Of Handling Two Toddlers and a Baby in the Tummy

💭  Throwback when I was 7-months pregnant.

I have to admit, I was the laziest person on earth when I was 7-months pregnant.

It isn't JUST laziness but fatigue/out-of-breath all rolled into one. 😫 😩

Sleep was very uncomfortable at night and of course, the frequent visits to the loo. 

Not to mention that the baby in the tummy, more often than not, decided that doing somersaults in the wee hours of the morning is much more fun than daytime.

I literally had to drag myself out of bed in the mornings and it was constantly an uphill battle.

Initially, I had no idea that I was pregnant as I missed my period for 2 months (it's normal for me to have irregular menstruation) and I did not suffer from any morning sickness like my previous two pregnancies.

When I started to feel queasy and tired most of the time, I decided to purchase a home pregnancy test kit. 

Source: http://m.clearblueeasy.com/digital-pregnancy-test.php

Trust me, the above brand is so easy to read especially when you encounter faded lines or trying to figure out if it's a single or double line.

Lo and behold, the test was positive. 

Hubby was ecstatic and I saw him grin from ear to ear. 😁

I was thankful that we would be welcoming a new addition to the family, yet it felt a bit too soon as our youngest was still considered a baby. 👶

I was a bit apprehensive as to how I'd be able to manage our two toddlers and being pregnant at the same time.

Our 5-yo can manage things by herself to a certain extent but our 1-yo is STILL breastfeeding (we've tried various weaning strategies but to no avail) and she's getting clingy day after day.

She doesn't like formula but would drink fresh milk out of a carton (served cold). 

She has regular meals and even snacks, possibly every 2 hours or so. 

I must confess, that taking care of toddlers and managing the household at the same time is quite a challenge, in addition to lugging that extra weight in the tummy.

I'd sometimes find myself feeling a bit faint or too exhausted even if I'd only loaded the washer with laundry.

Hubby helps out mostly and tries to bring the kids out whenever he can so that I can have my me-time (in instances when I'm too knackered to get dressed and go out).

Entertaining people at our home is definitely out of the question as the house is in a total chaos, although we try to clear toys off the floor and keep our kitchen clean as much as we can. 

On other days, I just couldn't be bothered as the kids, especially our 1-yo, tends to mess it up anyway. 

Our 5-yo would pick up the toys and try to keep the play area tidy but her younger sister would always find ways to have the toys strewn all over the floor barely 5 minutes later.

We've come to a point that we'll just have to walk around the toys and whatever stuff our 1-yo had left on the floor.

It was no fun, no fun at all. 😫

My 3rd Baby Delivery Experience (Columbia Asia Hospital Setapak)

Every pregnancy and birthing experience is different. 

I can definitely attest to that based on my personal experience which I'd love to share here for the benefit of other mothers.

Would it get any easier or better❓❓

Well, based on my personal experience, it varies and can feel overwhelming at times considering that you do not know what to expect and when it hits you, it hits you BIG❗❗

It's easier on certain things (for instance, I didn't have terrible morning sickness for my 3rd pregnancy as opposed to the previous two and was able to eat just about anything without throwing up) and challenging on some aspects (I could feel my joints becoming more loose so at times I'd have difficulty walking and I find myself being exhausted / fatigue / out of breath throughout the entire third trimester).

THE SIGNS

As I was about to hit my 38th week pregnancy for my third child, I started noticing a few of these signs below:

* Baby "drops" / "lightening" - 
I could feel my tummy shift slightly downwards, allowing me to have some breathing space. I no longer have trouble breathing or feeling out of breath so this was very much needed.

* Pressure in pelvic area - 
I literally had difficulty walking around and was waddling instead. The pain would come and go so if I happen to be walking outside, I'd have to alert my husband to slow down and I'd be dragging both feet as he held my hand for support. If I really couldn't take the pain, I'd find a chair to sit. Needless to say, I would rather stay home during this period than go out, even though I was dying to stay active towards the end of the 3rd trimester. 

* Vaginal discharge - 
I did not have any vaginal discharge for the entire 36 weeks of pregnancy but as I hit my 37th week into my 38th, I had some form of discharge which was slightly thick, odourless and whitish in colour. 

* Tightening of tummy -
The tummy tightening happens several times throughout the day but there was no pain in the lower abdomen area so I didn't think that they were contractions. To help ease the discomfort, I would either drink warm water, sit down and take deep breaths (the deep breathing used when during labour to ease the contraction discomfort).

