Was admitted to Mt. A on
25 November, a day after our trip to Pontian, as there was watery discharge. We
weren't sure if the waterbag had burst or it was hind leakage, so Dr. Ben
suggested that I get admitted in order for his relief gynae, Dr. Claudia, to get
me checked.
Got discharged on
Sunday, after confirming that waterbag was still intact. Although, we were
encouraged by the relief doctor to induce labor (since cervix was already
dilated and contractions have started albeit irregular), Hubby preferred to
wait for our gynae to return from his holiday.
That same night, regular
contractions kicked in.
0200hrs - 0800hrs
After the day's false
alarm, I decided to quietly time the contractions on my own, lest I raise
another false alarm.
0800hrs
Got Hubbs to SMS gynae
for advice.
0900hrs
While waiting for
clinic to open, had a bloody show.
1030hrs
At the clinic, we were
told not to panic, and to admit to hospital in the evening, unless pain relief
is required immediately.
1130hrs
Waiting game
commenced. Laid around in bed for close to 4hours after brunch, before leaving
for hospital. Contractions were regular, but still manageable.
1930hrs
Dilation: 2.5cm
Gynae arrived to break
the waterbag. Sascha's hand was lodged in the pelvis with her head, and I was
advised to take epidural as there could be a possibility of emergency
C-section. Was pretty disappointed at that point in time, since I've endured so
far. Told gynae I'll sit on the idea a bit and see if things take a turn. Put
on saline drip for hydration, and waiting game resumed.
2130hrs
Dilation: 3 - 5cm
After some pep talk,
Sascha has miraculously shifted her hand away! Again, the nurse offered option
of pain relief. (I have yet to use the nitrous oxide up to this point, simply
because I've clean forgotten about it). Under desperation (contraction readings
peaked at 127), and thinking that she was referring to epidural, I quickly
signed the papers.
2200hrs
Dilation: 9cm
Anaesthetist Dr.
Yvonne Lim arrived but epidural is no longer possible since cervix is almost
fully dilated. Within minutes, it was at 10cm, and I could no longer suppress
the urge to push. Nitrous oxide was administered. I was cautious about the
quantity I inhaled, thanks to the horror stories I've heard about the
post-partum side effects. In any case, the gas pretty much did its job and I
was rather zonked out.
2230hrs
"Pop! Goes the
weasel."
Of course, I wish it
was all that easy. Good thing was, the bursts of contractions became
"windows of opportunity" for pushing. Under the influence of the gas
(ya, right!), I suddenly turned into an emo freak, and remember repeatedly
apologizing for the futile attempts at pushing, and taking so long.
Hubbs and the nurses pressed on and repeatedly motivated me by telling me that they can spot BB's crop of thick, black hair. Now, I can fully comprehend the phrase "用了吃奶的力", because I practically squeezed every possible ounce of energy I have in each push.
Suddenly, there was a huge sense of relief. I could feel the depressurization in my tummy (akin to the sudden deflation of a balloon).
2246hrs
It was surreal. And
boy, was that a huge piece of "poo".
Everything was a blur from then. I've clean forgotten about the fact that at Week 36, she still had the umbilical cord around her neck. And, I couldn't even make out if it was Poppy or the gynae who cut the umbilical cord. But, one thing's pretty clear. When Poppy thanked the gynae, I could hear the tremble in his voice, and it was obvious that he was trying to stifle his tears of joy (or that of fear, for what unknown horrors his Princess is going to bestow upon him). Haha.
Smiley Baby Sascha
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