I remember I was in a lot of pain when I gave birth to Cyrus two and a half months ago. But I cannot remember how painful it was as I am now writing my birth story, the whole thing seems like a century away..........

I have a rough pregnancy and was put on bed rest for almost 2/3 of it. I had been in and out of the hospital three times and every time was so scary to me. I was always wondering if I could make it through.... and finally the stork came......

23 Sep 1997

Went in for for my ob appointment.

I mentioned to Prof Clement Chan that I had been having irregular contractions for days. Prof Chan, as careful as he always was, sent me for fetal monitoring, internal check and ultra-sound scan. Everything was fine but I was not yet effaced and dilated.

Prof Chan suggested that I could opt for induction because irregular contractions that make no real progress could be harmful to the fetus. I had heard all kinds of horrible stories about induction but Prof Chan assured me I'd be in good hands. Despite all the controversies of induction, Gordon and I decided that we'd go for it. We just could not afford to take any risk when it comes to our precious little baby.

I was not aware that Prof Chan actually meant inducing me the next day, which was my birthday (what a nice way to remind u guys of my birthday) .

Gone back home at 2000Hr, stress level going up.......

I lost my mucus plug just before midnight. Freaked out, we went straight to the Labour and Delivery Ward. We had all the routine checks. I was 1 cm dilated by then. Knowing that I'd have my induction in less than 9 hours, the labour staff wheeled me back to my ward.

I could not sleep that night. My feelings were mixed, just could not imagine I was going to be a mother in 24 hours. I counted the hours away as I watched the clock tickled. What a long night...... Gordon slept like a pig that night.

24 Sep 1997

A nurse came early and got me prepared for the grand event.

I was in the Labour ward by 0800HR. I was hooked on IV and the fetal monitoring belt. My water bag was artificially ruptured and that was very uncomfortable.

Contractions started to knock in once the pitocin was in effect. A nurse came in and asked if I'd like to have an epidural, I told her I wanted a drug-free labour(!!), a decision which made me regret later.

Contractions were very strong by 0900HR. I managed to breathe through but it was getting more and more intense, more than a bad menstrual cramp. Seeing me in great discomfort, Gordon asked for a nurse and I was given a jab of pethedine. That did not take the pain away.

By 1200noon, the contractions were unbearable. Gordon held my hands and breathed with me. We were speechless. Gas made me felt very woozy and I could not comprehend myself.

By 1300HR, I asked for epidural. I felt like I'd collaspe but kept telling myself that the pain was there for a reason.

Unfortunately, there were a couple of emergency c-sections that day and the anaethesist had been having a busy time running around. I was sure I'm not going to make it through.

I was given the epidural by 1430HR. I was 4 cm dilated by then. What a relief!!!!!!! I even slept for an hour while Gordon could sneak out and had his lunch. Poor Hubby!!

By 1600HR, I started to feel a strong bearing down sensation as if I was moving my bowels. The contractions were still tolerable.

Prof Chan dropped by and said Hello to me. He told Gordon that it's very "cost-effective" to celebrate baby's and my birthdays on the same day. What???? They still had the mood to joke when I was in great pain???? I wanted to kill these two men!!!!!

By 1700HR, the contractions were very, very strong. A nurse came in and annoucned that I was 8 cm dilated. The epidural had to be turned off. I was actually begging them not to when the anaethesist came in. Gordon breathed with me. I thought I was going nuts but kept telling myself that it won't be long.

By 1900 HR, Prof Chan came in and said I was only 5 cm dilated. What??? Did they say 8 cm earlier on??? Guess there was difference when they were measuring with their fingers. The policy here was not to let induced women went longer than 12 hours so no luck, a c-section had to be done.

I was completely insane when the nurse came in and prepare me for the c-section. My patience was all gone and I was in a lot of pain. I could not hold on anymore and kept telling Gordon that I hated him for letting me end in a c-section.. Of course, I was not talking sense!!!

As I was rushed to the operation theatre, a nurse asked me my name, address and what kind of operation I was about to have. I wanted to hit her with this cactus!!!!! I yelled out, "I just wanted my baby out!!!!" I'm totally insane!!!!! I could see Gordon carrying all the stuff (I had packed three big bags of stuff for delivery, and it's like I'm moving my whole house to L&D) I brought to the labour ward, following me. Poor Gordon, how can I live without him.....

By 2000HR, I was on the operation bed and with just one jab, I was blacked out.

By 2013HR (as recalled by Gordon), Cyrus was born.

I awoke at 2200HR at the recovery bay. Everything was like a dream. My first words are," Could you bring me my baby?". Of course, Cyrus was already in the nursing room next to my ward. The waiting seems endless.

I was finally wheeled back to my ward at 2300HR. A nurse brought Cyrus over and tears came rushing out. He was worth all the pain and hardsip that I'd gone through!!!!!!!

I recovered pretty quickly from the c-section. I could not remember how it feels like and how I make it through those rough nine months. Cyrus' smiles brighten each and every minute. You just cannot imagine how much joy and fun (and work!!) a baby could bring to a family.

Now I understand why people keep calling them "Miracle Babies"!!

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