Bad news after bad news

[Marmee53]

Hello,

I’m really struggling at the moment and just need some words of encouragement I guess.

I gave birth via emergency c section 3 days ago to my second baby. I noticed she was having seizure-like moments, so I’ve come back into hospital to find out that she had a stroke at some point before or during birth. We are waiting to have an MRI done for her to find out the extent of the damage.

In addition to that, I just got awoken by a doctor about her infection markers being high meaning she needs an IV drip for a minimum of 48 hours or longer if she truly does have an infection.

I’m just all over the place at the moment because my first had sepsis so we had to stay in the hospital for a week and it was awful.

I’m also in a lot more pain this time than the first time, so just doing normal things like picking my baby up and putting her down feels like a marathon.

I can’t string a sentence together cause I keep crying and I really don’t know how I’m going to get through the next few days without falling apart.

I guess I’m just looking for people who have also had a tough labour and postpartum experience and how you got through.

Not me but have an unmumsnetty hug

try to relax, you’re in the best place

Sometimes things can seem really tough, but they ease in the coming weeks. I am sure this feels very scary at at he moment. I have a friend & their son had very serious brain swelling and brain surgery at 3 weeks old. He couldn’t hold his head for 5 months & had severe right sided weakness. What really helped him was early intervention as he was developing and he saw physical and occupational therapist from 4 to 15 months. This extra help allowed him to develop better & as the brain is forming new connections it is essential. My friends boy now 18 months is almost unable to tell anything was wrong. Hoping for the same outcome for you at this difficult time. Sepsis takes some getting over, so be kind to yourself.

Are you still taking regular pain relief? You must try to keep eating small amounts and plenty of drinks. Do you have family supporting you? Your little girl is in the best place to get the help she needs so do try to prioritise your needs, you will get through this.

My DD had surgery at 6 days old for a bowel/stomach blockage, a congenital issue. It was very stressful and she was in hospital for 6 weeks. It’s really hard. There is no magic answer to getting through, it’s just one day at a time. Make sure you are taking pain relief for yourself and are eating and drinking enough, it’s hard to look after yourself but you really need to for your own recovery. Just a day at a time, an hour at a time if a day is too much. You will get through it.

Just sending love and a handhold ❤️

You're on the crying day today, everyone gets it, even when everything is ok. Just try to rest as much as possible, your babies need you to look after yourself. Drink loads of water and take all the painkillers you're allowed. Can anyone come and help, or have your older child so your husband can help you? It will get better, just head down for the next few days x

Oh and FWIW I did have horrendous pp experience and didn't take care of myself but things I should have done were
Give formula
Get sleep
Get more help

Thank you for all of your responses and for sharing your experiences.

Luckily I have a really strong support network so my husband has been able to be with me in hospital. I guess it just gets really lonely overnight.

We have a few more days in hospital before we can go home and get back to normal.

Well, whatever 'normal' looks like with a baby who's had a stroke.

Just taking each day as it comes.

How is your baby today?

@Schools2023
MRI confirmed that baby had a stroke and it's affected a small area of the left side of her brain.

Drs don't know how this will affect her development, but so far, she seems pretty unaffected.

Things are looking hopeful but its very early days.

We are just happy we caught it at the earliest moment possible, so treatment can begin.

I hope you're having a better day today and that baby continues to make progress x