Giving birth is a life-changing experience that every woman goes through. Oct 14, started like any other day, but quickly turned into the biggest one of my life. My water broke in the morning, and I immediately headed to the hospital. After being examined, I was told my cervix was only 3 cm.
I was admitted to the labor room and had to stay in bed, with a catheter inserted every 8 hours to help me urinate. The contractions were being monitored, and I was given medication to induce labor. Hours went by, estimating 34 hours, everyone else was giving birth, but not me, my cervix was still only 5 cm, so I was scheduled for a C-section.
I was terrified as I went to the operating room, especially after remembering that I had just eaten a burger an hour prior.
The anesthesiologist worked on getting me ready for surgery while I tried to relax. I was like in a shrimp position. The pain was intense, and the needles kept breaking, but throughout it all, I felt determined to meet my little one. Oh, did I mention that I vomited the burger I ate during the operation? HAHA.
And then finally, the moment arrived, and my beautiful baby Francis Chane was born. The overwhelming joy and love was incredible, but as is typical with C-sections, the post-operative pain was severe. Despite the pain, I was instructed to start moving around by tomorrow, which added to my discomfort.
Overall, the experience was one of the most intense and rewarding moments of my life. The pain was real, but so was the reward of seeing my newborn baby from a far. Yes, I was not able to hold him just yet.
After experiencing a long and prolonged labor, I was overjoyed to finally meet our little one. However, the happiness was short-lived as our baby boy, Francis Chane, was immediately placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). His Pedia doctor declared that Francis Chane needed urgent medical attention because of the extended labor.
The staff at the NICU took great care of our baby boy, and we were allowed to visit him regularly. It was hard to see him so tiny and fragile, but we were grateful for the medical care he was receiving.
I was able to go home after 3 days in the hospital.
As first-time parents, being separated from our newborn was an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. We had so many questions and concerns, but the NICU staff was there to answer them all. They explained that the prolonged labor had taken a significant toll on our little one and that he needed to be monitored for 7 more days to ensure that he was stable and healthy enough to go home.
During Francis Chane’s time in the NICU, we learned the importance of patience and persistence. We were impressed with the professionalism of the NICU medical team and saw how they worked hard to make sure Francis Chane received the best possible care.
Thankfully, Francis Chane made a quick recovery, and we were finally able to take him home after successfully completing the NICU stay. It was a relief to be back home and start our new life together as a family. The events of his prolonged labor and stint in the NICU have left an indelible mark on our hearts, but we are thankful for the exceptional care he received and are happy to say that Francis Chane is now a healthy and active child.
Oh how I remembered crying to my husband Freud, the regrets I had while giving birth. Questions were like what if I immediately told my doctor to schedule me for C-Section? What if I walked and exercised more, would have resulted to a normal delivery? What did I do wrong? What if I read and researched more about this?
To all parents who may have to go through the same experience, be sure to stay strong, ask questions, and trust in the medical care that your little one is receiving. Remember, the NICU is a place of hope and healing, and with patience and love, you and your baby can make it through this challenging time.
Tips for preparing for childbirth
So here are my tips as preparing for childbirth can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience for many expectant mothers. However, there are things you can do to make sure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The first and most important thing you can do to prepare for childbirth is to educate yourself about the process. Attend prenatal classes, read books or articles related to childbirth and consult with your doctor. By learning as much as possible about the different stages of labor, delivery and postpartum, you’ll be better equipped to handle any unexpected situations that may arise.
Another key factor to consider is staying healthy throughout your pregnancy. Eating healthy, well-balanced meals, staying active with light exercises, and consulting your doctor regularly ensure that you and your baby are healthy. Drinking plenty of water, eating iron-rich foods for energy, and including fiber in your diet to prevent constipation, can drastically improve the overall experience of your pregnancy and childbirth.
It’s also essential to plan for the logistics and practical aspects of childbirth. Figure out your transportation to the hospital, manage a comfortable birth plan, prepare a bag for you and your newborn, and organize any post-delivery help that you might need. Preparing a checklist and talking it over with family or friends who will support you throughout your pregnancy can be helpful as well.
During childbirth, it’s vital to stay calm and relaxed as best possible. Stress and fear can slow down the process and make labor more difficult. Find ways to manage your anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or music. If you have a birthing partner, they can also help by encouraging you and following the cues and instructions given by the doctor or midwife to help you remain as relaxed as possible.
Pack a bag with some essentials, such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, and any items that you think may help you relax during labor. These items could include aromatherapy—relaxing music or a special pillow. Make sure to pack everything ahead of time so that you aren’t worried about forgetting anything once labor starts.
Lastly, be prepared for the unexpected. Even with the best preparations, childbirth can be unpredictable. Plan for unexpected things such as a change in your delivery plan, postpartum procedures, and any complications that may arise. Knowing that childbirth is an unpredictable experience, remaining flexible and open to change can help prepare for whatever is to come.
By preparing yourself for the expected, prioritizing your health, self-care, planning, and learning as much as possible about the childbirth process, it can make even the most challenging moments of childbirth an unforgettable experience. Remember to take it one step at a time, stay informed, and enjoy the process. You got it mama!
Great post mommy. Glad you have overcomed this journey, despite the pain, it such a blessing indeed.