* Sleepless nights - 
I just couldn't sleep at night, felt very much awake and I had to make frequent visits to the loo. I couldn't even find the right sleeping position to get a shut-eye so I finally gave up and caught up on some TV series. Did I mention that it was such an uncomfortable experience having to change positions? It feels like my heavy tummy is giving pressure on my breathing space, limiting it, resulting in me feeling very much out of breath.

Out-of-topic - 
I had cravings for sweet things 🍰  🍩  🍪  🍫  🍦  during the two weeks leading up to my 38th week. 
Reason being was because I had this metallic taste in my mouth which I needed to get rid off. So I had chocolates, ice-cream, cakes, doughnuts and the occasional 🍜  instant noodles (which I haven't had for more than a year). 

THE ROUTINE CHECK-UP

We had already packed our luggage  and hospital bag. We've even placed most of our stuff at my mom's as I would go through confinement there.

We decided over the weekend that we would head back to my mom's on Monday evening after hubby returns from the office as we had a check-up with Dr Sharmina Kamal of Columbia Asia Hospital in Setapak on Tuesday morning.

We spent the night with the kids at mom's place and left for the hospital at 7.30am the following morning. 

It was the first time ever that we left our two kids at home 🏡   with my mom considering that we would normally bring them along to the check-ups. 

This time around, mom said that she was OK to look after the kids whilst we went to the hospital.

Registration was at 8am so I was the first in line. The doctor would normally come in around 9am++ as she would be doing her rounds in the wards prior to that so we would normally go and have breakfast.

We walked to the nearest mamak (there were a few around the hospital's vicinity) for breakfast ☕  and as we walked back to the hospital after breakfast, I was already waddling and could feel my tummy tighten so hubby held my hand for support.

We sat in the waiting area to see the doctor and I could see on their plasma screen  that I was her only patient that morning. It was quite unusual as Dr Sharmina would have the most number of patients as compared to the other doctors.

I went in to see her around 9.30am and told her about my tummy tightening and how there was pressure in my pelvic area. She said that she would scan me first and if I was comfortable, she can do a VE to see if I was already dilated. 

As we scanned, she could see that the baby's head was already engaged and it was really low. 

She advised me that she would need to conduct a VE to assess the opening of my cervix. We found out that I was already 3cm dilated and that she would need to admit me into the hospital in addition to breaking my water bag to speed up the labor process.

She also asked if I had any contraction pains, of which I replied that I only felt my tummy tightening but I felt no pain on my lower abdomen.

Dr Sharmina then said that they could check if there were any contractions by hooking me up onto the CTG which would take about 45 minutes or so.

I asked if it was possible for me to make a quick dash home so that hubby and I could collect our hospital bag and see our kids. 

Dr Sharmina advised that it would be risky considering that I was already 3cm dilated, this was my 3rd pregnancy and based on my previous two birth history I delivered quite easily.

We then agreed that it would be risky so decided to be admitted and hubby made a quick call to my mom to advise her that we wouldn't be coming home anytime soon.

THE WAITING GAME

We were ushered into the labour room and I changed into the hospital uniform before I was hooked up onto the CTG scan.

As hubby and I waited for the results, we looked at each other in disbelief. We were ecstatic over the possibility of seeing our baby soon, that same day.

I was anxious to know if I was indeed experiencing contractions which I wasn't aware of so I asked hubby to Google up on how to read the CTG scan (whilst waiting for the doctor / nurse to explain to us). 

The nurses came in and out of the room, checked up on me, we made small chat, they asked if I was OK as they also checked on the graph produced by the CTG machine. 📈

When the time was up, one nurse explained to me on how to look at the graph. True enough, I had 1 or 2 contractions every 10 minutes so they would break my water bag and I would be delivering the baby on the same day. 

Dr Sharmina came in and explained that we would wait until after lunch time for me to further dilate naturally before she broke my water bag to speed up the labour process.

Lunch 🍱  was served so I had my lunch whilst hubby stepped out of the room (as reception was poor to make any calls) to call my mom and confirm that I would be giving birth that day. 

I then performed my prayer and started pacing the room, in the hopes that I would further dilate. 

In all honesty, I was nervous to go through the process of breaking my water bag as it would be my first time. 

I guess I was more scared than ever as I do not know what to expect.

BREAKING THE WATER / "AMNIOTOMY"

Slightly after 2pm, Dr Sharmina and a couple of staff nurse (including a midwife) came into the labour room to start the process. 

Dr Sharmina was so gentle and assured me that everything would be alright (I believe she could sense my anxiety, probably through my facial expression). 

