Hujung minggu lepas, ada jiran buat majlis aqiqah untuk anak lelakinya yang baru berusia 7 hari.
Mereka menjemput jiran tetangga di samping ahli-ahli masjid untuk hadir ke majlis tersebut.
Biasalah, kalau dah namanya buat majlis, ramailah yang datang berkunjung.
Nak2 kalau majlis aqiqah, ramailah yang naktengok, dukung, peluk dan cium baby tu.
Kebetulan masa tu saya berada di dalam bilik bersama jiran saya serta baby yang baru dilahirkannya.
Turut sama adalah rakan-rakannya dan saudara maranya.
Ketika kami sibuk berborak, datanglah seorang rakan kepada jiran saya yang dengan tiba-tiba berkata, "Eh, saya nak ubat ni lah, nak beli, ada tak?"
Dia menyuarakan soalan itu kepada jiran saya yang masih dalam pantang dan dari segi percakapannya, dia seperti hendak ubat itu pada ketika itu juga.
Jiran saya pun berkata, "Oh, ada. Saya kena amik kat luar, tunggu kejap ya."
Masa tu jiran saya tengah pegang baby dia yang sedang menangis.
Dalam keadaan begitupun, dia bingkas bangun dan berjalan ke luar bilik menuju ke sebuah kabinet di mana disimpan barang-barang yang dijualnya.
Sejurus kemudian, dia tunduk untuk membuka pintu kabinet, sambil memegang baby, dan mencari-cari ubat yang diingini rakannya.
Saya terkedu.
Punyalah ramai rakan-rakannya yang berdiri sahaja melihat ibu ini tunduk membongkok untuk mencapai botol ubat, meskipun masih memegang bayi.
Tiada yang kasihan melihat ibu ini ataupun yang sudi membantu ibu ini.
Saya tidak dapat membantu ketika itu kerana saya juga memegang bayi saya yang sedang tidur dan kebetulan, saya tidak dapat keluar daripada bilik itu kerana laluannya dihalang oleh rakan-rakan jiran tadi.
Mengapa ya?
Ini majlis aqiqah anaknya, namun, perlukah dibuat urusan jual beli ketika itu?
Tidak dapatkah mereka menunggu waktu yang lebih sesuai?
Perlukah disuruh ibu berpantang ini bangun untuk mendapatkan ubat pada waktu dan ketika itu juga? Tidakkah dia nampak bahawa ibu itu sedang cuba mententeramkan bayinya yang sedang menangis?
Saya sedih kerana tiada perasaan belas kasihan kepada ibu tersebut.
Saya juga ada pengalaman sendiri ketika dalam pantang anak kedua kali ini.
Saya berpantang di rumah ibu, maka ada juga saudara mara yang datang menziarah nenek yang turut tinggal bersama-sama kami.
Ibu akan mengatakan bahawa saya telah bersalin tetapi mereka tidak dapat melawat saya kerana saya sedang diurut atau saya sedang berehat bersama baby.
Ibu tidak menggalakkan orang masuk berjumpa saya dan baby kerana baby masih dalam hari dan antibodi badannya masih lemah.
Nak dijadikan cerita, ada seorang saudara ni masuk berjumpa saya kerana dia hendak melihat dan memegang baby.
Tak lama kemudian, anak kecilnya turut masuk ke bilik.
Semasa anak kecil itu bercakap dengan ibunya, saya perasan bahawa suaranya serak-serak.
Saya pantas bertanya kepada anak kecil itu, "Kenapa suara adik serak?"
Ibunya menjawab, "Dia sebenarnya baru baik selsema tapi sekarang ni batuk pulak."
Ya Allah, saya rasa macam nak nangis sebab risau akan dijangkiti baby pula.
Keesokan paginya saya perasan hidung baby tersumbat.
Ya, baby saya pula terkena jangkitan selsema!
Sedihnya saya waktu itu.
Pada sebelah malamnya, baby saya tak dapat tidur dengan nyenyak kerana dia selsema.
