Still laughing on the day that I thought I will give birth at IKEA. Me and my husband were at NUH to consult my OB-GYN about inducements since it’s almost 2 weeks past my due-date. Then after that appointment, we decided to drop-by at IKEA on the way back home to buy a breastfeeding pillow. Only a few steps to reach the entrance…my water broke! I was so stunned and froze for a few seconds. What just happened? Feels like a water ball came out of my wom and splat on the floor!!!! Luckily, we’re prepared, mommy and baby bag are already inside the car. So, on the same day we were back to the hospital.
When we reach the hospital, we are brought to a room where we can wait while there’s no contraction yet. Bear in mind we’re still in the middle of a pandemic so, additional steps in all the process. We opt for the single-bed suites for extra precautions. Little did we know, there’s a lot of people on the waiting lists. The nurse came back and said we are lucky to get one and even better because the last room which was available was the Deluxe Delivery Suite. We don’t need to pay extra as we booked a package along with all the check-ups. It’s really worth it to plan and avail packages. Minus the stress!
And the contraction began, I couldn’t believe that I made it after 14 hours of labor which ended in a C-section due to some complication. Just lost in words how painful and a great relief it was when my son was born on the 31st of July 2020. We are over the moon to see the beauty of life! How magical moment when I forget all the pain and just savoring the moments of holding my precious baby which doesn’t lasts as we were separated from our baby for a couple of hours since I needed to be inside the recovery room. I was worried a lot since I spent almost 5 hours instead of just 2 hours inside the recovery room. The nurses explained that I lost a lot of blood and needed closed attention. I am very glad they managed to find my husband and made an exemption to be with me. I feel so weak and confused about what's going on. And I am longing to see my little boy. Another roller coaster feeling.
Finally after all the long waiting hours! Was able to rest inside the room and have a chance to carry my baby. He is a pandemic baby as everyone says, where we lived for the past months wearing a mask when going out and using a hand sanitiser every minute was added to your routine. And no international traveling at all!
How did we make it even without any family member nor friends visiting us in the hospital? I think all the credits for all the great staff of the hospital – NUH esp to our OB-Gyn and nurses who work around the clock, making sure I am fine. They made us feel not alone with the whole process, they are genuine and warm. Also, the power of all the encouragement and motivational messages from family, friends and to all first time moms or expectant mothers that I chat with every now and then. It’s true that it takes a village to raise a baby!
I am very thankful that I gave birth and lockdown here in Singapore wherein I feel more safe. It's just amazing how great the service and the room in the hospital here is. As I heard a lot of horror stories from other places, my heart goes to those mothers who suffer. My respect and appreciation to all the moms are greater than before after giving birth. Mothers are the real living heroes!