What happened last week...

...well I was just psyching myself up to be patient, wasn't I? In the comfort of my air-con study, legs raised, hand on very pregnant belly feeling his movements....

After writing the last blog, Hubby & I set out to Gleneagles for my weekly gynae visit. Of course, I hadn't expected anything much out of the visit. I even decided not to go Cedele for my craving but to eat simple at the Redhill Hawker. We did the CTG at labour ward, normal results. We went in to see Dr Ang. She shook her head as she measured the water level & then turned to me "Pauline, water level is too low at 2 cm. The normal should be 5 cm. You have to deliver already."

I know all the past days I had spent waiting & all prepared for The Show. But there, I wasn't prepared at all. Hubby got all excited. Dr Ang got all firm & doctor-like. I told her I didn't want to induce. She said I wouldn't need to cos I was already dilated 1.5cm. But I can't wait for the contractions. We have to speed it up, she says.

The period between seeing Dr Ang & admitting myself into the labour ward was a blur. I tried to deal with all my emotions - excitement, fear, anxiety - all rushing through my system. I could only manage a Delifrance croissant & not any fancy meal (pre-confinement) I suggested to me. Hubby was only about excitement on meeting his son that day or next day. God's good to us, he says, we didn't have to experience any traffic...we just walk over to the hospital wing, no rush.

Once on the labour ward bed, I accepted the impending & got myself mentally prepared for The Delivery. Dr Ang broke my water bag at about 5.45pm. My contractions started at 6+pm, became unbearable at 10pm+, had my epidural at 11pm, & lasted throughout till I was fully dilated at 7am+.

At 8am, Dr Ang came in & I started to push, with 2 midwives at each side pushing down my tummy, Hubby at the side supporting me.

After 2 contractions & about 10 pushes, Baby's heartbeat slowed. Dr Ang told me she'll have to use the vacuum to assist. She instructed "Pauline, the next push I want you to push the baby out, ok." I understood what she wanted. Silently under my breath, I prayed "God, You are my strength, & You will deliver my baby out".

& I pushed with all my might for my Baby's heartbeat.

& another push.

& suddenly, I sensed everyone easing. I looked at Hubby & he was grinning & beaming, as if he couldn't believe his eyes. I looked at Dr Ang & she looked satisfied. & then I heard his piercing cries. I looked down & saw this (rather big) naked baby covered in vernix caseosa, arms & legs stretched out & tensed, mouth opened wide & wailing.

At 8.13am, on the 16th of December 2009, our son, Ian Chan, was born. :)