She asked my permission to conduct a VE first (I was still at 3cm) and proceeded to break my water. 

She told me to relax and take deep breaths whilst she proceeded to break my water. 

She then advised me that the staff nurse would be monitoring me and that she would be within the hospital vicinity if I needed her. 

Hubby and I waited for my labour to progress.

The staff nurse checked up on me nearly on an hourly basis and each time they came into the room, they asked if I felt any pain. 

I told them that I did not feel any pain at all. I managed to perform my prayers on the bed as I was exhausted from all the pacing in the labour room and I just sat quietly, resting. 

It was about 6pm in the evening when I was told that I would be given an IV drip to intensify my contractions (as I couldn't feel any pain). 

At this time, I was about 5cm dilated. 

Two hours passed and I was still at 5cm so they increased the IV drip dosage. 

It was around 9pm that I only started to feel the pain in my lower abdomen. I had to take deep breaths to ease the pain, at times the breathing was disrupted because the pain was overwhelming at times.

I had started to burst into tears, probably because it was such a long wait 😩  I was already exhausted and I was suffering from contraction pains which I really disliked.

The doctor calmed me down and told me that I could cry, it was OK for me to cry and that everything would be OK. I told the doctor I wasn't sure why I burst into tears, it was just uncontrollable.

Dr Sharmina told me that I was overwhelmed with emotions at this stage but there is nothing to be ashamed of and she told me to just cry it out.

At 10pm, the pain became more intense and the doctor and staff nurse immediately set up the room to receive the baby. However, at this point I was only 9cm dilated and the doctor advised me against pushing if I had the urge to push as she wanted to avoid any serious tearing on my Miss V.

That one hour or so wait with everyone in the labour room was something which I would not be able to forget for the rest of my life. 

Not only were there painful contraction pains (which I really did not like and wish that it would only be for a short while), I was sweating AND shivering cold at the same time. 

My entire body was shaking, my hands and feet were icy cold and the staff nurses were concerned. 

They covered me entirely with a few layers of blankets and the doctor advised them to keep me warm as she could see that I was shivering badly. They even brought over the infant warming unit, elevated my bed and adjusted the warming unit near my body. 

Whilst the staff nurses were trying to keep me warm, hubby helped to wipe off sweat already trickling down my neck, face and forehead. 

The staff nurses were quite puzzled with how I could feel cold AND warm at the same time.

They even provided me with continuous supply of warm water and hubby was right by my side giving me the water.

Only after they had set this up, I could feel myself getting warmer, however I was still shivering but not as violently as before.

It was a long one hour wait in my life to wait for the opening from 9cm to 10cm.

I was already grabbing my hubby on his shoulder when the pain became to intense. He held my hand throughout the entire ordeal.

When I could not take it any longer, I told Dr Sharmina and she then proceeded to conduct a VE and said that I was already 10cm so I could push.

I wish I could tell you that it was an easy process like my previous two births. 

For my first delivery, I pushed three times and the baby came out. As for my second baby delivery, I pushed effortlessly pushed two times (didn't really take any effort, to be honest) and the baby literally slid out. I couldn't believe it was that easy.

I thought that the more children you have, the easier it would get. I was wrong.

It took me several attempts (I lost count) to push out the baby.

The baby just wouldn't come out. 😭

However, I had the doctor, staff nurses and my hubby cheering on me, telling me that they could see the baby's head already.

Unfortunately, I felt as if I had no energy left and I asked one of the staff nurses if she could help me push the baby from my tummy (which she replied that it could not be done, of course).

It took awhile. I told the doctor a few times, "I can't do this anymore" and she continuously encouraged me, telling me that "You're doing a really good job, you can do this".

All I could think about was the pain and wondering why it was extremely difficult for me to push the baby out, wondering if I'm doing it all wrong.


Dr Sharmina performed another VE just to check on the baby and guess what, apparently the baby turned his head at the very last minute, making it difficult for me to push him out. 

Dr Sharmina helped ease the baby and I gave it my one final push. 

The baby finally came out and I felt like my energy had been drained to the very last one. 😫

I couldn't help but cry. 😭

It was such a beautiful moment as hubby was by my side the entire time. 💖

Dr Sharmina and her team congratulated 🎊  🎉  us and as hubby and one nurse fussed over the baby to clean him up and check his vitals, the other two nurses attended to me.

I am so grateful that I met Dr Sharmina for our third baby and the team of nurses at Columbia Asia Hospital Setapak were wonderful.

I've gone through easy deliveries and this one was my toughest.

