When the Lord writes your birth plan

Towards the last trimester of my pregnancy, I have read that it is essential for me to write my own birth plan that I could discuss with my OB. Contrary to planning for an event, writing a birth plan is definitely a technical task for me since I really don't have a medical background. But according to BabyCenter.com, although I can't control every aspect of my labor and delivery, writing a birth plan is more like writing a wishlist on how you want your baby's birthday to be handled. Since I was having a pretty cool pregnancy, yet low pain tolerance, my delivery wishes are clear: Normal Delivery with the use of Epidural for pain management, and more importantly, I want to be awake when my little one comes out. I have discussed these things with my OB and I'm glad she supported it. She wrote these carefully into my admitting order slip, in case I need to take that trip to the ER.

On Tuesday, December 3, although I was not having regular contractions, I had this feeling that Matt will come out anytime real soon, so I made sure my hospital bags are all set. True enough, when I woke up from an afternoon nap that day, I had this feeling that my water bag might have ruptured already. I waited for about 2 hours to see if the leaking persists, and it did! Finally at 5:00 PM, I informed Papa and Lloyd that I want to be brought to the hospital. In case this is false alarm, at least I won't have any regret. 

We arrived at the Emergency Room of Marian Hospital at around 6:15 PM. After informing the nurses and resident doctor on duty about my situation, an internal exam was done and I was just at 1cm dilation. The doctor-on-duty called on my OB, and my OB instructed that I should be admitted right then! My labor would have to be induced since Matt would have to be delivered within the next 12 hours, or before I run out of amniotic fluid. If induction would give good results, we could go ahead with my birth plan. Otherwise, I'd have to give birth under Ceasarian Section. Oh, big word!

After accomplishing the hospital papers, I was brought to the Labor Room to start the process. They hooked up a Fetal Heart Rate monitor on my tummy to monitor the contractions and baby's heart rate.  My stay at the Labor room were the longest and most painful hours I'd have to wait. That was also the time I prayed the hardest.  I'm thankful that most of the nurses who assisted me were Singles For Christ members, I know that I am assisted with utmost care and concern. Jeff, one of the nurses, even joked "pray-over na ba natin si Ate Mei?" hehe. I'm also glad they allowed Lloyd, Mama and Nanay Mila to come inside the labor room to have a few minutes with me. Their words of encouragement were the things I needed first. 

At around past 10 PM, one of the nurses injected a pain reliever into the dextrose, and informed me that I will be dizzy with that. And I did! Since then, I have been asleep until Matt came out, except for several times they woke me up.

Around 12:00 MN, Dra Altea, my OB, woke me up. Lloyd was also there. She informed me that I finally have to go CS, since my labor has not improved for the past 4 hours. After inducing me with oxytocin since 8pm, I'm still at 2-3cm dilation. They have also detected that Matt's heart rate has gone irregular, that he may be distressed, and that we wouldn't want this to persist. Since Lloyd was already informed and has agreed, I put my trust on my doctor. 

They woke me up again to let me know they are about to start the operation. I was brought to the Operating room. I checked the wall clock in the room, it was 1:00 AM. The anesthesiologist introduced himself, discussed with me the process, and gave me instructions. They then had me lie down on my left side so they could inject epidural. I'm very, very thankful that Lyeo, Lloyd's brother was there the entire time (and yes, with complete documentation of the event, video included). He held my hand while I was enduring pain, and that helped me a lot! After the anesthesia thing, I was down and asleep again. The next thing I knew, my little prince charming is already beside me! He's out at 2:30 AM of December 4, 2013.

Out! time check: 2:30!

first kiss!

Things may have not turned out the way they were planned, but I know that it is the Lord who moved entirely. I'm grateful that He blessed the medical staff with wisdom to carry out everything successfully.  The umbilical cord was coiled into his neck twice, thus causing him the distress while I was in labor. What's more, I was already out of the hospital when I learned that Matt pooped right after he was brought out of my tummy. Could we have been a little late, Matt may have eaten that dirt and may have caused serious infection. We're blessed that he was allowed to be roomed-in a few hours after delivery, and that we were discharged 3 days after. 

What am I most thankful for? I couldn't thank the Lord enough for Matt's good health. We now have the results of his newborn screening, and everything's A-OK! He is getting stronger every single day, and I just looove every second of being with him. 

My new boss!

34 weeks down...

Wow baby, we're now on our 34th week together in my tummy! How are you doing there? I bet you're having a good time inside mommy's belly, with all the kicks and jabs you give me every time I eat and laugh, or even when I sleep. I'm sure you're excited to come out and see the world. We're super excited to see you, too! Daddy's preparing our room now, and your Lola Mila has already washed your clothes. Your Lola Amy and I have already shopped some of your stuffs, but Daddy and I will also shop for some more this weekend. :)

It's been about 8 months when I've stopped drinking coffee and softdrinks. It was tough at first, since coffee is my fuel, and Mountain Dew is my energizer when I didn't have enough sleep. I have somehow forgotten how they tasted, but their aroma is enough. I can get rid of all these caffeinated and carbonated beverages if it's for you, little boy.

A friend added me in a Facebook group called "Breastfeeding Pinays" and so far I am getting more and more excited to carry you in my bosom as I feed you with my most precious milk. I have been learning a lot from that group and I hope we'll also experience the immeasurable joy of breastfeeding.

We got just a few weeks to go, son. Maybe 6 more weeks, but if you're ready enough, we may see each other in a month's time. Or even less. Oh the thought gives me chills!

Thank you, darling, for being such a good boy to mommy. My friend's say that I am lucky with my pregnancy that I never get to experience morning sickness and illnesses. All our tests and vital signs were A-OK and I give credits to your daddy for taking good care of us. I'm sure you'll always be a good boy like your daddy and titos and lolos and Kuya Miggy and Kuya Amiel. We'll go to church together and I'll teach you to be a rockstar and Daddy will let you play with his lens so you can also be a good photographer like him. :)

Most of all, we'll pray together. Before Daddy and I got married, we were taught to build a church. And you, our most precious gift, are our Church. I know you will grow up to be a responsible Christian, with all the guidance of your lolos and lolas.

I could go on and on with the words I want to tell you. This is how excited I am. I thank the Lord for blessing us with you, our Matt Daniel. ♥