I had a baby and my head popped off

At least it felt like it. Everything for labor and delivery went by without a problem, just some slight difficulty with getting the epidural inserted. Once it was in it was wonderful - until the next day....

It started as a back ache, like I had exercised my back for hours. The tension leaked up into my neck and head. Moving was bad, but sitting or standing upright was torture. And the longer I stayed up the worse the torture. And so I had an epidural headache, at least that's what I'm calling it.

Sometimes I cried because of the pain, sometimes I cried from frustration. Not being able to fully enjoy both of my babies was brutal. I lived as horizontally as possible for the first week after having our baby girl, leaving the bulk of our family's care in the hands of my wonderful husband. I love him!

Every day was marginally better than the last, giving me snippets of hope but really trying my patience. After a week I called my doctor and was directed to the ER for "evaluation". Some hours later I was given the option of a blood patch (some of my own blood injected in the epidural sight to fill the space supposedly left by leaking cerebral spinal fluid), or continue resting until it heals itself. I felt I had passed the worst of it and didn't want another invasive procedure, so I chose rest. We were told that caffeine and chocolate could help, so I ate chocolate bars while laying down...small consolation.

Even now, 12 days after delivery, I still feel a twinge of pain at the base of my skull and need to lay down frequently. But I am so much better!! And I really have a huge appreciation for the small things of Motherhood. Like being able to color with my little boy, or yes, even being able to change a diaper. I am also SOOO grateful for my wonderful family and the help they have given us. A lucky girl am I, to be so loved! Thank you!