Patrick cannot do all of this. Like I'm like Mom, I need you to come up because, like Patrick cannot do all of this. Like I'm over here throwing up like no one's crying, the nurses are running in like we need some help.
Speaker 3:So that was when, like the nurses kind of figured out that I had an ileus, so basically my like intestines just stopped working after surgery and like that's a normal thing that could happen after surgery, I guess. But like I don't know, I never really heard of someone that had that after a C-section. So they had to put an NG tube in me for that. So it went up my nose and down my throat like it wasn't like this little oxygen tube. I remember I text my best friend. I'm like, like it wasn't like this little oxygen tube. I remember I text my best friend I'm like I got this tube. She was picturing like a cute little tube. No, it was just like up my nose on my so painful.
Speaker 3:After they put that in, they're like, oh, sometimes we get punched when we're doing yeah, I felt like punching you, yeah. And I remember like they were getting ready to leave after they put the tube in and I was like, okay, like I can do this, like maybe a few hours it's going to be in, like we'll get it, we'll get through this, and I'm like, no, just just like, how long about? You know, do you think I'll have to have this in? And they're like a few days. So I had the tube, was basically pumping everything kind of out of my stomach, um so, and it was like with every like swallow, like you felt the tube in there. It was awful, and my mom out of the room for that. She came back in the room and she's like you were just like seating, like you were so mad at that point and like I just did not say a word and I'm usually pretty dramatic and animated, but like I did not complain because it was just that like miserable kind of what I was going through.
Speaker 3:Um so I remember having like wonderful nurses in there and they were all like one was like prepping the other nurses. They're like okay, like this is what she likes, this is what she doesn't. Like They'd been with me for so long. She's like now, when she goes to the bathroom, like don't stand in there with her, like she wants you to close the door, like get out there and give her some privacy. So it was just like funny things like that. That like got me through it, like all my funny quirks. But it was like I was in so much pain, um, so Sunday we're still in the hospital. Um, it was actually mother's day, like work mother's day ever to be in the hospital with the two. Um, like my in-laws came to visit, I was just like out of it. Um, and, like you know, everyone else got to hold the baby and just like enjoy that time and I was just kind of just all I could do was breastfeed. Still at that point, um, and I remember they were like you can do, like this is hard, like you can do formula if you want, and I had nothing against that, but I was like this is all that I can do for my baby, like right now, like just let me do this one thing I can't do, um. So, like I said, yeah, that was like kind of my bond Um.
Speaker 3:So then on Monday, um we were still in the hospital, um. So then on Monday, um we were still in the hospital, they actually ended up kind of clamping the NG tube is what they do before they totally take it out, um, just to kind of see how you react to that Um. So I remember I could have like soda and broth and juice and like I like had nothing, no food in my stomach. Um, they gave me like an IV and finally by the end of the day, um, I got the tube kind of taken out and I could have a dinner, um like a soft dinner, and then a breakfast as well, and they kind of like took out the staples for the C-section and I remember that wasn't very bad, like kind of taking those staples out.
Speaker 3:So Tuesday was May 10. And that was the day we finally were told that like we could go home. But I had this small problem where I could not pee Because this whole time they had a catheter in me and they would like keep taking it in and out, like I think five or six times I had that kind of in and out of in and out. Like I think five or six times I had that kind of in and out. So they were like you're gonna have to go home with a catheter and I'm like what? But I'm also like, okay, we're going home, like it's fine, we can do this. But it ended up they called my doctor and she's like take it out, make her pee, then she can go home. And I like drink tons of water throughout the day. So I'm like, yes, like if you just let me drink actual water, I will be able to pee. So sure enough.
Speaker 2:I drank water, I peed and I was able to go home.
Speaker 3:It to Tuesday.
Speaker 2:Yeah, wow, um, so how was healing from there?
Speaker 3:So healing from there. Um, I think like the C-section it was pretty rough Um, like I remember like asking my mom I was like will I ever feel like myself? Like, like when will this get better? Um, and she actually had three C-sections Um, so she kind of knew what I was going through Um, but like not really a lot of my friends had had C-sections, so I was kind of like on my own with that Um, but it was rough, but I would say pretty normal with recovery just moving slow, um, things like that. Nolan was such a great sleeper, so like that made it really good that he was like just so awesome. Lots of friends and family really supported us like bring us food, helped us out and things like that. After.
Speaker 2:That's good. It seems like you have a rockin' support system from like. You're very close with your parents and your in-laws and things like that. After, that's good. It seems like you have a rock and support system from like. You're very close with your parents and your in-laws and things like that. So that's really really great for you, especially while going through you know the whole pregnancy and everything Wow.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it's like. In the back of my mind, though, it was like, okay, I still have this fibroid, like what's that? Um? So I had to go in for another ultrasound for the fibroid and, um, I guess it grew they told me like to 15 centimeters while I was pregnant, um, but then it like shrunk back down and it was at like 12.5 centimeters, like after I gave birth, um, and I found out like it weighed two pounds. Wow.
Speaker 1:Oh my gosh.
Speaker 3:So I had to have a laparoscopic myomectomy was what it was called Um, and I had that done in September. So I was four months postpartum to have that.
Speaker 2:How was that? Um, like, I've heard of it, but I don't really know exactly what it is. Can you kind of explain?