I can only imagine how other women deal with challenging births and I have nothing but respect for them. 🙌

My Third (3rd) Pregnancy

I'm hitting my 8th month now and anxiously waiting to deliver next month.

Each pregnancy comes with its own set of challenges so I just have to brave through it, no matter how tough.

(*based on my personal experience)

• Feeling Lazy: You can't imagine how lazy I feel with this third pregnancy that I just don't have the energy or drive to do anything at all, despite handling two young toddlers at home for the entire day. Yet, I still manage to feed the kids and myself too. Hubby plays a HUGE role to help out with the chores and food and the kids so I'm feeling really blessed to have him help with all the chores including cleaning the bathrooms / mopping the floors / taking out the trash / doing the laundry / cooking (this is THE MOST important part as I really am not keen to stand for long especially now that I'm in my 8th month).

• Fatigue / Out-of-breath: It's just ridiculous for me to feel exhausted although I don't really do much around the house. I'll set aside sweeping / vacuuming the floor one day (when you have a 1-yo, the amount of small crumbs on the floor is inevitable), folding clothes for another and just ensuring the house is not in a total chaos. At the end of whatever it is that I'm doing, I'll slump on the sofa and try so very hard to breathe normally. Sometimes I'll find myself feeling a bit faint.

• Isolation: I'm just not up to it, meeting people or hosting like how we used to. If I plan to go out with 2 kids in tow, it would only be for 2 hours max, then we'll head home. I'd rather go out during the weekends when hubby is home as he'll handle the 1-yo. At times, I'll just let hubby bring both kids out (which he normally does) and I'll resort to flipping channels on the TV or catching up on my favourite TV series (which isn't that often as I'd prefer flipping channels).

• "Nesting": This is constant for all three pregnancies. This time around, I had to declutter the house considering that we'll have another little one to attend to and I'm not keen to have to constantly clear toys off the floor or step on small blocks / Lego pieces. It's overwhelming! We're lucky that our 5-yo helps with putting her toys away but her younger sister, the 1-yo, always manages to make a mess of the play area or living hall again so we pity our 5-yo and help her clean up too.

• Nausea / Vomiting: I'm lucky enough, as compared to my previous two pregnancies, that the feeling of nausea and constant vomiting was only present during the 3rd and 4th month this time around. I'm able to eat proper meals and didn't mind the smell of hubby cooking in the kitchen or even his cologne.

Finally, I'm in my 3rd trimester now and I REALLY can't wait to get the baby out. 

It's so uncomfortable walking around at the moment, feeling breathless each time, not to mention feeling out of breath even whilst sitting down or lying down too! :(

Yet, I still feel reluctant at the thought of going through labour and the process of giving birth again. 

It's daunting, really, each time I remember the pain. 

Not to mention going through the confinement period (44 days!!!), the difficulty of passing motion, the thought of making sure Miss-V is cleaned after being stitched (or even peeing for that matter), the thought of breastfeeding a baby all over again or just keeping myself sane throughout my confinement period whilst handling two active kids at the same time. 

I respect mothers who are able to manage it on their own with the help of their hubby or a confinement lady.

Simply because they just don't have that luxury to pamper themselves and their newborn (unlike when they gave birth to their first child) since they have other kids to take care of as well and going through confinement in your own home is much more convenient and comfortable as you don't have to trouble anyone but your hubby. :D

Phew! I guess I'll just have to take this one step at a time.

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

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. :)

Week 38 Pregnancy: Fasting in Ramadhan

Alhamdulillah, just a few more days until Syawal dawns upon us! 

Alhamdulillah, I've been able to fulfill my obligations as a Muslim by fasting whilst being pregnant too!

I must say, it hasn't been easy.

Most of the time I get worried, but when I do, the baby starts to move or kick inside the tummy so I know that everything would be alright. 😊

I've checked with Dr Paul if it was ok for me to fast, he said yes but to be on the lookout for signs such as dizziness or nausea or signs of dehydration or even if baby isn't moving, then I'd need to break my fast. 

So here I am, being utterly grateful to The Almighty as He gave me the strength to go through the entire month,despite me having the option not to fast as I'm pregnant.

So I made sure that every single day I'd drink at least 1.6L of water after breaking fast (that comes with frequent visits to the loo), consume dates and ensure that I sahur with a hot drink and oats, the very least.

What makes it easier is that I stay home most of the time.

But each time I need to complete a chore or cook, it takes a toll and it is really tiring since I have a toddler to look after too. 

This week, I get tired easily, even with simple things like walking around or sitting down for long periods of time.