Kalau baby tak dapat tidur, memang saya pun langsung tak dapat tidur!
Saya terpaksa memegang baby sepanjang malam dan cuba mententeramkannya yang asyik menangis kerana hidung kecilnya tersumbat.
Saya sedih.
Mengapa ya, walaupun sudah tau baby mempunyai antibodi yang lemah, masih juga mahu memegang baby walaupun sudah tau anaknya mempunyai batuk dan selsema yang boleh dijangkiti?
Saya mintak sangat2 kepada sesiapa pun di luar sana, janganlah teruja untuk memegang baby yang masih dalam hari.
Sekiranya baby itu jatuh sakit, bukan sahaja ianya terpaksa ditanggung oleh baby yang masih kecil itu tetapi membebankan ibu dan ayah baby itu yang terpaksa berjaga malam untuk menjaga baby.
Yang lebih merisaukan adalah emosi ibu yang baru lepas bersalin agak tidak stabil kerana dia masih cuba menyesuaikan diri dengan baby serta perubahan pada dirinya.
Jika baby jatuh sakit, ia akan turut menambahkan rasa risau kepada ibu baby tersebut.
Saya meluahkan perasaan ini berdasarkan kepada pengalaman sendiri.
Kalau boleh, kasihanilah kaum ibu yang masih berpantang dan hormatilah privacy mereka.
Tempoh berpantang pun 44 hari.
Setelah tamat tempoh berpantang, bolehlah melawat ibu dan baby.
Tambahan pula pada ketika itu, emosi sang ibu lebih stabil dan baby juga sudah boleh berjumpa orang.
Namun, jika hendak memegang baby, masih perlu berjaga-jaga dan pastikan anda membasuh tangan dan anda tidak sakit serta tidak mempunyai apa-apa alat solek di muka/bahan2 kimia yang berkemungkinan boleh memudaratkan baby.
Saturday 26 September 2015
The Hospital Bag
Our experience of staying in Prince Court Medical Centre when we delivered our first child for a duration of 4 days had caused us to overpack this time around.
Who would have thought that we were able to be discharged by the next day since both baby and I were fine?
Here's a list of essentials which would help you prepare your hospital bag (kick-start your packing process if you haven't done so already):
Mom
* I.C and Prince Court's medical book for registration purposes
* Fresh clothes which you'll need to wear on the day you're discharged from the hospital
* Toiletries ie toothbrush & toothpaste, facial cleanser + toner + moisturizer, hairbrush, lotion/moisturizer/powder, etc.
* Bath towel
* Socks, sweater
* Snacks ie biscuits, bread, dates and mineral water or instant drink sachets
Baby
* Receiving blanket
* Socks, mittens and hat
* Wet wipes
* A pair of baby clothes (ie jumpsuit) as you'll need to change baby from the hospital clothes into his/her own clothes on the day you're discharged from the hospital
* Baby carrier / stroller
* Baby car seat
The hospital will provide the items below:
* Hospital clothes for mom and baby
* Maternity pads and disposable underwear for mom
* Diapers for baby
* Hat for baby (which you'd be able to bring home)
* Basic toiletries (we stayed in their Junior Suite so the toiletries were available in the bathroom)
* Alcohol swab (to clean baby's umbilical cord stump)
* A kettle and drinking cups are provided in the room, along with a small fridge
There you have it.
The most basic list.
You're free to add onto the list with your own items ie pillow case, nursing pillow, etc
And don't forget! Hubby needs to bring his wallet to pay for the deposit upon checking in, especially if you've opted for self-pay.
Just make sure you've got all the items ready, preferably a month prior to your due date, just in case you wish to add on any other items at a later stage.
Happy packing! :D
Who would have thought that we were able to be discharged by the next day since both baby and I were fine?
Here's a list of essentials which would help you prepare your hospital bag (kick-start your packing process if you haven't done so already):
Mom
* I.C and Prince Court's medical book for registration purposes
* Fresh clothes which you'll need to wear on the day you're discharged from the hospital
* Toiletries ie toothbrush & toothpaste, facial cleanser + toner + moisturizer, hairbrush, lotion/moisturizer/powder, etc.
