Delivery of my first child

My first delivery was very smooth. My son, Ashton was delivered less than 3 hours after we arrived in hospital. I credit this to pre-natal bonding. His expected due date is on the 23 Jan but when I went check-up on the 21 Jan, my doctor told me that there was no sign that he was going to pop any time. He then arranged for me to check into the hospital on 23 Jan to be induced. I heard some stories that inducing birth is a very painful process and I prayed that I would not have to go through it.

I told my son everyday that it is going to be painful to go through induce birth and ask him to make the delivery smooth for both of us. I ask him to follow the doctor’s instructions to push and I will work hard with him along the way so that both of us can go through the delivery smoothly.

On 22 Jan, my water bag burst in the evening and within 3 hours, my little prince has arrived into this big big world.

Delivery of my second child

As for my daughter, Ashlyn, being pregnant with her is more of a challenge. While I was pregnant with Ashlyn, I have to handle my morning sickness for 5 months. Enduring morning sickness for 5 months and looking after little Ashton, who was around 18 months old, singlehanded was no mean feat. My husband was very busy with work then.

I still remembered very clearly that Ashlyn arrived earlier than expected. All of us were expecting her arrival on Singapore’s birthday but in the end she arrived on 30 July.

30 July…a normal day as usual. I brought Ashton for his usual morning run, home for lunch and then nap. Suddenly, at about 2pm, my waterbag burst. I was alone at home with Ashton. I tried calling my husband but I could not reach him as he was in a controlled environment. I got quite panicky as Ashton woke up and started crying. I tried ample times to call my husband but to no avail. I could not find anyone to babysit Ashton and I can’t possible left him alone. I have to put many pieces of rags on the floor around me to stop Ashton from slipping on the wet floor as he was clinging on to me.

I tried calling my mum but that was just trying my luck as mom says she has something on for that day. I crossed my fingers and hoped I could reach her on the phone before she left home. Lucky lady’s on my side. Managed to get both my parents and my parents cancelled their appointment to help babysit Ashton. Thereafter, I managed to get my husband with the help of his colleague.

It was already about 4pm when my parents arrived. I made my way to the carpark enduring with the pain from contractions and all wet. I told myself, if I did not see my husband then, I will take a taxi to the hospital. My waterbag had burst for 2 hours and I was still at home. I was very worried about Ashlyn, who was still in the womb and relieved that there were somebody to babysit Ashton.

My husband finally arrived and drove me to the hospital. When I reached the hospital, I was dilated by 8cm and Ashlyn was in my arms in less than an hour after admission.

I was exhausted and relieved that Ashlyn was sound and safe. Little Ashlyn slept for a good one day plus with minimum milk feed. I guessed she is as tired as me or probably she thinks I need a good rest.

Elaine Lau

http://www.todaysmotherhood.com