Thursday, October 07, 2010

Aditri Ariella Om

Now let's proceed with Aditri's birth story…

My contractions had been increasing over the last week, but having had 2 previous hospital admissions, with one being a false labour, I was determined to “get it right” the next time I made a trip to the hospital

Monday morning the 7th of June- i woke up at 8 am with light contractions. I was so used to it by now, I simply passed it off as Braxton hicks. I had an appointment with the midwife later that morning so I got dressed and went about the daily household chores.I silently rejoiced when the contractions got more frequent and intense but I didn't make a big hoo haa out of it like I had previously, raising everyones hopes.I was determined to get it right this time. By noon though the intensity had increased I kept reassuring myself that I could wait a little longer for the contractions to get more regular... I waited and waited til midnight. Took a nice warm shower, checked the pregnancy bag & camera and then waited for Alvin to get dressed and take me to the hospital. At 1230am on 8th June 2008 we arrived at Blekinge Sjukhuset.

The contractions were 10-20 minutes apart but still bearable. I was ushered into a room and was hooked onto the cardiotocogram(CTG), knowing this would last at least several hours, we made ourselves comfortable...

The midwife in-charge;Giselle Tham the same lady who delivered Aaren :) came in, introduced herself and we started chatting and successfully distracting me from the pain.she did an internal test and announced that I was doing very well, 5 cm dilated! It really sounded too good to be true.

I handed her my birth plan and she took it to her room to look thru it leaving Alvin and me in the room. Alvin began taking pictures and we chatted away. He was making me laugh thru my contractions trying his best to ensure that I remained distracted. He kept telling me how brave I was, that men are not cut out for labour, that god chose women after himself to be able to bring a life into this world... :) isn't he the sweetest!!!

We had just begun to discuss the birth plan. It was close to 130am.Giselle came in and asked if I'd like to have the membranes ruptured or if I'll like to let nature take it's own course. I chose to speed things up. She ruptured my water bag and told me that the contractions are going to be more frequent and intense

I told Alvin I'll practise the first pain relief option at 230am. Having something to look forward to made me hang on and I tolerated the pain while looking at the clock waiting for 230am.I used the yoga ball to move from side to side, swaying my hips to reduce the pain and tried walking with support..all this when the only source of relief was a supply of Entonox(laughing gas) I felt high! when the contractions were at their peak, nothing seemed to be able to ‘take the edge’ off it.

Was I regretting not having an epidural? No! I was determined and I knew that no matter how painful, I'll eventually get thru it. I had already made a mental note never to use epidural.. Not with the first,not now..

Experience of a Lifetime

The next few minutes were the most happening! My contractions soon increased in frequency, reaching a stage where a second contraction would mount before the first had completely subsided. The Entonox only helped regulate my deep breathing.My hubby and midwife offered lots of comfort thru words. “Breathe in deeply”,"you're doing great", "you're almost there" etc.

Giselle did an internal examination. Announcing that I was already 10 cm dilated and we could now proceed! She immediately called for 2 other midwives. One of whom wad a student from stockholm (I had consented for her to be present at my delivery – after all, she has to practice to master)
Giselle was probably the most consistent in offering words of encouragement and comfort.I know Alvin was tensed and was trying so hard not to show it. Afterall, it came as a surprise to him when he was asked to put on gloves and get ready to receive. Little did he know that he was about to deliver our baby in a few seconds.


God Bless the Midwife

Finally, my midwife propped me up with some pillows, positioning me for delivery. Despite the pain, I could not help but marvel at God’s amazing design of the human body. Having no epidural to numb my sensation, I could tell exactly when to push and was surprised that it was easier than expected. Each contraction helped to propel my little baby from the womb out into the world, and the pain seemed to have a very specific purpose now. It all seemed to fall into place, the body doing what it needed to do to complete this miracle of life.

After the 2nd push my hands were directed so that I could feel her crowning.I felt lots of hair! Alvin was instructed while I pushed. (i will get him to blog on this part) 6 pushes later, I hear Ariella's cries. A very happy man who had just delivered his daughter came over excitedly with her in his arms

I never needed an episiotomy,no tears...nothing! I remember a feeling of immense relief and release when Ariella fully emerged from the womb at 340am She cried immediately at birth and was placed on my chest after her cord was cut by her daddy.

My placenta was delivered and shown to me. The midwives explained it's function and how the baby was within. I could still feel my uterus contracting intermittently, but knew this was normal and expected.

I forgot about all the pain and exhaustion as soon as I got a glimpse of her. After she suckled on my breasts she cuddled up and fell asleep as I just looked on at the product of our love: Aditri Ariella Om
Alvin called home and informed mummy who in turn told our relatives back in Singapore.

Ariella never left my side after that. We were served our Fika (Fika is both Swedish noun that roughly means "to drink coffee," usually accompanied by something sweet)

Within the hour, We were transferred to a post natal ward for recuperation and bonding. I quickly showered and got dressed in my home clothes.after which, Alvin went back home and brought Aaren and my mum for a visit.

Mum was so excited to see her grand daughter. She is very afraid to carry new borns but when she saw Ariella who wad 4.32kg and 52cm tall holding her head steady, she was amazed and carried her. Aaren was playing with his dad and me, not noticing his little sister :) We were to stay there for 2 days. But Ariella had to be kept in the hospital, under observation for the next 5 days due to a suspected infection. Alvin and I stayed in as I had to breastfeed. On the 4th day, Sunday the 12th June, Alvin drive to Copenhagen to pick papa and Chandini up.they came straight to the hospital on reaching karlskrona to see our little gal.

Ariella’s story doesn’t end here, it merely begins. Our lives have been turned upside-down with her arrival, but we treasure her as a gift from God. All stories must end somewhere, and this is where we will leave it, for now.