* Bath towel
* Socks, sweater
* Snacks ie biscuits, bread, dates and mineral water or instant drink sachets
Baby
* Receiving blanket
* Socks, mittens and hat
* Wet wipes
* A pair of baby clothes (ie jumpsuit) as you'll need to change baby from the hospital clothes into his/her own clothes on the day you're discharged from the hospital
* Baby carrier / stroller
* Baby car seat
The hospital will provide the items below:
* Hospital clothes for mom and baby
* Maternity pads and disposable underwear for mom
* Diapers for baby
* Hat for baby (which you'd be able to bring home)
* Basic toiletries (we stayed in their Junior Suite so the toiletries were available in the bathroom)
* Alcohol swab (to clean baby's umbilical cord stump)
* A kettle and drinking cups are provided in the room, along with a small fridge
There you have it.
The most basic list.
You're free to add onto the list with your own items ie pillow case, nursing pillow, etc
And don't forget! Hubby needs to bring his wallet to pay for the deposit upon checking in, especially if you've opted for self-pay.
Just make sure you've got all the items ready, preferably a month prior to your due date, just in case you wish to add on any other items at a later stage.
Happy packing! :D
A Sister's Love
I consider myself lucky and blessed to have our lil' toddler doting on her baby sister.
Even throughout my pregnancy, she had shown her love towards my baby bump by kissing and talking to my tummy every single day without fail.
We'd bring her to our monthly check-ups and she'd be the first one standing in front of the monitor whenever the doctor scans for the baby.
She was the one who suggested that we make space for the baby in our room:
"I'll sleep in my own bed in my room so that baby can sleep with you and Daddy."
On that same day, we went to IKEA to purchase her bed, consulted her first on the type of bed she desired.
We picked out the bed, the comforter, bed sheet and pillow cases together.
As the bed frame couldn't fit our car, we arranged for a delivery and anticipated it to be delivered over the course of 3 days.
Of course, she was excited and kept asking us daily as to when her bed would arrive.
We engaged her in setting up her bed in a separate room and the baby cot in our room.
She helped out in every way possible.
When the baby came out, she would be the one watching the baby closely, being on standby in case the baby cries.
She'd entertain her lil' sister with lullabies, read books or just talk to the baby.
She's extremely reliable during diaper changes or when baby needs a shower, she'll fetch the diaper or bath towel or powder, anything she could get her small hands on.
When asked if she loves baby, she'll kiss the baby first then say, "I LOVE baby!"
As how she'd kiss my tummy during pregnancy, she's now kissing the baby throughout the day, every single day without fail.
We'd sometimes tell her that we'd let the baby stay with the grandparents, then she'll say, "No, that's my baby!"
Just the other day, we were getting ready to go out and we left the baby in the chair whilst we were standing outside the door getting ready.
I told my toddler, "Let's go, we'll leave the baby as there's food in the fridge and she can prepare the food herself, ok?"
Our toddler didn't budge and she let out an honestly sad cry, fearing that we would indeed leave her baby sister home alone for the night.
Our toddler refused to close the door and cried and cried until we said, "Ok ok... we'll bring the baby."
She immediately wiped her tears and gave us a huge smile!
Even when the baby cries and I'm attending to chores, she'd be the one checking up on the baby and tries to calm the baby down by either singing or talking to her.
Most of the time the baby would stop crying and just watch her big sister engage with her.
When the baby stirs in her sleep, she'd be patting the baby's back and tries to soothe the baby back to sleep.
I can tell you that it is THE most beautiful sight ever!
And here's hoping that the love demonstrated would last for many more years to come.
Wednesday 23 September 2015
Super Simple SAHM is on IG!
Super Simple SAHM is now on Instagram!
Updating IG is way easier when I'm holding baby (most of the time she either cries or breastfeeds) in one hand and uploading a picture on IG using my mobile on the other.
