39 weeks, 1 day
We were scheduled for 9.25am check-up with Prof Han. We were late because I thought it was 9.45am. So upon reaching, I did the usual routine check-up (urine, blood pressure and weight).
10am-ish: During the routine check-up, I realised I lost 600g which I didn't think it was possible because I was eating as per normal. Then it was our turn with Prof Han who of course was concern over the weight loss. He asked if I experienced any labour symptoms which I did in the middle of the night. I felt contractions-like but I thought it was braxton hicks and I was too tired so I managed to sleep it off. Then he started doing the thing where he "weighs" RKM using his hands and said that baby lost weight too and is about 2.9kg. He started doing scan, in which he said my water level also dropped. It was still okay but dropped quite a fair bit which made him check for dilation. (Checking for dilation is where he put his fingers inside me) Then he said something that made me all scared. He said, "Your cervix is open. You are 3cm dilated. Today can deliver. You check in to delivery suite upstairs and I break your water bag." Both Baobei and I were like... hahaha, words really cannot describe because only 4 days ago my cervix was shut and now I am ready to deliver? Prof Han asked if I had anything to eat which I haven't because we were late then he asked if I wanted to go home and shower first (I already mandi okay, just didn't wear make-up haha) which I said YES! I wanted to go home and let reality sink in first. So Prof Han asked me to go home, shower, have something light (because I may puke) and check in after lunch.
Came out of the room, called Mama. She didn't pick up. I called Baba and told him what Prof Han said, in which he said, "Allamdulilah." Haha. I called Mama again and asked her if she wants to join us for lunch which she said no because she has a lot of things to do then I said, "No mom, you need to come with us for lunch. After that I have to check-in to delivery suite already." Mama panicked! Haha.
We went home so I could shower again (and also wash my hair) and picked Mama up. Came out from the toilet and saw Baobei on the bed, with ear phones plugged in. God knows what he was thinking, so I didn't want to disturb him. Got changed while Baobei washed up.
I sat down and looked at my tummy since it was the last time before I popped!
I rubbed and said, "I can't wait to see you. I will miss this but I can't wait to see you."
Baobei came out, and we packed other nitty gritty things for hospital stay. Before we went out the room, we hugged each other. It was the kind where require no words, just needed to be in each other's arms. We hugged for awhile then he kissed my forehead, and I realised we were both crying as we were both scared of what is about to follow. I love my husband you know? He is the most amazing person.
We decided to have Coffee Bean for lunch at Novena Square. All 3 of us were nervous, but it was a nice meal before I delivered. Mama was assuring me that everything will be okay. Then we headed to KKH for my check-in.
12pm-ish: I know this year is SG50 but seriously, the labour ward was full. I was not having any contractions so I was still okay and didn't demand for a room. The nurse on duty said she would call me as soon as a room opens up. So I dragged Baobei to Cheers downstairs to buy sour sweets while Mama sat at the waiting area.
1pm-ish: We went back to the delivery suite and asked how long more we had to wait. The same nurse couldn't remember me (urgh) and she "lost" my folder which send all the nurses finding for it. Then finally, after back and forth, we got a room. I asked the nurse if it was okay that I speak to Mama first before going in, then she said, "Are you okay? Can you walk? Are you in pain?" I am still contractions-free so I said I am okay. Hugged Mama and told her I love her. I asked her to go home first since the rest of my family were still at work, and I told her that it would take awhile.
2.45pm:
The look of it is scary eh?
Baobei loves the chair!
Was told to change out of my clothes (completely naked) and into my white dress!
Baobei's POV.
Lucky 7 or what?
Despite the hiccup earlier on, the nurses at the delivery suite are amazing! Super kind and attentive towards me. We settled down and didn't know what to expect. The doctors on shift attended to me because Prof Han will only come when I am ready to push. They started checking my stats while the nurses prepared to put me on drip. The drip was supposed to help me dilate faster.
After the drip, still no contractions.
3.45pm: Doctor on duty came in and she said she will burst my water bag. TBH, it was very uncomfortable than painful. I always imagined my water bag burst while I was having tuition or shopping outside (very dramatic haha) but no. It was like a sharp, metal thingy that she inserted inside me to burst. And it didn't help that my water bag was "stubborn" so it took her awhile. But once it burst, it was like waterfall. The nurses would help to change the bedding pad when it became too wet. Haha, so funny.
4.30pm: I started feeling contractions. The contractions felt like my monthly menses cramps which I need panadol active fast to get rid of. It was not too bad. The nurse taught me how to use laughing gas! When I felt the contractions coming in, I started breathing in the laughing gas. Nurse asked if I wanted to take epidural but I refused since it was still bearable. The nurse said my contractions were good so she increased the dose of my drip.
Timed my contractions so I knew when they would be coming.
My contractions were about 1 minute apart, and it would last about 45 seconds.
At this point of time, I was still what'sapping my family, cousins and girlfriends.
They were like, "You can still what'sapp?"
