Cut my life into pieces - This is my last resort

As those of you who follow the blog know, Morgan was born via C-Section. It wasn't planned that way - I actually had every intention of attempting natural birth - free of painkillers, even! Alas it was not meant to be.
I covered the details of the operation itself in a previous entry. What I wished to emphasise today is that a C-Section is not something to be taken lightly. A lot of people seem to think of it as a quick fix, or an easy way out. The truth is - a C-Section is MAJOR surgery. One with side-effects that can last until the day you die.

The side-effects I speak of are namely scar tissue, and nerve damage. It has been just over a week since I've been sliced and diced, and my incision feels numb. The numbness starts from just above my belly button, and extends halfway down to my pubic mound. It makes for a very peculiar sensation - almost as if you're wearing something that is too tight which is blocking your circulation. From what I read, the numbness lasts anywhere between a few months, and the day you die. When you're cut open, nerves are cut through too. This causes damages to them that can be beyond repair.

Although from the outside, the scar itself is looking neat, I can feel scar tissue building up on the inside, and this makes it more uncomfortable for me.

I have complained about the lack of independence you have to deal with when you're pregnant in another post, however C-Section recovery is even worse. How? Well.. I have been instructed not to carry anything heavier than Morgan. For about 6 weeks post-operation. She weighs just over 3kg. This means that strictly speaking I should not be carrying a couple of 2 litre water bottles - a restriction I find both ridiculous and extremely irking. I also am to avoid going up and down stairs. Good thing I live on ground floor.

Getting sewn up takes longer than having your baby cut out of your womb does. This means that whereas those who give birth naturally can potentially spend time with their newborn straight away, with a C-Section, you can't. Baby is taken away from you to be seen by the paediatrician and weighed and cleaned up and dressed. This, whilst they sew you up.

Then there is the fact that your guts are handled. Following the operation, there may be numerous issues related to your bowels. The chances of bowel injuries put aside, some women find it painful to poop, suffer constipation, or diarrhoea. This may be temporary, but it might also be long-term.

This link highlights in more detail what the risks are, and gives you links on how to prepare yourself for a C-Section and what not.

If you attend Prenatal Classes, make sure you attend both the sessions about Natural Birth, as well as the C-section. You never know what might happen - my case is a typical example.

Also, inform yourself before going for an Elective C-Section. The pain of natural childbirth might be more desirable to you once you get all your facts and figures.

Regardless of what birthing method you go for, ensure you have plenty of support available to you for the weeks following the birth. You will need every tiny bit of help thrown your way. Do your best not to over-exert yourself or you might suffer its repercussions in the long run.

Now, onto the personal updates which I'm sure a good number of you are wanting. Morgan is enjoying using me as her furniture (see photo) still, and I love it. Having her sleep on top of me is comforting for both. After spending 9 months sharing my body, being in such close proximity decreases any separation anxiety ewe might go through otherwise. She saved a Mega Nappy for my sis today - uber-poopy AND pissy, only to pee on my sister's finger whilst cleaning her up. I found it hilarious!

 Mama' mattress!

She also got given yet another load of pink clothes. Cute warm clothes which I will have to come up with clever combos to balance out the pink overdose. I blame the shops, not the people. Damn shops stock up on too much pink, blue and white, and little else.

Off to snooze with my little Fairy now!

I have a dream

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the rain. I love the thunder, lightning, the pitter-patter of the rain and the different sounds it creates as it falls on different things.  Most of all, I love the way the air smells and the puddles.


I can't wait til Creature is old enough to enjoy the rain! I already know that I will be wanting to get us colourful wellies and some proper rainwear and go puddle jumping.  It has to happen. I've pictured it too many times to allow such fun to go by unattended to.

When I was younger, the whole rain experience was explained to me in a most fantastical way.  Thunder was the sound of Giants playing bowling.  And rain was angels peeing - according to my elder sister, at least. I still giggle over it every time I recall her serious expression whilst explaining it to me.  Lightning was the camera's flash as the Giants took photos either of their Bowling party, or of us mere mortals down here.


It also reminds me of the stormy seas - to me, the white foam of the crashing waves were Neptune's seahorses - which of course looked like land horses, only made out of water - and they were racing as they pulled his chariot.

Perhaps the stories I used to read along with the ones I was told helped me become so fond of these simple, natural things.  Every time it rains, or I see the stormy sea, I recall these stories and it always makes me smile.

I have every intention of passing down these images to Creature.  Too many parents are too caught up in everyday life to take the time to fuel their child's imagination.  No wonder children are relying more and more on technology!  A book, or a story being told, or even a simple game of dress-up, ends up being boring for the children who would rather be told what to imagine by TV and Video games.  Where is the joy in using one's own brain and initiative disappearing off to?

It isn't just my being an avid lover of books that makes me say this - but experience and observing younger generations.  The love for books is being lost, and with it, so is a huge chunk of children's imagination and knowledge. 

I recall my trips to the local public library very fondly - and I believe every child should be given the opportunity to experience the wonders and joys of being in such an awesome environment,  I know I look very very much forward to getting a library card for Creature. 

There is so much I look forward to sharing with him/her that if I were to start listing it all, I'd give birth and still not be done with typing the list.  Therefore,I'll leave it at that for now.  I'll just say that imagining it all is enough to make the most horrendous day all better again.