I've yet to master updating this blog whilst handling baby AND a toddler at the same time!
Forget about updating the blog when the kids sleep, I'd be too exhausted by then and guess what, have a writer's block. Sheesh. No luck here.
I'll continue updating this blog but will also update instant contents on IG.
Documenting one's life journey continues... on IG! :)
+Super Simple SAHM (@supersimplesahm)
Delivering Baby No. 2 at Prince Court Medical Centre
Alhamdulillah! Safely delivered our second baby recently. :D
It was a smooth natural delivery and I NEARLY delivered the baby in the car!
Here's how the day went.
10am
After breakfast, I felt the surges come and go.
It didn't feel like contraction pains since I only felt my tummy tighten for a few seconds and that was just about it.
I was convinced that it was nothing and even joked around with my siblings that I won't make the same mistake as how I did with my first delivery.
You see, with my first, I had contraction pains and a bloody show but because I've never experienced period pains, I honestly thought it was a bad tummy ache.
I had a bad case of diarrhoea a few days prior so I assumed that it was just one of those episodes.
Since hubby and mom insisted that we went to the hospital, we did just that.
As the nurse checked up on my dilation, she told me that I was already 5cm dilated!
So here I was thinking that I had to have a bloody show first before dragging hubby to the hospital.
Hubby asked if I wanted to go to the hospital a few times, I told him that the surges were irregular so I declined, saying that I was still fine.
Furthermore, I didn't want to go to the hospital and end up being sent back home if they were just false contractions.
1pm
The surges continued to come and go but I was still able to walk around, so when hubby asked if I needed to go the hospital, I told him that I was still ok. (Very determined preggy lady here!)
I was still able to perform my prayers albeit a little out of breath.
I'd sometimes find myself having difficulty to walk and have to sit down. (I think I sat down most of the afternoon anyway).
The family decided to go to the mall and grab coffee.
I told hubby that I don't think I was up for it as I would probably slow everyone down. (Yes, imagine me, waddling about in the mall and everyone would either have to wait for me or I'd end up playing the catch up game with the rest of the family).
3pm
The family left home to head to the mall, leaving my sister and I at home.
Before leaving the house, hubby kept reminding me to call him immediately if the pain became intense so that we could get to the hospital on time.
I told him not to worry about it and even said "Honestly, it's not that painful yet, really, don't worry."
When they left, I took the opportunity to take a nap whilst my sister watched TV.
And boy, it was one of those nap times that I could distinctly remember to this day!
4pm
I woke up a few times during my nap.
I could feel intense tightening of my tummy.
I had to sit and went on all fours to just bent forward, changed position, to relieve the pain and made a mental note that if it was irregular, I just had to brave it through.
I also started timing the surges but it wasn't regular as yet.
I then woke up to perform my Asar prayers and this time, I had to sit down throughout my prayers.
The pain was to intense for me to even stand or walk anymore.
5pm
I decided against continuing with my nap and sat down on the sofa to watch TV instead.
Several times, I had to slide off the sofa as my tummy continued to tighten and I had to change my sitting position.
It wasn't pleasant and I honestly did break out in a sweat.
I kept wiping off beads of sweat trickling down my forehead and wondered why on earth is it extremely warm at this hour?
I kept taking deep breaths to help with the pain too.
6pm
The family returned home.
I told hubby that the pain was intense and we should go to the hospital but I wanted to go after Maghrib prayers. (Still determined to perform my prayers and STILL thinking that I'm not going into labor any time soon!)
Hubby wasn't convinced we could wait that long but I assured him it was ok.
My mom immediately came to ask if I had timed my contraction and I said that it was every 7 minutes.
Of course, my mom was shocked and told hubby and me to go to the hospital immediately.
So hubby gathered our hospital bags and I got myself ready.
Truth be told, I took time to get ready as I could feel the intense pain and I had difficulty walking all of a sudden.
Like, seriously can't walk!!!
I had to sit down a few times just to relieve the pain.
7pm
By the time I've salam all my family members and sought for forgiveness, I had to sit down for awhile although hubby already had the car engine running.
