I was hoping to update this a lot more often once Kenny arrived; things did not work out that way. So here is the quick update (I am working on a more detailed version, but it will take time to finish it -- the last two weeks are a blur for all three of us).
On October 18 at 12:58 am, Nicole gave birth to Kenneth Bradley Dunkley. He weighed in at 7 pounds 7 ounces. We were surprised; he came naturally, and fast (we got to the hospital around 9:30). Later that day, we were given a clean bill of health and rushed home.
That night, the 18th, Nicole began complaining of pain and nausea. By morning, she said it felt as if she was in labour all over again. We went to the ER on the morning of the 19th. After spending 10 hours in ER, with Nicole unable to breast feed because of delirious pain (Numerous requests for pain meds were answered with "we have to wait for a doctor" while my wife suffered, and Kenny had nothing to eat), we were admitted back into the Labour ward of Grand River Hospital. Nicole was still in too much pain to even hold Kenny, and we were told that officially Kenneth was not a patient, and so none of their concern. Luckily, a number of nurses broke the rules and helped me feed the baby, and help Nicole with breastfeeding when she was able, while sneaking us formula for Kenney when she was unable to provide.
We went through a lot of tests, a lot of wrong diagnosis, a lot of sleepless nights at the hospital; on the 21st Nicole went in to have her appendix removed. It had burst; our best guess is it either burst during labour, or shortly after. She was living with the burst appendix for several days. A simple surgery (sort of) turned into a major affair -- 4 incisions, 29 staples and 10 stitches (not including a number for repairs down south, expected collateral damage during labour). Appendix removed, cleaned -- and an unknown hernia fixed at the same go. Now, nearly two weeks later, and she still cannot hold her baby.
They sent us home on the 27th. Her main incision is still bleeding, and she has to get up every couple hours through the night for medicine (More than we need to get up for the baby's feeding). The pain where the appendix was is still excruciating, and she cannot sleep lying down because of it. She is still suffering allergic reactions to some of her meds, causing itchiness and burning everywhere, and asthma like shortness of breath.
Because she is not allowed to hold the baby, breastfeeding is a no-no. She is still making a valiant effort, using an electric pump to extract as much milk as she can manage in her weakened state, while I supplement Kens feedings with formula. The Lactation Consultants at Grand River were very helpful, and believe it is still not late to breastfeed for us. So fingers crossed.
What was supposed to be the greatest most wonderful experience of our lives has instead been our greatest ordeal. Two weeks I slept on that little window sill with a thin cushion at the hospital, and cared for Kenny in a tiny little room; all the while, watching as they poked and prodded my wife, and she whimpered in agony. Now, she cries because she cannot even hold her baby, and she is afraid he will grow up not knowing his mother. Foolishness, I assure her, but that is her fear.
I have used up my leave and my vacation days, and have to return next week. I am still not sure how we will manage this, but Nicole's mom will be here during the days to help, so I am sure it will all work out. As much pain as she is still in, she is on the mend. And we are both happy that our little Kenny is happy and healthy, and surprisingly coming from my genes, a pretty well behaved little baby.
