Beth and Dan are home, resting. A very kind doctor was able to deliver the placenta, at the hospital today, without using any drugs or other procedures. A nurse assisted him by vigorously massaging Beth's abdomen while the doctor tugged very hard (harder than Mom was comfortable doing at home) and got the placenta to come out. Then he stitched her up and sent them home. We were thankful to receive the call that they were on their way back and were ready and waiting with a little cuddle bug who was ready to eat. Elijah reunited with his parents and breast fed for a good half an hour. Beth is doing really well, healing well and able to sleep and eat. She enjoyed feeding Elijah and loved changing and dressing him. We've looked at pictures and videos of the birth (those ones that we can't post!) and have had a sweet time remembering Elijah's arrival this morning.
He's had some reflux/spitting up action going on. Cindy taught us how to pat his back and help him get through it. It's a bit unnerving because he looks like he's choking but always gets through it. So Nathan and I have him out with us, and are holding him upright while Beth and Dan are sleeping and getting good rest.
Amos has been very sweet with his new cousin but has also acted a little crazy and manic today. We're wondering if it's because I was back helping with Beth for much of the day and then would emerge every so often with a baby in my arms. It's funny to see this dynamic happening as cousin to cousin!
And last but not least, my mom and Cindy are off to another birth, for another lady named Bethany, to deliver her 8th child and my mom's 5th with this family. Pray for her and Cindy as they do it all again. We're hoping this one will come faster!
Thank you all for your prayers and comments. Beth and Dan have been extremely encouraged and loved through your comments. I've been reading them out loud and they are enjoying hearing from all of you!
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12 comments:
Congrats Dan and Bethany! AJ and I had a date night tonight, and now that we are home I had to check in to make sure that everything went well at the hospital and with the placenta. Im sad that it happened, but glad that you got good care. What a beautiful experience to have so much love around Eli's arrival. I love to see that happen. And how amazing that grandma got to catch! I love it. Thanks for letting us all in cyberspace be a part of it!
May you rest well, and enjoy your little man in every way.
The Rader of Indy
Bethany - What a blessing that you got a good doctor who was able (and willing) to try non-medicated methods first. What an answer to prayer! I'm so glad you are home and doing well... I've pressed refresh on your blog about 100 times today, and was so anxious to hear that things were ok. I was getting worried for hungry Elijah - sometimes hospitals can just be slow!
Caitlin is 10 weeks old tomorrow, but I already miss that tiny newborn stage...those first hours and days are just so precious. That's awesome that Elijah ate in half an hour. When Caitlin was brand new, it would take her like 45 minutes to an hour to eat, and it took both me and Steve... I need 5 hands. =) She's much faster (and better at it) now, thankfully!
Happy resting to you!
Kellie
Yipee!! We love you guys :)
I couldn't wait to get home from work today and read up on your blog. Elijah is so sweet. What a lovely experience to be surrounded with supportive family while welcoming Elijah into this world. We would dance the birthday dance for Elijah, but I don't quite have the heart to do it without y'all.
Love and hugs, Claire, Thomas and the Boys
Congratulations you guys! He looks great. We are so happy for you guys and praying for you. His little friend, baby Moore (we are not telling our name yet) is due 4 weeks from today. They will have to meet wen you guys are in Seattle. Take care!
Piper and Seth
bethany, i agree with your friend kellie: your hospital experience sounds like the picture-perfect ending to your picture-perfect home birth story. i am so happy (but not surprised!) that the Lord honoured your prayers and sent you a doctor who seem to have been a midwife in disguise!
oh, savor these sweet times with your newborn firstborn... especially the middle of the night feedings! they'll be unnecessary before you know it, and, if you are anything like me, you'll soon find yourself hovering at 3am over your peacefully sleeping son thinking, "i need a cuddle! maybe he needs his diaper changed! you know, i really should check..." =0)
Oh yay! I'm so glad you are safe at home. I can't wait to hear all the details of the birth, it must have been so wonderful to have your whole family there with you! What a blessing! Still can't WAIT to meet the little guy! <3 Sarah
I'm so excited for you guys! We've been spreading the news around the Academy. My kids were excited for you, too. He's absolutely perfect, and I can not wait to see him in person. I also think you should know that it makes me cry when I look at pictures of him. :-) Sending love from Malawi!
~Megan
Congratulations! What wonderful and exciting times for you! Thanks to Sarah's diligent posting, I was tracking you guys yesterday while at work. We can't wait to visit next month to see you and meet the little man!
Love you guys!
~Lynnette & Paul
Congratulations, and welcome to Elijah. We've been excitedly following all of the updates on your blog and can't wait to see you & meet Elijah! Blessings to you all!
Congratulations Beth and Dan!
Congratulations! Elijah has such a strong face. What a lumberjack! Beth and Dan and now Elijah, we love you.
David and Blythe
YAY!!!! I'm so happy for you. You sounded very brave, and the baby is beautiful. I'm sorry we haven't been in touch more, but I look forward to seeing you again if and when you return to seattle. I'm also so happy for the work you are doing in Malawi, I know Elijah will have a wonderful and creative personality, and you will be great parents!! --Amanda Cumbow
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