Mom asked me why I was still sitting down.
I started to break down and cry.
Astaghfirullah, the pain was indescribable!
Really, I had no intention to cry but there I was, crying and sobbing and suddenly I couldn't talk properly anymore, I was actually stuttering!
Mom quickly gave me a hug and rubbed my back.
I told her, "I...can't...walk...it's...painful...too...painful."
Yes, I couldn't converse properly.
Mom helped me to the car when I was able to gather the strength to stand up.
I didn't stop beristighfar as the pain was too intense and I prayed to God to help ease the pain.
As we rushed to the hospital, I just couldn't concentrate on what hubby was saying.
Oh My God! The pain, it was just too much and even in the air-conditioned car, full blast, mind you, I was still sweating and it felt really warm! I continued with my zikir and hubby held my hand tightly each time I said "Ya Allah, it is so painful!"
I was breathing quite fast too and I had to stop myself and focus on the pain, imagining that it was going away.
The trip to the hospital felt like it would take us forever!
7.20pm
We reached the hospital and hubby ran inside to grab a wheelchair.
I honestly couldn't walk anymore.Hubby ushered me in and walked really fast as he pushed me to the labor room, I think he literally ran as I told him it was too painful.
My breathing was rapid at this point so muttering "It's painful, It's painful" came out like a chant.
As we reached the entrance of the labor room and waited for the door to open, I could see a few people seated outside at the waiting lounge.
I overheard one person say "Kesiannya dia" and I knew that I probably looked like I was going to deliver there and then!
The nurse buzzed the door open for us and showed us to the labor room.
One nurse was already inside and asked me if my water had already broke or if I had any bloody show.
I told her that I didn't have any of those.
She requested me to go to the bathroom and pee first since I would need to be strapped down for them to take my vitals and check on the baby's heartbeat.
I walked carefully to the bathroom, with much difficulty, and peed.
Suddenly, I saw blood in the toilet bowl and I knew it was my bloody show.
I can't describe it but it felt like a gush of liquid coming out.
I quickly cleaned myself up and told the nurse when I stepped out of the bathroom.
She requested me to change into the hospital clothes before I was ushered to the bed.
7.30pm
As I was laying down with hubby by the side, the pain became intense and whatever questions the nurse asked me, I just couldn't answer.
Really, it was too painful!
Here I was trying to say "Stop asking me questions! It's painful! Can't you freaking see that I'm in freaking pain???"
But of course, I shouted it all out in my mind as my lips muttered the zikir.
Hubby fielded all the questions on my behalf.
Guess what? When the nurse checked my dilation ... I was already fully dilated! That's right! 10cm!
No wonder I felt intense pain!
They then asked me if I wanted epidural, I declined.
They asked me if I wanted gas, again, I declined.
They advised me that the doctor was on her way (Dr Paul was away so they called Dr Tan instead).
Since the doctor was still on her way, one nurse advised me to take gas to delay my delivery so that I would deliver when the doctor was around.
I was like ... HUH? As it is the pain was unbearable and the nurse is requesting me to HOLD IT IN? No way!
I just kept my mouth shut and declined to have the gas.
The nurse then said "It's ok, if you feel like you want to push, just push, if the doctor isn't around, I'll be here to deliver the baby."
As the pain came and went, there were a few times when I felt like I needed to poop but this time it felt like it was coming out from my Miss V.
I think I only screamed once because it was too painful.
The nurse told hubby "The baby will come out anytime now. She's pushing."
By the 4th surge, I started to push.
The nurse then said "Ok, just push, I can see the baby's head."
8pm
I pushed for what felt like a brief moment and then ... out she came!
I believe that the entire process took us 15 minutes!
I was stumped.
I couldn't believe it.
I looked at hubby, dumbfounded.
I looked at the nurse's face, with a similar expression.
Told them that I couldn't believe it!
As they cleaned her up and took her vitals, the doctor appeared.
She requested for updates from the nurses and asked them some questions.
