The First Delivery

As I entered the Theatre at the hospital I remember thinking this does not look like a theatre at all. It is different when you enter as a patient and as a student viewing a medical procedure!

You are dressed in a gown from the ward and then transported to the Theatre. You are put on the bed and depending on the type of anaesthetic you need ( your anaesthetist will discuss with you beforehand depending on the medical conditions you have ) each procedure will be different. I had a spinal block. I had to sit on the edge of the bed and couldn't see what was happening behind me, afterwards my husband asked me " Did the needle in your back not hurt ?" , I honestly did not feel a thing.

Next thing you are lying on your back and your sensation is tested to see if you can still feel pain from below your rib cage down to your toes. You have an intravenous line attached (drip) and you are ready to go.

The gynaecologist then does his part, he is usually assisted by another gynaecologist. My baby was turned transverse in my uterus so I felt a lot of tugging and extreme discomfort.

Thank God the next sound I heard was my baby crying, I just asked, " Is the baby ok ? " . Yes , was the response from the doctors and my husband. " It's a boy! " my husband shouted.

He came in at birth weight 3,79 kg at 38 weeks. He was checked by the paediatrician in theatre, all was well, Thank God!

I was so relieved and so excited also. I remember holding my baby for the first time. It was truly a magical feeling. So unbelievable despite what we learn in our studies, children are truly a miracle in my opinion.

I was being stitched while my baby, husband and I bonded. Baby is placed on your chest for a few minutes.

Then my husband left with the paediatrician and our baby (in an incubator) to the nursery.

I was moved to the recovery area after the stitching. I had uncontrollable shivering and a heart rate that was climbing slowly. I had to be given more pain relief as I was taking a bit long to settle. It was a scary feeling. I am also asthmatic so that made me more anxious. Thank God, after the pethidine was given to me I settled and eventually moved to the ward.

You have a urinary catheter which is put in from theatre and comes out only when you start walking around. Usually the day after your delivery or the same night depending on the time of your delivery.

Feels like just yesterday but it has been almost 3 and a half years later. The delivery for each mother and also every pregnancy is different. I was just so thankful that mine was successful for baby and me. Be Grateful for what you have, many others are not so fortunate.