I have gestational diabetes so my OB had to schedule to induce me on June 8, 2011. We’re ok with that because what we wanted more than anything is the safety of our baby. And that is all that matters.
The weekend before that, we had our baby shower. We also bought everything the baby will need. From the baby cabinet, crib, stroller, sterilizer to baby clothes, bottles etc. We had it delivered and assembled in the house Sunday night so that we can focus on the coming of Johan that week unhampered.
However, God has his own plan and Johan started making noise on June 6, Monday around 1am, 2 days before my due date.
After the delivery men left, I went to pee and to my surprise I had blood already. We were briefed by my OB in cases like this but perhaps being new to this and the presence of blood made me a little concerned so we called her who calmly explains that it’s ok as long as my water bag is still intact. I also need to time my contractions before going to the hospital. Daddy was kinda alarmed so he kept asking me if I’m ok and what else do we need to bring to the hospital which was already packed and stashed away in our trunk a month before my due date.
We’re both new to this you know and I feel funny and scared at the same time. The only prayer I had at that time was for you to be safe.
Daddy took a bath and double checked everything. He went out to check if Pitapitey-our family car is up and running and in good condition. I told him I had to lie down so I can concentrate on the contraction and I told him to lie down with me so that I can relax. There’s really no pain at that time so it took us 5 hours for us to declare that we had to go to the hospital. Typically, you’re in labor when your contractions are 5-7 minutes apart. But being a first timer, I wouldn’t really know for sure. So at around 6am, armed with the courage of soon-to-be parents, we braved the early morning rush and went straight to the labor room.
I was interviewed for a moment, asked routine questions and the doctor-on-duty checked me and did the IE to see how open my cervix is. They cleared the bush and prepped me up for the labor ahead. At 6am, I was 1cm open, then by 8 I’m about 4cm, by 3pm I was around 6cm then it kinda slowed down. The contractions before were pretty tolerable and the pain just didn’t matter because I know that it was bringing me closer to you, my baby. The contractions were a cross between having severe LBM and super severe menstrual cramp. It peaks and wanes like a tide. It becomes regular until I can no longer hold it.
When the pain was really too much, the OB gave me an epidural. An epidural is a short term for epidural analgesia according to wiki. The injection can cause both a loss of sensation and loss of pain by blocking the transmission of signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord. It was injected while I was in a sitting position. The premise is that so I won’t be too stressed to affect the baby which for me is a very valid reason. Let’s face it, when you are in pain, you caused more harm than good. And I have no problems with that just the assurance that my baby is safe and sound and will come out ok. Because of my epidural, I had no way of timing the contractions so the doctors took turns of timing the contractions. They placed their hand on my tummy round-the-clock and monitored my baby so they would know how close I am to seeing you.
At around 6pm, I am close to full dilation. By 7, the OB had a tiny peek of your crown so they wheeled me to the delivery room to prepare for your grand arrival. They taught me to breathe and to push so you’ll come out perfectly ok. Because I don’t have any sensation, I had to exert extra effort to feel you down there. I pushed hard and hard, breathed in and out, opened my legs to stirrups, and with bated breath, waited for you to slide down mommy’s vajayjay. It was challenging and a little painful but it’s all worth it.
At exactly 8:20pm, I heard your cry and it was the best cry ever, the best feeling in the world. Even if you’re bloody and tiny and slimy and shabby, you were so cute still and as I held you in my arms, I had the feeling that nothing and no one can disturb my peace. You are my peace baby and nothing and no one can take you away from me. Come high tide or low tide, I will protect you with all my life. I will fight for you and I will give my life for you. You don’t know this yet but you made my life so complete that I can now die in peace. But of course I wouldn’t because I want to live with daddy and you forever. I hope you grow up to be God-fearing, loving and happy. I hope you get only the good qualities of daddy and mommy. I hope you become whoever you want to be as long as you’re happy, proud and at peace. I hope you serve others and help them better their lives. I hope you become a better person than mommy and daddy. I have a lot of dreams for you baby but whatever path you plan to follow, we will support you all the way. No matter what we do, please remember that we only want what’s best for you and we’re after your best interest. We love you so much. Thank you for coming into our lives. You are the best gift ever and there’s nothing in this world that can rival you.
My birthing story is simpler perhaps compared to others. And I am just blessed to have it easier. I will always be thankful to my doctors who kept me calm, collected and safe during the labor and delivery. My mommy who came all the way from Laguna to see her first daughter becomes a mother. Now it’s my turn and I can’t thank you enough for making me who I am today. To my husband who never left my side, who did all the paper works and the errands, who kept vigil while I was inside the delivery room laboring for 14 hours, who gave me Johan. For that I will forever be grateful. To my family and Chris’ family, friends, who prayed for us. Thank you. This is the start of another journey and I’m just thankful that I know that we won’t be alone as we take care of Johan. To Papa Jesus, please help us take care of Johan. We can’t do it without your help. Thank you! We love you!
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