LDBM

SOPHIE'S DEBUT

Over the next four days at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Tom and Bonnie welcomed dozens of guest coming to see Sophie. Simone and Bonnie's mom both cried when they first saw her. Everyone complimented and congratulated them on a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Especially Gustav, whose wife was pregnant with their first child.

Motherhood came naturally to Bonnie who never wanted to let Sophie go. She made sure to keep her in the room with them instead of sending her to the nursery. Her plan to breast feed Sophie was also a success. She latched perfectly and fed efficiently.

Tom who was madly in love and proud became immediately protective. His favorite was the skin-to-skin contact that he did every day with Sophie. He would lay almost naked body to his bare chest and cover them both in blankets. He described it as the best feeling in the world.

Each person who came in, he made them clean their hands, sanitize and throw a specific blanket he had purchased over them. This made Bonnie and Bill laugh.

The immediate 'Dad Gene' kicked in instantly. They were also using their room call button wisely. They did not hesitate to ask for help from their top of the line nurses and hospital staff. They made sure to ask for several things at once, such as ibuprofen, juice and food.

Although some people do, Bonnie was told to not shower alone. Her doctors informed her of Post-delivery fainting, which is common and it happens most often in the shower because the hot water causes blood pressure to drop. Therefore, she used the shower bench and Tom helped bathe her and watched over her. The hospital staff was also keeping a close eye on their newborn.

"Don't be surprised if you see that a wireless tracking device is attached to your baby's ankle. If your baby is taken too close to an exit, the doors will go into lock-down mode," their nurse explained to them.

This made them all extremely relieved and nervous at the same time. Bill and Tom jokingly started calling Sophie 'Inmate.'

A pediatrician examined Sophie a few times daily. They administered a heel-stick blood test, which screens for several metabolic disorders, such as phenylketonuria. They also performed a hearing screening as well.

The staff continued to check Bonnie to make sure she was healing properly. The doctors informed Bonnie that she would have heavy bleeding that lessens with each subsequent day, finally letting up in about six weeks. The doctor also told Tom and Bonnie to hold off on having sex during those six weeks.

"The uterus and cervix underwent significant changes during the process of delivering your baby, and they need time to heal. In addition, you will be very fertile and this will help preventing any unwanted pregnancies. During pregnancy, your body changed a lot. It worked hard to keep your baby safe and healthy. Now that your baby is here, your body is changing again. Some of these changes are physical, such as your breasts getting full of milk. Other changes are emotional, such as feeling extra stress. You will be tired. You will sometimes want a break. This is all perfectly normal. Just know when you see your child and the love you bear her will make it all worth it." Doctor Belford told Bonnie and Tom.

Since Sophie had no problem with breastfeeding, the nurses coached Bonnie and Tom on how to perform basic tasks such as bathing, caring for the cord stump and diapering. To help make things smoother for them, Bill came back on the third day to take home all the gifts and flowers they received. He figured this would help make their last day less hectic.

On their last day, Bonnie and Tom filled out Sophie's birth certificate. That afternoon once they arrived home, Bonnie's mom and Simone were both waiting in the living room, their bags all around them, with huge smiles on their faces.