Bun's Birth Story - Perfect Timing

This is a long story but a precious one to me because it is a testimony of God' perfect timing for Bun, and for our family. I am glad I finally wrote it:

The Expected Date of Delivery (EDD) for this 2nd pregnancy was 1 June 2012. During gynae checks in early May, low water levels in my womb were detected.

On Monday 14 May, my doctor expressed concern that the water levels were getting too low despite me not showing any signs of labour. She was willing to only give me another 3 days to see if I go into labour naturally and if I did not, she would need to induce me, for the safety of the baby. I knew about the possible dangers of induction, and did not feel comfortable 'forcing' the baby out before she was ready. We prayed either for my water levels go up (I don't actually know if that's possible), or that somehow inducing would not need to be an option.

By Thursday 17 May, I still showed no signs of labour despite me walking as much as my heavy-bellied body allowed me to for those few days. Roboman and I dropped Bubbles off at school and with a heavy heart (for me, at least!) brought our hospital bag in preparation for a delivery to see my gynae. She did a scan and immediately looked grave. Even the nurse by her side looked quite shocked because there seemed to be hardly any water left in my womb. My heart dropped.

Doc then explained that she needed to give me a pill to induce labour, and even if I did not go into labour, I would need to ward by 8pm, as it could be dangerous to the baby. She then did a fetal heart rate check to make sure the baby was alright. Then, just before she administered the pill, she discovered with surprise that I was already 3cm dilated!

My gynae showed obvious relief  that my body was going into labour naturally. She said one can never tell how a person reacts to the induction pill. I was amazed, and relieved. She then asked that I immediately check into the delivery ward, and explained that she would use the more natural option of inducement - the oxytoxin drip. Many women who go into labour are assisted by oxytoxin anyway, so I no longer worried.

We headed to the delivery ward, where I was strapped in and given an epidural. It was exactly 12 noon, and the nurse took a photo for us.

Then, amazingly, I felt contractions soon after! They happened so quickly and before I knew it, I was getting them 5 minutes apart. My doctor was amazed that my body decided to go into labour on the very day she thought she needed to get the baby out.

By 1.30pm, my contractions were so close together and I was dilating so quickly that it was no longer even necessary to give me oxytoxin!

By 3.30pm I was ready to push the baby out, and our dear little Bun was out before 4pm! It was a really fast and smooth labour.

As with my 1st delivery, I requested for immediate breastfeeding. Just like before, it was an amazing experience holding, nursing, and observing my brand new baby. I will always remember these two precious moments.

Bun, at 2.6kg, was much smaller than her sister at birth, but otherwise healthy and (to us) really sweet :)

An Added Bonus

Another sweet surprise came in a while later - we were told we will be bumped up to the Executive Level as the maternity wards were full! I got to enjoy a beautiful room with a Nespresso machine (not that I had any coffee but Roboman and my dad did), and more importantly - a gorgeous bathroom with very nice toiletries. It was a very quiet floor, unlike the maternity ward where there is a constant stream of visitors. I was very comfortable during my stay there, and enjoyed the excellent service. I really could have stayed on for longer!

My 1st meal after delivery. I was SO.HUNGRY.

Cuddles with curious little Bun

 

Bun was born with a head of very neat hair.

When Bubbles saw her, she thought I gave her sister a hair-cut!

Haha!

 

After 2 restful nights, it was time for us to head home.

Here is Bun in a lovely 'going home' outfit my sister chose.

You can see little dimples just below the edges of her lips, and the beginnings of many smiles.

Home sweet home with my beloved. 

~~~~~

He makes all things beautiful.

In His Time.