Speaker 3:So basically for that, um, like they went in through my belly button um to take it out they had to cut it up cause it was so big and put it in a little bag and then, like, take it out of my belly button.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow, yeah, how was that process?
Speaker 3:New to me as well, but now my belly button is forever messed up. It's fine.
Speaker 2:It's fine. How was that healing?
Speaker 3:So I was so nervous because of all the crazy stuff that happened after the C-section and kind of healing from that. But that was totally fine and normal. And at this point I'd taken an extended maternity leave and, like being a teacher, I'm off in the summer, obviously, but I took that time in May and then I also took off August, september and then I went back in October. So it was kind of like recovering from the surgery and then going back to work.
Speaker 2:That's really good. I'm happy that you had that long one. Yeah, yeah. How is your mental health through all of this?
Speaker 3:It's just crazy, like looking back and seeing all of what I went through and it's so awesome, just like tell it to you guys. Like I told you before we got on here, I was like I tell it all the time, like I will tell anyone that listens. Um, like the last time I told it was like at Patrick's work Christmas party. Someone you know was asking about Nolan, like how did everything go? And I was like, oh, emergency C-section. And she's like tell me more. And I was like, okay, but do you really want to know everything? And she, yes, and I was like, all right, let's get it.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and like I tell it to. Like one of my co workers now, like I told it while we were on one studio I was just like here's my story and my other coworkers like why do you tell? Like don't tell her that. Like you are going to scare her and I'm like no, like it needs to be said. Like people should hear all different types of birth stories. Like it is not all sunshines and rainbows and what you sometimes see on social media. Wearing the cute gown. Like I had all of those things. I wore the hospital gown the entire time. Like it was awful. Going home I was in pajamas.
Speaker 2:I get it. I was too. Um, what was I going to say? Oh yeah, cause like fibroids are so common too.
Speaker 3:Like fibroids are so common too.
Speaker 2:But it dies of the fibroid that was so unusual, true, yes, yes, has like they ever said like this could happen with, like, a future pregnancy, or they don't see it coming back because you had the myomectomy.
Speaker 3:So my doctor that I had for all of this is um. She left so I'm actually getting ready to um in a week to go in for, like my yearly checkup. So I plan on kind of asking some more questions, um kind of about that, but they never release. I know they can come back. Um, who also told me she's like you're gonna have to be on birth control for the rest of your life because that makes the fibroid like not be able to grow.
Speaker 3:And I'm just like, OK, that doesn't sound right, Like I don't know about that. So I feel like I'm going to just have to ask more questions about that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, so yeah. Is that not something that they would have seen like on a yearly exam? Like it couldn't have grown that fast?
Speaker 3:yeah, that's what I thought too, but never any mention of that either. So very much went for all of my checkups and all that. So, yeah, yeah, so you were just.
Speaker 3:It was kind of like you didn't know you had like more putting on me almost yeah, because we don't even get ultrasounds of the uterus until you're pregnant exactly yeah, unless you have pain, I guess yeah and, like I remember, I mean on my chart, it's like I have painful periods and that is one of the symptoms. Um, obviously I don't know how everyone else is with that, so it's hard to kind of compare. And yeah, I think that was kind of just shrugged off too, like my painful periods. I'm like I don't know, maybe that was like a sign there too.
Speaker 1:Yeah, definitely could have been. Yeah, they don't take our health very seriously. Was there anything else that?
Speaker 3:you wanted to add, or just any advice that you wanted to give other moms who might be going through something similar, some advice, yeah, like speak up when something doesn't feel right, definitely them telling me like the stomach bug and all of that. It was like something's wrong, like I don't think it's a stomach bug, and kind of like advocating for yourself. And then also like asking for like specific help when you need it from like family, because it's so many times you're like well, let me know if you need anything. Like yes, I need you, know my dishwasher unloaded, I need my floor swept, like I need food. Like ask for those specific things. Like just don't like kind of shrug that off. Like take the help, um, kind of when you need that.
Speaker 2:Definitely. I love that too. Um, I feel like I always have that happen, Like let me know if you need anything. Yeah, I do, but I don't know how to say it.
Speaker 3:And I feel like now going through this, um, like other friends that have had babies, like I will bring them like breakfast, lunch chips, like a smoothie, like all of the things, like can I unload? They're like I'm sorry that I sucked before, but like now I know like that you need so much help.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, that's awesome. You can be my friend, just kidding. So how can people get in touch with you if they like?
Speaker 3:Yeah, so, like on Instagram, I'm pretty active on on that. I'm not um like influence or anything like that, just regular.
Speaker 2:You know crazy teacher mom, so I love it yeah, well, thank you so much for coming on and sharing your story, um, I'm sure nolan is just a wonderful boy and he deserves nothing but the best, and, like what you, what you, did for him, that was pretty incredible. So thank you so much for sharing. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1:Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast. We hope you've enjoyed our discussion and found it insightful and beneficial. Remember, the Golden Hour Birth podcast is made possible by the support of listeners like you. If you appreciate the content we bring you each week, consider leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform or sharing the show with your friends and family. Your support helps us reach more people and continue creating valuable episodes. If you have any questions, suggestions or topics you'd like, thank you, we'll be back next week with another exciting episode, so be sure to tune in. Until then, stay golden and remember to take care of yourself. We'll catch you on the next episode of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast. Bye.