6pm: The contractions became super intense. Like cramps x 1000!!! I started crying because I really couldn't handle the pain. The laughing gas tak load also. Sigh. Baobei held my hands and he kept reciting du'a. He said if I couldn't take the pain, I should just take the epidural and not hold on. I told him, "Baby I want epidural." He immediately informed the nurse. Actually, the nurse already warned us that if we want epidural last minute, we might have to wait depending how many people ask at the point of time so there might be a waiting list and can wait up til an hour. Also, if you are dilated above 6cm, they will not give you because it will be too risky as you have to be absolutely still when they inject your spine. Doctor checked and I was 4cm dilated, so I was good to go. Alhamdulilah, within 20 minutes the anaesthesiologist came in and they told Baobei to have his dinner and come back in 30-45 minutes. I was made to sit up, the nurse in front of me to make sure my posture was correct and held my hands while the anaesthesiologist used a hugeass needle to poke my spine.
6.40pm: After the whole procedure was done, I feel asleep. Baobei had dinner with my family and some of my relatives who are amazing and stayed despite I was in labour ward (these people are LOVE!). I didn't even realised he came back from dinner.
7.30pm: The nurse came to continue the drip to increase my contractions since I was "doing well".
7.45pm: The nurse came in to insert catheter to drain my pee so I will be labour ready.
8-ish pm: The nurse checked if the epidural was working well. I was numb breasts downwards and thigh upwards. But the only side effects I had during the whole labour was itchiness and shivering, but they were bearable. I could feel the contractions (aka something pushing downwards) but no pain. Alhamdulilah. I was 6cm dilated then.
10-ish pm: The nurse came in and checked my dilation. Then she started preparing the room
I was nervous so I asked, "Am I fully dilated?"
You think?
She said, "Yes, you are. We are just waiting for Prof Han."
So while waiting for Prof Han who was delivering someone else, we had a practice session. For every time I feel like contractions is coming, I have to push like as if I am constipated and want to poop. But only when I felt the contractions coming, if not I will tear and send baby in distress. We had like two rounds of practice until she asked me to stop and asked Baobei to have a look. (At that point I didn't know what was going on, but Baobei later told me that he saw some black stuff but was wondering what it was since I had a brazilian done a few days back haha.) Apparently, it was the baby's head crowning!!! That's why we had to stop practicing!
10.37pm: Prof Han came in and was preparing for labour like covering my legs so Baobei and I can't see and his tools needed. I on the other hand had time to what'sapp my family group chat to say I am fully dilated and that I love them all.
10.37-10.51pm: Prof Han was asking me to push when I felt contractions. After three amazing pushes, she was out. My baby came out!!! As I couldn't feel the pain but contractions only, and although I felt something coming out (had no idea it was the whole of her), I was ready to push for the 4th time when the nurses, Prof Han and Baobei were like "Don't push! She's out already." During the time I was pushing, a malay nurse (Sister) was inside and she was, "Push sayang. Almost there." So nice kan? Baobei later told me that my whole face was red and veins were like popping out on my forehead as I was pushing! Haha. Baobei didn't get to cut the cord because the cord was wrapped around her neck one round! So scary! Luckily we went for a morning check-up! Can't imagine what would happen if she came out later.
10.51pm onwards: The nurse took to measure her. She's 2.906kg and 49cm long! They cleaned her up while Prof Han delivered my placenta, in which we gave instructions for hospital to dispose it for us. I lost about 200ml of blood. Prof Han was stitching me then he asked if I felt any pain. I could feel him tugging and pulling as he was stitching but I still didn't feel pain. It was not a natural tear as he cut me but I didn't manage to ask how many stitches!
Then
We had our skin to skin. It feels so surreal that she's finally out.
My family, Mummy's family and Hafiz who were at the hospital were overjoyed and they were asking for pictures. Then Mama asked if Baobei could sneak her in. I was so happy that Mama and Mummy managed to sneak in and they could see the baby that day itself. It is so amazing to have my mom inside with me and everyone who loved us were outside although they couldn't come in to see me!
They left after that, and Baobei had his alone time
Such an amazing sight!
LOVE!!!
After an hour of skin to skin, I was brought up to the ward at about 1am. Another side effect I had from the epidural was light headed and migraine on the left side. I was given painkillers and slept, while baby was at the nursery.
Overall, my labour was not too bad. I am glad I took epidural because I wouldn't have endure another 5 hours of contractions. I was lucky that my labour was not that long and when I was fully dilated, I delivered her within 15 minutes. Syukur Alhamdulilah as He kept me and baby safe during the whole ordeal.
Assalamualaikum everyone.
My name is Raja Kattaleya Medina binte Raja Syahrul Nizam.
Original: Cattleya / Cataleya
Spelt: Kattaleya
Pronunciation: Kat- uh- lay- uh.
Meaning: A tropical American orchid with purple, pink or white flowers that is a popular greenhouse plant.
Medina
Pronunciation: Muh- dee- nah.
Meaning: City of the Prophet. In Medina, Mohammed began his campaign to establish Islam.
Syahrul and I are very blessed to be her parents.