It gets so uncomfortable to sleep or even sit as I'd feel that I can't breathe easy and have to shift so many times in my sitting position just to find the right position!

Sleep at night is marred by my bathroom visits, at least 3 times within one night.

Having to wake up at 4.30am or 5am obviously disrupts my sleeping pattern.

What I do to make up for it is by sleeping during the day.

Thank goodness my toddler is so understanding.

All I had to do was made sure she was bathed and fed daily, thereafter, she'd find her own entertainment by playing with her toys and I'd switch on the TV too so that she's preoccupied even when she gets bored with her toys.

She would at times, cover me with a blanket or place a pillow next to me or that random teddy bear to accompany me when I fall asleep.

I'd even doze off like a gazillion times when I'm on the couch with my feet up!

One thing for sure is that at this stage, I noticed that I couldn't eat much as I'd easily fill full after a meal AND feel like I've lost my breath too.

It's nearing the end of the term now and it's just the waiting game.

We'll be anxiously waiting for you little baby! 

Week 34 Pregnancy: Rib Pain During Pregnancy

I fell sick the weekend after I cleaned up two rooms in the house for an entire week. 

I was down with flu and cough, not to mention being SUPER DUPER exhausted. 

All I wanted to do was sit back on the sofa and just do nothing.

Unfortunately, our little tot fell sick too so in addition to looking after myself, I needed to make sure she's being looked after too. 

Another thing I noticed was that I had a sharp pain on my right rib, exactly just below my right breast. 

If I were to slouch, it'd get more intense.

I wondered if all the hard labor the week before had caused the pain. 

Sleeping is getting more uncomfortable now. 

Back pain is getting more severe, coupled with the rib pain. 

So I looked it up to make sure it was nothing serious. 

I found this article:

Rib Pain During Pregnancy

It states that it is perfectly normal for pregnant women to experience this in the third trimester and it'll ease towards the end of term. 

I've got to admit, it isn't pleasant at all. 

When I apply pressure on my rib, it feels as if I had injured myself. 

When I lay down to sleep, I can feel the pain. 

I hope it goes off soon. :(

My appetite had also dwindled. 

I easily feel full and only consume rice once daily. 

I'd rather have 2 slices of bread or biscuits accompanied with a drink of milo + oats. 

For me, it is a complete meal. 

At times I'd feel slight nausea, though I won't vomit and it brings me back to my first trimester. 

I sure do hope I don't end up feeling like how I felt in my first trimester!!!

It's no fun, no fun at all. :(

Alhamdulillah, baby is more active now and it is more profound with the baby's movements ie moving tummy, kicks, hiccups, etc. :)

Week 33 Pregnancy: Nesting

Yes, I've officially started nesting 3 days ago. 

I emptied an entire storeroom in the house to turn the room into a fully functional room which hubby and I could use. 

Despite the room being so small, the amount of stuff in there left me wondering ... how on earth could such a small-sized room fit all THESE stuff?

Luckily, our little toddler helped me carry stuff around or throw the trash or help organize empty boxes, anything within her capacity. 

It helped a lot!

The cleaning and organizing didn't stop there. 

I then sorted out the guest room so that we could fit in our toddler's new bed and fill up the wardrobe with her clothes. 

Her wardrobe which is in our room have been stocked up with the baby's stuff. 

Her toddler bed in our room will be transformed back into a baby cot. 

We'll also fit in her diaper changing table for the new baby. 

It took me 3 days. 

The whole 3 days to sort out things. 

It has been super duper tiring! 

Last night when hubby and our tot were doing the finishing touches to her room, I just couldn't muster any energy to do anything. 

I plonked myself down on the sofa, feet up and just stared at my phone screen. 

Not long after, our tot came to sit with me and we both watched the TV. 

She slept off within 15 minutes or so in my arms. 

Hubby carried her into her room. 

I went into the room not long after as I was just too exhausted, even to watch the TV!

I must admit, the first night not having our tot next to me, I missed her. 

Like really miss seeing her sleep next to me and kissing her whenever I can and just watch her sleep. 

I woke up a few times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and made an excursion into her room. 

I checked to make sure she hadn't fallen off the bed, checked the room temperature, checked that her night light wasn't too bright, drew the curtains and made sure she slept in a comfortable position. 

Today, there are still a few more things which needs to be done. 

Sigh. 

Feels like there are just too many things in too many places in the house. :(

I'd probably sit down for awhile before I resume my cleaning and organizing urge. 

By then, maybe ... just maybe I'd have that burst of energy which I had 3 days ago.