She then quickly came to me, congratulated me and did her stitching as I had a first degree tear.
At that point, honestly, I suddenly felt that the room was so cold.
And that the doctor took time to stitch me up.
And that I shivered throughout the process.
I felt like saying to the doctor "Quickly finish stitching me up already!"
As if reading my mind, the nurse said "Just for awhile ya, then we'll get this done."
The doctor did not say a word throughout the entire process.
For what felt like an eternity (hubby was by baby's side during this time), the doctor finally finished stitching me up, congratulated me again and after hubby and I thanked her, she left the room.
One of the nurses swiftly changed my clothes, helped me with my maternity pad and panties and covered me up with a comforter.
They propped me up in bed and said that it's time to feed the baby.
I was elated! Because when I delivered my first child, I couldn't even hold her, nor was I aware of my surroundings as I took too much gas at that time!
This time around, I was even more alert and happily accepted my newborn daughter in my arms whom they've wrapped in a towel.
8.30pm
I began to breastfeed her and she latched on brilliantly!
Alhamdulillah!
The nurse checked if baby was latching on and when she saw that baby was already suckling, she said "Pandainya baby."
I was super duper happy! :D
The bf process took about an hour and she managed to feed on both breasts.
9.30pm
One of the nurses then said they'd take her to the nursery to be cleaned up.
I asked if she would be rooming in with me.
They said "Yes, once you've settled in your room."
As my daughter left the room with the nurse, two nurses came in bringing in another bed and helped me into it.
They were really friendly and we chatted as they asked me about my birthing experience.
We chatted the entire time as they pushed me into the ward.
Hubby was putting our bags aside and we both talked about the birthing experience again, it just seemed so surreal.
I got to know from my mom when the family came over an hour later, that the family performed Solat Hajat for me after Maghrib prayers.
I was utterly grateful to them for doing this.
I was even more grateful to the Lord as he had eased my birthing process.
I remembered that with my first child, the family also performed their Solat Hajat even when it was 2am at that time and I was able to deliver naturally.
Alhamdulillah. I couldn't stop uttering this word.
I'm so thankful that I was able to deliver naturally AND bf my baby for one hour.
I am utterly grateful to the Lord and I should thank my lucky stars ... and the baby's too. :)
It was a smooth natural delivery and I NEARLY delivered the baby in the car!
Here's how the day went.
10am
After breakfast, I felt the surges come and go.
It didn't feel like contraction pains since I only felt my tummy tighten for a few seconds and that was just about it.
I was convinced that it was nothing and even joked around with my siblings that I won't make the same mistake as how I did with my first delivery.
You see, with my first, I had contraction pains and a bloody show but because I've never experienced period pains, I honestly thought it was a bad tummy ache.
I had a bad case of diarrhoea a few days prior so I assumed that it was just one of those episodes.
Since hubby and mom insisted that we went to the hospital, we did just that.
As the nurse checked up on my dilation, she told me that I was already 5cm dilated!
So here I was thinking that I had to have a bloody show first before dragging hubby to the hospital.
Hubby asked if I wanted to go to the hospital a few times, I told him that the surges were irregular so I declined, saying that I was still fine.
Furthermore, I didn't want to go to the hospital and end up being sent back home if they were just false contractions.
1pm
The surges continued to come and go but I was still able to walk around, so when hubby asked if I needed to go the hospital, I told him that I was still ok. (Very determined preggy lady here!)
I was still able to perform my prayers albeit a little out of breath.
I'd sometimes find myself having difficulty to walk and have to sit down. (I think I sat down most of the afternoon anyway).
The family decided to go to the mall and grab coffee.
I told hubby that I don't think I was up for it as I would probably slow everyone down. (Yes, imagine me, waddling about in the mall and everyone would either have to wait for me or I'd end up playing the catch up game with the rest of the family).
3pm
The family left home to head to the mall, leaving my sister and I at home.
Before leaving the house, hubby kept reminding me to call him immediately if the pain became intense so that we could get to the hospital on time.
