Umbilical Hernia Repair

Today Nixon went in for surgery on her umbilical hernia.  An umbilical hernia develops when a portion of the lining of the abdomen, part of the intestine, and/or fluid from the abdomen, comes through the muscle of the abdominal wall. Hernias are common in premature babies because as the baby develops during pregnancy, there is a small opening in the abdominal muscles that allows the umbilical cord to pass through, connecting mother to baby. As the baby grows after birth, this opening in the abdominal muscles closes. Sometimes, however, these muscles do not meet and grow together completely, and a small opening remains. This opening is called an umbilical hernia.

Although I was reassured by a number of doctors that umbilical hernia repair is a routine procedure, and that everything would be fine, I just can’t help but be upset and anxious about the whole thing. Most babies have the surgery AFTER their first birthday, not at 5 months old. Nixon is so small, and she’s been through so much already, the last thing she needs is another night in the hospital.

She did well throughout the whole ordeal. When she was out of surgery I held her and tried to comfort her until they could set us up in a room. After the initial recovery period  we were moved into a room, and Nixon’s Grandma Julie, who had been with us throughout the surgery, held and comforted Nix while Adam and I ate (we were starving because we had forgotten to eat before we left for the hospital).  

Once the pain medication started to wear off I could tell she was getting pretty irritable, and it was so hard to have to work around all of the IVs and other monitors they had her connected to. I thought we were past this!!!

Nixon continued to be pretty cranky until one very special nurse came in. She was an older lady with a heavy Australian accent and Nixon couldn’t get enough of her voice! Adam and I had never seen her smile and coo so much for a total stranger, and it warmed my heart that the nurse was able to cheer her up.

Since there wasn’t any room for Adam to stay at the hospital with us, he went home for the night, so he would be rested in the morning. I stayed (obviously) and the next morning Meghan came to pick us up and take us home (since Adam had my car).

Nixon is doing MUCH better with her new “innie” and the surgery has definitely made pooping and farting easier and more productive for her! For such a tiny baby she farts like a man!

Auntie Hannah was with us in spirit!
(The waiting room had a big Seahorse!)