Finally she arrived

On 10th of March 2011.

Overdue for 4 days. That day was supposed to be a check up. I did not expect my gynae to break the water during the check up and send me to labor room.

We went for the check up as per appointed. Nothing was discussed earlier what will be done during the check up. My gynae did mention about induce labor if I haven’t deliver by due date but never mention when.

We went there thinking doctor will discuss with us when to induce and explain the procedure. But unexpectedly, when she did the vaginal examination, she told me I’ve only dilated 2cm. The moment she finished her sentence, I felt the flush of warm water. Then she smile to me, “I’ve broke the water, will send to you observation room then wait for delivery, it will either be tonight or tomorrow morning.” We were there unprepared. We did not bring the ‘hospital bag’ that I packed.

My heart sudden beat very fast. It’s like she is coming out at any second. After a while, I was pushed to observation room to monitor the contraction. It was my first time sitting on wheel chair. I was told the observation will take 20 mins and will be pushed to labor room. Me and HK still haven’t eat anything because we always take breakfast after the check up.

HK was not allowed to enter the observation room. So he gotto wait me outside doing nothing. Being inside the observation room was very boring. I have few wires stick on my tummy to monitor the contraction. I can only lie on the bed. So I start whatsapp-ing my colleagues, friends & HK and facebook-ing. The whole observation took about 4 hours before I was pushed to labor room, reason being there was no room availability due to too many people came in for delivery.

Luckily my girl take her time. I did not feel anything (contraction) for the whole observation session even the nurse told me my contraction was frequent. Probably too mild.

I did not feel nervous or anything in the observation room. But the man outside waiting for me was very nervous as he did not know what happen to me in the observation room. :p

After four hours of waiting at observation room, I was finally being pushed to labor room for induction labor. Finally HK can be with me. Upon reaching the labor room, I was given a drip. This will help to increase the contraction pain. For the first 2 hours on dripping, I felt the contraction, but still bearable. I started to feel very pain (on the scale of 7-9 of 10) for the 2 hours before my girl came out.

Honestly, I can’t describe or remember the kind of pain (the contraction) anymore by now. The contraction came every few minutes and last for about 30 seconds. The midwife suggest me to take laughing gas for pain relief. I took it but seriously, it did not help at all. Plus, the gas made me feel drowsy. I wanted to sleep but it’s so pain that I can’t rest. Guess what, I was only 5cm dilated even I was so much in pain. HK was so ‘heart pain’ seeing me in pain.

After 2 hours in pain, I started to have a feel the urge of pushing her out or she wanted to come out. It’s so strong that I feel like using all the energy to push her out. But the midwife kept saying do not push yet, it’s not time and doctor is not here yet. I remember I learned about the not to push before dilated to a certain centimeter. HK also trying to keep me calm. It’s hard for him to understand the urge of pushing, but he can’t do anything but giving me support. I am really glad he willing to company me as I know his fear being in labor ward.

It’s too hard to hold the push when I really feel like she is coming out. The midwife finally decided to ask me push because she said I am crowning already (can see baby’s head). My doctor came in after few minutes. I must say I was kinda lucky that I do not have to feel so pain for long (considering 2 hours are short).

My baby girl came out after 10 pushes like that. It was only about 30 minutes after doctor came. Doctor continue by pulling my placenta out, stitching me up and cleaning up for me. The midwife busy cleaning baby, measuring baby’s weight and height, then put her on my chest.

Finally we meet! She was so adorable. I can see myself in her tiny eyes. She was looking up on me when she lie on my chest. That was one sweetest moment after long waiting for her arrival. I was surprise that I did not cry. I guess I was too tired to cry. Her every movements seems so slow like she was learning how to move. Trying to familiarize the surrounding.

She is weighted at 3.265kg, 52cm, pink and healthy. Can cry out loud the moment she came out. Really a precious gift.

She was with us for few hours (before she was being sent to bathe) because we were again waiting for our room. Meanwhile I was told to breastfeed her, for the first time. This is really one incredible journey for both me and HK. I know what I’ve been thru, the pain and whole labor experience. HK can feel my pain and witness the process (although he did not really witness how our girl came out, it’s not within the range he can accept).

Oh, I am proud of myself for normal vaginal delivery without epidural or other drugs except the useless laughing gas. Short and Painful journey but memorable. Even my gynae also impressed that I did not opt for any injection, and she crack a joke saying “Did not expect you to deliver at this hour, good la, you girl let me sleep at night.” :D

I must documented this whole laboring experience as it’s too memorable. I’ll be very happy to read again my own post in future. I always do.