I told him not to worry about it and even said "Honestly, it's not that painful yet, really, don't worry."
When they left, I took the opportunity to take a nap whilst my sister watched TV.
And boy, it was one of those nap times that I could distinctly remember to this day!
4pm
I woke up a few times during my nap.
I could feel intense tightening of my tummy.
I had to sit and went on all fours to just bent forward, changed position, to relieve the pain and made a mental note that if it was irregular, I just had to brave it through.
I also started timing the surges but it wasn't regular as yet.
I then woke up to perform my Asar prayers and this time, I had to sit down throughout my prayers.
The pain was to intense for me to even stand or walk anymore.
5pm
I decided against continuing with my nap and sat down on the sofa to watch TV instead.
Several times, I had to slide off the sofa as my tummy continued to tighten and I had to change my sitting position.
It wasn't pleasant and I honestly did break out in a sweat.
I kept wiping off beads of sweat trickling down my forehead and wondered why on earth is it extremely warm at this hour?
I kept taking deep breaths to help with the pain too.
6pm
The family returned home.
I told hubby that the pain was intense and we should go to the hospital but I wanted to go after Maghrib prayers. (Still determined to perform my prayers and STILL thinking that I'm not going into labor any time soon!)
Hubby wasn't convinced we could wait that long but I assured him it was ok.
My mom immediately came to ask if I had timed my contraction and I said that it was every 7 minutes.
Of course, my mom was shocked and told hubby and me to go to the hospital immediately.
So hubby gathered our hospital bags and I got myself ready.
Truth be told, I took time to get ready as I could feel the intense pain and I had difficulty walking all of a sudden.
Like, seriously can't walk!!!
I had to sit down a few times just to relieve the pain.
7pm
By the time I've salam all my family members and sought for forgiveness, I had to sit down for awhile although hubby already had the car engine running.
Mom asked me why I was still sitting down.
I started to break down and cry.
Astaghfirullah, the pain was indescribable!
Really, I had no intention to cry but there I was, crying and sobbing and suddenly I couldn't talk properly anymore, I was actually stuttering!
Mom quickly gave me a hug and rubbed my back.
I told her, "I...can't...walk...it's...painful...too...painful."
Yes, I couldn't converse properly.
Mom helped me to the car when I was able to gather the strength to stand up.
I didn't stop beristighfar as the pain was too intense and I prayed to God to help ease the pain.
As we rushed to the hospital, I just couldn't concentrate on what hubby was saying.
Oh My God! The pain, it was just too much and even in the air-conditioned car, full blast, mind you, I was still sweating and it felt really warm! I continued with my zikir and hubby held my hand tightly each time I said "Ya Allah, it is so painful!"
I was breathing quite fast too and I had to stop myself and focus on the pain, imagining that it was going away.
The trip to the hospital felt like it would take us forever!
7.20pm
We reached the hospital and hubby ran inside to grab a wheelchair.
I honestly couldn't walk anymore.Hubby ushered me in and walked really fast as he pushed me to the labor room, I think he literally ran as I told him it was too painful.
My breathing was rapid at this point so muttering "It's painful, It's painful" came out like a chant.
As we reached the entrance of the labor room and waited for the door to open, I could see a few people seated outside at the waiting lounge.
I overheard one person say "Kesiannya dia" and I knew that I probably looked like I was going to deliver there and then!
The nurse buzzed the door open for us and showed us to the labor room.
One nurse was already inside and asked me if my water had already broke or if I had any bloody show.
I told her that I didn't have any of those.
She requested me to go to the bathroom and pee first since I would need to be strapped down for them to take my vitals and check on the baby's heartbeat.
I walked carefully to the bathroom, with much difficulty, and peed.
Suddenly, I saw blood in the toilet bowl and I knew it was my bloody show.
I can't describe it but it felt like a gush of liquid coming out.
I quickly cleaned myself up and told the nurse when I stepped out of the bathroom.
She requested me to change into the hospital clothes before I was ushered to the bed.
