The Amazing Journey of Introducing Bradley to the World

It has been a whirlwind 2 weeks plus since B was born. He will be 3 weeks old this Friday. DH took a week of work and has been back at work since last week and I've been home alone with Baby B all day long. Whilst my mum comes by most mornings, she stays only for a couple of hour as she needs to be home for when my nephew comes home from kindergarten. I kinda think it worked out fine this way, the only person's company I craved is DH. I miss him even when he's right beside me, does this sound weird? I guess I miss those days where its just me and him. But now, I think it's even better with our little boy with us.

The first few days home from hospital was kinda traumatic, especially when my milk hasn't come in. It kills me to see B so hungry and we had to supplement him with formula, spoon feeding him. Then when we went back to see the PD, which was about 2 days after discharge, he hasn't put on any weight and his pee had a pink tinge, which means he was dehydrated. My heart sunk. I was determined to make sure he feeds well even if it meant giving him FM. I then went to see my gynae for my own follow up, and she gave me some meds to boost my milk supply. This domperidone meds, together with fenugreek from Motherlove as well as regular pumping, I was surprised to see how much milk I can pump. But B was still cranky. Finally, I decided to make an appointment to see a lactation consultant and eventually found out it was due to bad positioning and hence poor latching. After that consultation, B's been feeding much better.

And when we think it was over, the last 2 days were nightmare for me. First he would nurse non-stop, meaning every 30-60 minutes. He would dozed off and when put down to sleep, he would screamed and then nurse again. I read somewhere that this could be growth spurt, which typical happens around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 6-7 weeks and so on. That feeding cycle, plus the fact I'm home alone taking care of him was so stressful. The good news is, growth spurts typically last about 2-3 days, so hence me being able to sit down and type this post. I hope it's over coz it was so darn stressful when he cries.

Anyhoo, I digressed. I meant to be sharing my birth story, which I honestly think is one of the most amazing experience I've ever had. Pain no less, but a great experience. I wrote previously that Dr W was going to induce the birth on 26 April, a day before his EDD coz she's worried B might be getting too big at an estimated 3.6kg. I wasn't keen on the idea of inducing but I trust Dr W.

24 April: Appointment with Dr W at 39weeks 4 days - 3cm dilated.
24 April, 11+ pm: contractions started but where 10-15 minutes apart. Continued throughout the night but still at 10-15 minutes apart.

25 April, 5am: Bloody show but contractions were 7-10 minutes apart. Called Dr W's clinic. Advised to wait till 5 minutes apart before admitting to labour ward.

26 April, 12am: Contractions were 5-7 minutes apart. I waited and timed for an hour to make sure they were closer.
26 April, 2am: Got up to shower and washed my hair. Woke DH up and said it's time. Had coffee/milo before we set off to the hospital.

2.50am: 4cm dilated, contractions 2-4 minutes apart. Given suppository to clear bowels. Advised to wait until Dr W comes in the morning. DH and I too hyped up to get any sleep.

7-8am: Requested for laughing gas. Mentally decided if by the time Dr W arrives and dilation is still at 4cm, I'll ask for epidural.

930am: Dr W. arrives. 6cm dilated. Broke waterbag. Asked if I want epidural. Both she and nurse think I can do without. Decided to go without.

10am: Oxytocin drip started.

11am: 7cm dilated. In so much pain I can't move or lie straight, has to be seated upright but that position is no good for monitoring nor for baby to move down further. Advised me to turn to my side, which I did but I turned back because it was too painful. Laughing gas not much help.

11+ am: Pain was so bad, had urge to push, still at 7cm. Requested for epi. Nurse gave me an "are you sure, you are nearly there" look. Got her colleague to come check me again. Made me turned to my side so that baby can turn also. Next thing I know, they took away the laughing gas which I was holding onto dearly and said, "don't need this anymore, next contraction you push". I'm like, WTH? Don't we need to wait till 10cm? DH made to leave the room while they set up and propped my legs. Started pushing. Felt like the biggest constipation. All these while I really wasn't exactly sure what was happening except I was in so much pain.

Next thing I knew, I heard them say, "Ok I'm calling Dr W, she's in room X just finish delivering". And when Dr W came in, it felt so good to see her. But she quickly slipped into work mode and was so professional. Next thing I knew, she was in front of me and then everyone began counting to 10s and was like "pushhhhhhhh.... change of breath... pushhhhhhh". The next sensation I felt was warm watery feeling and tadah, baby was on my chest.

More movements going on in the background, more pain as the placenta comes out and Dr W stitching my wounds, all this time I was just trying to grapple the fact that I just gave birth and hearing the nurse telling DH what to do. I remember joking with Dr W that if I ever have a #2, I will definitely opt for epidural the moment I admit to the labour ward. She laughed it off sying usually for #2, it's easier.

As I'm typing this and B is sleeping in the cot beside me, I still can't believe we have a baby. DH and I just feel so thankful everyday. Thankful for this little miracle. All the pains for breastfeeding and cranky baby will soon pass, I'm ure its all worth it.