Labour room experience

It was Thursday, 24 May, when my gynaecologist did the usual pregnancy check on me. He mentioned that if my baby didn't arrive anytime sooner than the 30th, he would have to perform an induction and deliver the baby by 30 May.

It was Sunday, 27 May, at 9:30AM, when I was almost done with my shower when my waterbag broke. I was nervous at first-I thought to myself, finally, the time has arrived for my baby to be born. I managed to stay calm, informed my parents and in-laws who were, at that time, having their breakfast. Everyone started getting ready, and along with my hospital bag, I was taken to the hospital.

There was no labour pain, or contractions pain. However, I was wheeled in to the labour room. I was nervous yet anxious to have my baby. I was more anxious hoping for Daddy to arrive in time to witness the birth of our baby!

"Enema" was done on me-a solution pumped into you know where to clear my bowels. I could still walk around in my hospital gown and chat with the midwife. It was 10AM when I was admitted. The contractions started only past 12 noon. I laid on the bed with belts strapped round my belly to monitor the baby's movements and heartbeat.

A couple of hours later, the contractions became more intense, and all I did (or could do) was to concentrate on my breathing techniques, those I have read and have been told what to do. Take a deep breath, hold it, and then release through the mouth, slowly. I did a set of ten counts each time. It worked.

Dev arrived at the airport at 1PM, and my sister and her family were there to fetch him and drive straight to the hospital. They were rushing for time, as it was any minute then the baby would be arriving. My gynaecologist was relaxed and told me not to worry and to take it slowly as we were all waiting for Dev's arrival.

The last 2 hours before baby was born was the worst part of the whole thing. The pain became more intense and more regular. The contractions lasted a minute each time, with less than five minutes interval. I was breathing so hard and was hoping that the pain didn't get any worse.

Finally, Dev arrived at the labour room at 3:40PM. I was asked to start pushing at 4PM. The moment there was a contraction, I was asked to push as hard as I could. I was told to take a deep breath, hold my legs, exhale and PUSH! That was repeated many times, almost a whole hour! It wasn't easy. I was already fully dilated yet the baby's head could not be seen. For a whole hour, that was what I did, push. Dev was standing next to me giving me encouragement. Having him there was just great. I just wanted to get my baby out as soon as possible, and it didn't take long before baby finally decided to come out.

At 5PM on the dot, the final push was done and out slided our baby boy, weighing in at 3.65kg, 54cm in length. I was exhausted by the end of the day. Soon after delivery, I was stitched up.

I am really proud of myself for not taking any drug whatsoever during delivery. It was a normal delivery, and to all the girls our there who are expecting, it is just mind over matter. Concentrate on your breathing and tell yourself that childbirth is indeed an experience on its own.

(More pictures to come soon!) Baby is exactly 3 weeks old today.