Most infants affected by hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) are born early via cesarean, also known as a C-section. I had no experience with c-sections prior to having my daughter who was diagnosed with HDFN, and I did not know what to expect during that process or know what might happen to my baby after delivery.
We did ask our doctor about what we needed to know and he gave us a quick run down, so if you are in a similar position, I suggest asking your doctor as well.
In my experience, a c-section was similar to an intrauterine transfusion. You are awake and aware of everything going on in the room. A sheet is up so that you can’t see the operating area. The doctors and nurses were talking to me during the whole procedure, letting me know what part of the procedure they were completing. Phrases such as, “we are opening”, “you may feel pressure, but no pain”, “here she comes”, “she’s beautiful and doing well”, and “we are closing,” were all said throughout the procedure.
Read more about HDFN FAQs
What to expect after delivery
Very quickly after delivery, they took my daughterto the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). My husband went with her. My mom came to the post-op area with me. I immediately used FaceTime to check on our baby. My husband and mother-in-law did an amazing job videoing everything that I was missing while in post-op. Once my bleeding slowed, I was able to be taken to meet her.
Looking back now, I wish that I would have known how swiftly they take HDFN babies to the NICU. We did not get an operating room family picture like I often see on social media. The doctors took her out of the womb, held her up, and immediately started their evaluation.
After their measurements of height and weight and clinical evaluation, the NICU team took her. I was not even sewn up by the doctor yet. It was so fast. I really started to panic, so I asked my doctor if everything was O.K. He said it was and explained that HDFN babies need blood drawn immediately to check for anemia.
I feel very grateful for my husband and family who stepped in and allowed me to feel loved and cared for, while my daughter was also being loved and cared for.
Post surgery, I was motivated to walk and be independent so that I could visit her in the NICU. The NICU was located on a different floor, requiring a very long walk. By day three, I was pushing the wheelchair all the way to the NICU to breastfeed her every three hours by myself. It was an amazing moment and a testament to what women’s bodies are capable of.
