May 13, 2007

It was 2am. Mommy has been having contraction for quite a while. Lasting 1 minute for a period of 5 mins. They aren't sure this time because, mommy already took the medication that suppose to help if it's false contraction. And at the same, trying not to come back until they really know for sure that mommy is at least dilated at 2-3cm. Then, papi saw water dripping. And then suddenly, she felt water leaking. Ok this time... definitely need to go to the hospital. They reached the hospital at around 3am. There was a little detour. For some reason, there were construction and the exit to Whipple Ave is closed!!! But thank God, the other exit it not closed. So just a little detour. Mommy is now still in pain. Mommy and papi came through the emergency, and now mommy had to use the wheelchair. She was in a lot of pain. They checked into room 306 and was helped by the same nurse, Carol. Apparently, she was on a break, so mommy had to wait for a little bit.
When Carol came and checked on mommy, yup, the water broke, because she tested with a paper that will turn to blue if it's amniotic fluid. Next, she checked mommy's cervix, this time it's 3cm. Ok, now mommy is ready, and she really need the epidural. She's in a lot of pain. But the on-call doctor for epidural is not in the hospital yet. She lived in Palo Alto. And papi said that they closed out the exit to the hospital.
After 30 mins, the doctor for epidural is not here yet. So the nurse gave some medication. This helped mommy a little bit and the contraction was reduced to half. The doctor finally came and she quickly set things up. It was until 4am that mommy then felt better. She was able to rest now. I'm almost there, but I've to wait until mommy is dilated to 10cm.

Now is just a waiting game. Carol, our nurse, said that, if things goes smoothly, I will be out around noon time.

At around 8am, that's when Carol shift is done. So the next nurse takes over. Mommy and papi were still tired. Papi is anxious and praying at the same time for smooth delivery and speedy recovery, without any complication. At this time, when mommy's cervix was checked, it was 8cm. Two more centimeter to go and she'll be ready to push.

However, Dr. Joyce was out. She did mentioned to mommy and papi that she'll be out on Sunday celebrating Mother's day. So the on-call doctor helped to deliver the baby.

At about 9am, mommy called the nurse. She said she felt like pushing and in pain. So mommy had to have more epidural, because she's not fully dilated at 10cm yet. When the doctor came, mommy was advised to get some medication through her IV so that she can be fully dilated. And so, mommy and papi took that option.

At about 10am, mommy is ready, 10cm... finally, the long stretch. This is it. At every contraction, with the help of the nurse and papi, mommy tried her best to push. Mommy pushed for a long time.

At about 11am, the doctor came by again and recommended to use the vacuum. Mommy didn't accept it as first because she's afraid my head will turn out weird. So she refused that option and pushed for another hour. She has been looking at the clock.

At about 12pm, mommy couldn't take it anymore, almost wanted to give up because of the tiredness and soreness. Also, her temperature is getting high. She didn't feel it. My heart beat is pretty high as well. The doctor said it's not good for the baby's heart rate to be so high. Papi prayed and prayed, hoping that everything will be ok. The doctor even said, another option is to do C-section. Mommy thought to herself and said, "After all of this, no C-section for me. That should have been a week before and that I don't have to bear all this pain and pushing all this time. So, I'll take the vacuum option."

Ok, so the doctor prepared for the vacuum. The first time, it didn't work. Papi didn't tell mommy yet, but the doctor made a small cut. I guess my head is a bit big. And then, the second time, and final time, another push, and... I was born, 12:32pm.... Jovanson Zach is finally here in this world. I cried for the first time. The nurse took me and measured me and cleaned me up. Papi was still beside mommy encouraging her and by her side. I am 7.3lbs and 20.1".

For the recap and things are getting more sense, the doctor, during the second push, had to ask mommy to wait to reduce the tearing. Mommy dreadful nightmare would be that during child birth, that it will tear too much... hmm... can't imagine that. Mommy also lost a lot of blood and the doctor was shaking with disbelief. Mommy was put into lots of medication and back on the epidural to patch up. Papi also saw it as well, it was bloody.

All in all, thank God that everyone is ok. Mommy, though still in pain, is recovering. I'm also getting better and breathing well. Papi prayed and thanked the Lord for everyone. Papi kissed mommy and said, "Happy Mother's Day".

After some rest, mommy then gave me some milk. Well, not exactly milk, it's colostrum and it's healthy for me. I'm glad I'm born. Mommy and Papi love me. Most importantly, God also loves me and protects me.



Written by: Johnny Soedomo