Hi Chiqui!
Well, nature indeed has taken its course. The same day I sent you that message, our OB told us that we'll do another BPS with non-stress test by Apr 14 to check again if the baby's condition is doing well. If the results deteriorated from the last tests, then we'll have to change the delivery plan.
So, on April 14, I got up extra early to prepare for the procedure since we were scheduled in the morning. But then, mild contractions arrived at 7:22pm so I began timing it. It came regularly with 2-3 minutes in duration and at 10 minutes interval. My husband and I knew that this was it! I wasn't sure yet if I had bloody show while I was in the shower, but I saw blood so I took note of it too, in case the doctor would ask. While in the car on the way to the hospital, it was certain I had bloody show. My husband and I were excited because we knew that this was the day God planned for our baby to be born.
We headed to the Genesis section of Asian Hospital as we have been instructed. Our OB already left orders to the staff on duty about my condition. So when we arrived, I was immediately strapped with an apparatus for the Non-stress test to check the baby's heart rate. As the results showed, everything was well, except for one or two dips in his heart rate which was not so alarming. But the good thing is, the BPS doesn't have to be repeated. After an IE, the doctor on duty said I was almost fully effaced and was 2-3cm dilated, though the baby has not engaged yet. They began preparing me for the birthing room. My husband and I were actually ecstatic that in a matter of hours, we will be seeing our baby. We were in faith that baby will engage naturally on his own and we won't have to resort to a C-section.
It wasn't all natural as we planned because my contractions were not strong enough to coax the baby to engage. They had to hook me to an IV and give me medications to cause stronger contractions. Except for the IV, we still were able to practice Lamaze. Since I wasn't able to eat breakfast that morning, I was allowed to eat soup to nourish me. I even had one lollipop that was prepared in our labor bag weeks before. At 12PM, my OB arrived and after IE, she said the baby was still very high so she advised me to walk around. I most willingly obliged. My husband was such a great coach, even w/ an IV, we were able to do the Lamaze breathing and labor exercises.
After a while, I had to be strapped back on a fetal monitor. By this time, the contractions were coming strongly. When the doctor on duty did another IE, she said I was already fully effaced and was 7cm dilated. The urge to push was so strong but I had to control it because the baby's head was still above -4. Eventually I caved in and was given Epidural, because my dilation was progressing but the baby still won't engage. It was difficult while they were administering it because the contractions were already so strong and I had to be in a certain position for the Epidural. After the Epidural, I was able to rest for a while. But this actually backfired. My OB returned and said that my contractions lessened so it won't help the baby to come down. So we had to wait for the Epidural to wear off and then they had to give me stronger contractions by increasing the medication in my IV. By then, I was fully effaced and dilated and with a few pushes the baby head rotated and began coming down. I rested for 2 more contractions and finally the baby is at +4. The birthing staff got ready and baby is finally on his way. My waterbag finally ruptured but it was stained. I was more determined than ever because I didn't want to stress my baby even more. With the encouragement of my husband by my side and the cheers of the birthing staff, I was motivated to give it my all. I had a great team working with us and I believe it was a blessing from the Lord.
Finally, after 5 strong pushes, Ezekiel Norton Alvaira-Herrera came out with a loud and healthy scream at 4:39AM. He weighed at 7 lbs and 11 oz and measured at 52.5 in length. My OB and all the other doctors were so amazed at how I was able to handle it and how well I pushed that baby out. Well, had it not been for the classes we took under your facilitation, Chiqui, it would have been difficult and it may have turned out differently.
Thank you very much Chiqui for sharing your wisdom on Lamaze techniques. It sure did help us and gave us the most amazing experience of childbirth we could ever have. I'm recommending it to my friends who are also expecting babies.
May God continually bless you more!
With deepest thanks,
Normi Alvaira-Herrera
P.S. If you need more pictures, you can view it on my wall.
April 12
Hi Chiqui!
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