Saturday, February 2, 2013

My birthing story at Gleneagles Hospital

Almost 3 months ago, I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl Elisha Kendra. It's true what they always say, all the pains and sacrifices you experienced during childbirth is worth once you see your baby. I decided to blog my birthing story, so I won't forget the details of this life-changing experience.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was scheduled for a pre-natal check up on 5th November 2012 (around 39 weeks and 4 days). I was already feeling anxious because I felt backpains the night before. I just knew that I'll be giving birth soon.

Dr. Lisa Chin, my OB-Gyne did an ultrasound and told me that my amniotic fluid was low and the baby is very engaged already, so she needed to induce me. So that's why, I've been feeling those backpains! I agreed and she immediately gave me an inducing tablet at 4pm.

She instructed us to come back at 8PM for admission. After doing some more tests to make sure our baby is okay, we went back home to pack our things. My mom told me to sleep some more, while she prepared our dinner. I barely slept... I was so excited, anxious and nervous!

We arrived at Gleneagles around 8:30PM, and was admitted to a one-bedded private room. My mom wanted to stay at the hospital until I gave birth, but she was not allowed to sleep inside the room. Because there was a rule that only one lodger must stay overnight. She just stayed at the lobby and waited patiently for our beautiful baby girl to come out.

Hubby and I barely slept throughout the night. Dr. Lisa ordered the nurse that if my labor is not progressing by midnight, they will have to give me another inducing tablet. So they did. I was only 1 cm dilated.

And the labor pains started to feel like very bad backpains... I keep tossing back and forth wishing the pain would stop. We tried sitting on the bench, on the couch, walking inside the room, hubby massaging my lower back, but the pain is still there and had no plans of going away.

Around 5AM, I took a shower to help me relax more because I was about to be transferred to the delivery ward at 6AM. I took a light breakfast, to give me more energy for labor and pushing.

Meanwhile at the delivery ward, I was relieved to know that my nurse is a Filipina, Ate Evelyn. I could not have made it through without her, and my hubby. They encouraged me, held my hand, took care of me all throughout and I'm so thankful.

Dr. Lisa arrived around 8AM, and she was convincing me to take epidural because she know I am scared of pain! Hahaha! I thought about it for a while, but I gave in anyway because I read somewhere that the drip is much more painful!

Dr. Dick Tay, the anesthesiologist arrived past 9AM. He introduced himself, made some chitchat and explained to me the whole procedure. He is very nice and friendly. I find him very good because I did not feel anything! I tried so hard not to think about the big needle that was about to be injected to my spine.. I just looked at my hubby, closed my eyes and tried to imagine our baby.

I stared to feel numb from waist down 15 minutes after I was given epidural. It was a very weird feeling, not to feel anything. (Hahaha so redundant!) But I'm so thankful that I asked for an epidural because Dr. Lisa burst my water bag around 10AM.

By 12PM, I was 5cm dilated. 1:30PM, I was 9.5cm dilated. Ohhhhhh that crucial 0.5cm before I was fully dilated... we had to wait more than an hour! I was starting to feel tired, hungry and bored. Not a good combination. So, I looked outside and it was raining so hard!

By 3PM, Dr. Lisa instructed Ate Evelyn to teach me how to push because I was already fully dilated. Then the frustration started! I did not know how to push! It could be due to a number of reasons...

First, I was in epidural so there was no "urge to push." We just relied on the monitor to know when I was having contractions. Second, it's almost a day of labor! I was tired, thirsty and hungry. Third, Ate Evelyn explained that the breathing technique was just like swimming. But I never learned how to swim inspite of Hubby's numerous attempt to teach me. Also, I must have skipped to read about the "pushing part" of childbirth... hahaha! How dumb can I get?!

By 5PM, everybody is getting anxious already because I have been pushing for 2 hours! Thank God baby Elisha's heart rate is very good... If not, Dr. Lisa could have ordered for a CS because I can't push the baby out. Dr. Lisa told me she will perform vacuum delivery and Ate Evelyn called another nurse to help her to push my tummy.

And beautiful baby Elisha Kendra came out at 5:16PM, weighing 3.165 kgs. She was placed at my chest and it was love at first sight. :)


 

Monday, October 8, 2012

Coco's Baby Shower


Theme : Pink and Yellow
Food : Garlic Shrimp, Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit Canton, Enchilada, Hotdog with Marshmallow on stick, Laing and Chicken Pastel
Drinks : Pomelo and Mango Juice with Lemon Slices
Desserts : Jewelry Box Cake from Breadtalk, Chocolate Fondue, Lollipop Cake, Chocolate and Candies.
Decor : Flower Pompoms, Balloons, Flags, Ultrasound Pics
Games : Guess mom's tummy size, Guess Baby Coco's exact birthday, Balloon Relay

Our intimate baby shower was held last 23rd September 2012. Even if I was stressed out because of the preparations, it was really so much fun to celebrate Baby Coco's coming. We are really thankful for everyone who came showing their love for our baby! :)

Friday, September 7, 2012

Celebrations!

