Lessons In Motherhood

...before I'm officially a mother.

Over the past couple days, maybe since Saturday or Sunday, I've been silently concerned. I was feeling Wellington's movements less, and when I did feel them they were weaker than usual. I'd pay special attention after eating or walking, and not notice much improvement. We went out for a big dinner on Monday night, and I made sure to eat lots in the hopes that the sugar rush would get him hopping. But nothing. When a walk during my lunch hour didn't yield any noticeable improvement, I decided to call Heath Link, to get some advice from a nurse. So, from my desk at work I called. I expected the nurse to reassure me that at 26 weeks baby movements were unpredictable, or that maybe she'd coach me on the art of 'Kick Counts' and give me some homework for the evening. First she asked me all the red-flag questions - Any bleeding? Broken membranes? Contractions? - to which I answered no. Next she asked if it was a 'sudden lack of movement'. What does 'sudden' mean anyways? I told her that I couldn't say it was 'sudden', but that it was enough for me to take notice, and I noticed it starting a couple days ago. I was concerned because I thought the movements should be getting more regular, more forceful - not the other way around. Then, she hit me with it. The Un-Expected Response.

Nurse: Since you are over 20 weeks, you need to go to Labor and Delivery at the hospital you're delivering at, and get checked. And you need to go immediately. We do not want you to drive yourself. Is there anyone who can take you?

Amanda: (stunned)Uhh...well, I can certainly call my husband. I'm sure he could after work.

Nurse: No, you need to go immediately. Is there anyone who can take you right now?

Amanda: Uhhh...ya. My husband. Or, I could take a cab.

Nurse: Okay, good. Call us back afterwards.

I think I sat stunned at my desk for a minute or so. Then the tears started to well up in my eyes. Then I called Warren. No answer. So I emailed him on his Blackberry with the secret 'Amanda' code that he gave me, so that he can identify emails that come from me. I typed "Call me please". Then the phone rang. His voice chimed on the line "Hey Hon, what's up?". Then the tears came full force. I choked through the tears, explaining the situation and that I was making it sound worse than it was, and that I was okay, just emotional.

He was there within 5 minutes, with all his appointments cancelled. I can't put into words how much I love this man.

Not once did he question my judgement. Not once did he ask 'are you sure? is this necessary?'. He just drove. And cussed at any and all drivers who got in his way. Could these people drive any SLOWER!!?? he would holler in frustration. It was then that we laughed at the idea that all expectant couples should be given a siren for the roof of their car.

After getting a teeny tiny bit lost inside the hospital, we finally found the Labor & Delivery unit. I was seen within minutes of getting there. It was a simple test they do - they put 2 monitors on my belly to measure the baby's heart rate (and there was one! Praise The Lord Hallelujah Sweet Mary Mother of God), and I was to lay there and push a little blue button every time I felt a movement. Over the next 45 minutes or so, I pushed the button 6 times. That was really good, the nurse reassured me. She said sometimes all it takes is for a woman to come lay in a hospital bed for the baby to get moving.

This experience taught me a few things. Things I've heard my friends talk about, and am now starting to learn for myself.

1) Trust your gut.
2) Don't let anyone make you feel like an over-protective mom.
3) Better safe than sorry.
4) Nothing is more stressful and emotionally draining than when something could be/is wrong with your baby.
5) Guilt comes in so many forms.
6) My husband will instantly turn into a 'Papa Bear' when he needs to, and he'll do things he wouldn't normally do to get me and Wellington the help we need RIGHT NOW.