I know this entry 4.5 years too late but in the wake of recent events: Aunt Di being in her third trimester and is due for birth any time now, it just brought me back to the time when C was delivered.
I could still vividly recall how we quietly and very sneakingly admitted ourselves into Mount Alvernia in the evening. We were extremely thankful that my labour was very "short" : 3 hours and I was able to tolerate the intensive labour pangs. The pain only really hit me at 11 pm, 2 hours after I was in the labour ward.
Daddy was at the ward the whole time and although we were watching our Man United match, we became distracted with the constant beepings of the CTG. The contractions came fast and hard after that and there were times where I had to sit up straight (was lying down previously) to relieve some pressure off my spine. Oh, I could still remember the pain that shot through my body and how I even started shivering. Daddy was very encouraging and he held onto my hand and muttered words of comfort.
The mid wife walked in several times to check on me and how I was dilating while telling us, "Doc is on his way." She handed me the mask and told me to inhale the nitrous oxide and said it would make me feel better. I told her I could still bear the pain but she insisted that I take the mask. After the first breath, I was literally
"knocked out". My eye lids became immensely heavy and I could not keep them open although my mind was very alert. I could hear voices around me and could vaguely guess what was going on but tried as I might, I just couldn't open my eyes.
Some time closer to 11.30pm, I knew the mid wife walked in again and announced very loudly, "your dilation is happening very fast. Don't push yet, okay? Doc is not here yet. Remember, don't push." By this time, I was telling Daddy that I couldn't do it. It was too painful and Daddy gently, yet firmly retorted, "Yes, you can." I felt like I was having a major constipation. There was already a lot of activity around me because I could hear people walking around and the next thing I heard was "I am going to give you a jab. It will relieve some pain." I said no, no injection but the mid wife said, "You can't keep saying "No". You need to conserve your energy." And then, I felt a jab on my tigh. It was Pethidine and it is a pain killer but my contractions were so painful by then I seriously didn't feel any relief.
10 minutes later, the mid wife returned to the labour ward and said, "Doc is here."
Then a familiar voice sounded.
"Come, push." was all he said. After like 4 pushes, Cheryl was born. Daddy was overjoyed and I could hear him sobbing away. In his tears, I heard him say, "So this is my girl."
Doc Ching asked for a second "push" for the delivery of placenta and then after that, he proceeded to stitch me up. I could feel the tugging but by then, no pain because the worst was over and nothing could
ever be compared to that.
So there.
My long overdue birth story. In case you are wondering why I can still remember the details, let's just say, I don't forget. :)
Aunt Di, hang in there. I am sure you can do it! :) Uncle Ben, I know it would be tough for you to be in there but your presence will serve as an encouragement for Di. If the pain is unbearable, don't insist on going drug-free. Take the epidural and conserve your energy for the ultimate push. :) We will be praying for you.