7.30pm
As I was laying down with hubby by the side, the pain became intense and whatever questions the nurse asked me, I just couldn't answer.
Really, it was too painful!
Here I was trying to say "Stop asking me questions! It's painful! Can't you freaking see that I'm in freaking pain???"
But of course, I shouted it all out in my mind as my lips muttered the zikir.
Hubby fielded all the questions on my behalf.
Guess what? When the nurse checked my dilation ... I was already fully dilated! That's right! 10cm!
No wonder I felt intense pain!
They then asked me if I wanted epidural, I declined.
They asked me if I wanted gas, again, I declined.
They advised me that the doctor was on her way (Dr Paul was away so they called Dr Tan instead).
Since the doctor was still on her way, one nurse advised me to take gas to delay my delivery so that I would deliver when the doctor was around.
I was like ... HUH? As it is the pain was unbearable and the nurse is requesting me to HOLD IT IN? No way!
I just kept my mouth shut and declined to have the gas.
The nurse then said "It's ok, if you feel like you want to push, just push, if the doctor isn't around, I'll be here to deliver the baby."
As the pain came and went, there were a few times when I felt like I needed to poop but this time it felt like it was coming out from my Miss V.
I think I only screamed once because it was too painful.
The nurse told hubby "The baby will come out anytime now. She's pushing."
By the 4th surge, I started to push.
The nurse then said "Ok, just push, I can see the baby's head."
8pm
I pushed for what felt like a brief moment and then ... out she came!
I believe that the entire process took us 15 minutes!
I was stumped.
I couldn't believe it.
I looked at hubby, dumbfounded.
I looked at the nurse's face, with a similar expression.
Told them that I couldn't believe it!
As they cleaned her up and took her vitals, the doctor appeared.
She requested for updates from the nurses and asked them some questions.
She then quickly came to me, congratulated me and did her stitching as I had a first degree tear.
At that point, honestly, I suddenly felt that the room was so cold.
And that the doctor took time to stitch me up.
And that I shivered throughout the process.
I felt like saying to the doctor "Quickly finish stitching me up already!"
As if reading my mind, the nurse said "Just for awhile ya, then we'll get this done."
The doctor did not say a word throughout the entire process.
For what felt like an eternity (hubby was by baby's side during this time), the doctor finally finished stitching me up, congratulated me again and after hubby and I thanked her, she left the room.
One of the nurses swiftly changed my clothes, helped me with my maternity pad and panties and covered me up with a comforter.
They propped me up in bed and said that it's time to feed the baby.
I was elated! Because when I delivered my first child, I couldn't even hold her, nor was I aware of my surroundings as I took too much gas at that time!
This time around, I was even more alert and happily accepted my newborn daughter in my arms whom they've wrapped in a towel.
8.30pm
I began to breastfeed her and she latched on brilliantly!
Alhamdulillah!
The nurse checked if baby was latching on and when she saw that baby was already suckling, she said "Pandainya baby."
I was super duper happy! :D
The bf process took about an hour and she managed to feed on both breasts.
9.30pm
One of the nurses then said they'd take her to the nursery to be cleaned up.
I asked if she would be rooming in with me.
They said "Yes, once you've settled in your room."
As my daughter left the room with the nurse, two nurses came in bringing in another bed and helped me into it.
They were really friendly and we chatted as they asked me about my birthing experience.
We chatted the entire time as they pushed me into the ward.
Hubby was putting our bags aside and we both talked about the birthing experience again, it just seemed so surreal.
I got to know from my mom when the family came over an hour later, that the family performed Solat Hajat for me after Maghrib prayers.
I was utterly grateful to them for doing this.
I was even more grateful to the Lord as he had eased my birthing process.
I remembered that with my first child, the family also performed their Solat Hajat even when it was 2am at that time and I was able to deliver naturally.
Alhamdulillah. I couldn't stop uttering this word.
I'm so thankful that I was able to deliver naturally AND bf my baby for one hour.
I am utterly grateful to the Lord and I should thank my lucky stars ... and the baby's too. :)
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