For the month of August, we celebrated three occasions. I can say, that it's our favorite month. It's hubby's birthday on the 1st, my birthday on the 10th and our anniversary on the 27th. Oh happy month! :)

We just ate dinner at Brotzeit Raffles City for hubby's birthday. And for my birthday, we had dinner at Marmalade Pantry with Kuya and Karen.


For our 1st Wedding Anniversary, we stayed in Shangrila Rasa Sentosa Resort Hotel. Ohhh it was a wonderful staycation! Although a bit expensive, but truly worth it. As I always say, Shangrila is Shangrila. Thank God we experienced to wake up to this beautiful view. It was amazing!



We also did our maternity photoshoot. Will update soon!

Baby Coco is already 31 weeks!! Time Flies! 9 weeks to go! :)
 

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Of Strollers and Pushchairs

We visited the babyfair at Takashimaya two weeks ago, but I have not bought anything yet for Baby Coco. :(  You see, I'm a first time mommy-to-be and I would not know which products are essential to buy for the baby.

I was contemplating on buying the Avent sterilizer and feeding bottles package worth S$199.00. Price before was S$ 327.60. Come to think of it, it's a very good deal! But in the end, I realized it was too early (@25 weeks then) for me to buy all these things. I just hope there are more baby fairs to come! If not, hubby would have to buy all these things by himself.

Meanwhile, we will just canvass strollers and bassinets. Here are some of the items we like.

Bugaboo Bee+ Base, SGD 1,149

Bugaboo Bee is a compact, nimble, one piece foldable pushchair. Maximum unfolded width of 52cm. Unique suspension swivel wheel system and a one piece integrated design that almost folds on its own.
Quantity:
  • One piece, 10-position height adjustable handle bar
  • Fully reversible and extendable seat unit
  • 4 position tilting seat with hard shell back rest
  • 3-position backrest
  • 5-point harness with soft, moveable shoulder pads
  • Height adjustable back rest
  • Wider seat
  • Wider chassis
  • Machine washable fabrics
  • 4 wheel independent suspension with foam filled rubber tyres for easy 360 degree manoeuvrability and a smooth ride over any surface
  • A unique swivel wheel system that enables easy steering with just one hand
  • Handle height: Adjustable from 91 - 107cm
  • Folded size: 88 x 13 x 71cm
  • Weight: 7.7kg
  • Assembled size: 92 x 52 x 98cm
  • Bugaboo is a proud supporter of (product) RED. From 1 October 2009 Bugaboo is contributing 1% of all revenues to The Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
  • Sun canopies are sold seperately, you can purchase a second sun canopy to change the color. The price of a new sun canopy is $100.
  • Bugaboo Bee sun canopies is available in 6 colors, red, blue, pink, yellow, black and dark khaki


  • Mothercare Bassinette and Travel Cot, SGD 219


  • Suitable from birth to 24mths (approx. 15kgs/33lbs)
  • Includes carry bag
  • Removable mattress
  • Quick and easy to assemble
  • Can also be used as a playpen
  • 2 wheels for easy mobility
  • Bassinette for young babies
  • Changing station
  • Folded: L79.5 x W24 x H19cm.
  • Assembled: L100 x W73 x H84cm.

  • So many pretty things to buy for Baby Coco!!! I am so overwhelmed! But first things first, will need to buy the must-have first, then if the budget permits we will buy the nice-to-haves. :)

    Thursday, August 2, 2012

    We're 26 weeks!

    Yesterday, was my hubby's birthday. It was so much sweeter to celebrate special occasions, with our baby Coco inside my tummy. Ohhh I have decided to call her (yes, it's a girl!) Baby Coco as a nickname. Isn't it pretty?

    Today marks my 26th week, 14 weeks to go! How fast time flies!

    I can definitely feel her moving almost every 3-4 hours. Her constant movements, makes me gassy, but at least I know that she is ok.

    As I was going through the baby center checklist, I realized there are so many things I want to do before I give birth.

    1. Pre-natal massage
    2. Staycation
    3. Pelvic Floor Exercises
    4. Learn how to cook Pregnancy food for breastfeeding
    5. Maternity shoot c/o hubby
    6. Gleneagles Maternity Tour
    7. Shopping for Baby Coco
    8. Teeth Cleaning
    9. Practice breathing techniques
    10. Baby Shower!

    So many things to do, so little time! I wish I have more energy!