It was a day after the holidays when we were asked by Leslie’s OB to go to the OB Complex of St. Luke’s Medical Center - Global City. It has been days since we waited for any sign of labor. Leslie’s OB, Dra. Elisa Malvar-Cornelio, has been really helpful since we started in her service. It was decided that if Leslie doesn’t have any contractions before December 26, she would be induced for labor. I’m not a medical practitioner but as it was explained to me, there are risks if we don’t do the induction, due to Leslie’s ICP condition, a condition she had when she got pregnant with our child (I’ll write a separate post about this experience as well).
7 AM, OB Complex, St. Luke’s Medical Center - Global City, For Induction. This was the instruction relayed to us by Dra. Cornelio’s secretary. We arrived at the complex a few minutes before 7 AM. Leslie was admitted to the High Risk Pregnancy Unit (HRPU, or HARPU, as they call it). It was a heart breaking moment, to tell you honestly. Due to the ongoing pandemic, partners of pregnant women are not allowed during the labor process. They would only be allowed to enter the Delivery Room during the actual delivery. Imagine going through the whole painful process of labor, not being able to ask help from your partner.
A big thanks to all of the St. Luke’s staff at the HRPU during Leslie’s labor process. She was well taken care of. She was monitored by modern machines, and assisted by competent medical professionals. From 7:30 AM - 10AM, observation was done on her vital signs, contractions and our baby. During this time, her cervix is already at 2cm. A week ago, it was already at 1cm.
By 10 AM, 4 Primrose capsules were introduced vaginally. This medication would induce labor. She has been taking Primrose capsules daily for the past few days before her induction. By this time, her cervix is now at 3cm.
I was advised by a nurse to buy snacks for Leslie. After the labor, there won’t be any chance for her to eat. I was advised as well that there’s a public cafeteria on the 5th floor of the Main Building. I proceeded to the cafeteria and saw a lot of food options (cheaper than those on the MAB Ground Floor). If you are looking for “lutong-bahay” meals, this is a good alternative than going out.
Around 12 PM, another set of 4 Primrose capsules were introduced vaginally. By this time, her cervix is already dilated to 5cm. It was this time when she experienced very painful contractions. Around 1:30 PM, she was transferred to the OR for the Epidural procedure. Again, not a medical practitioner, but as it was explained to me, this would be the anesthetic for the labor and delivery so that the whole operation would be less painful for her. Due to her Scoliosis, it took 3 tries before the Epidural kick in. The medication cannot flow properly on her spine due to the curvature. After the procedure, she’s already at 9cm dilation.
Around 4 PM, her cervix is already dilated to 9cm. By 5:35 PM, she was escorted to the Delivery Room since the dilation is already at 10cm. I was waiting on the reception area of the OB Complex all this time. I was advised by a nurse to change into scrub suit so I can join Leslie during the delivery.
12/26 06:01 PM, Dra. Elisa shouted “baby out”. This is when everything changed. We came earlier today as a couple, at this moment, we are now proud parents of healthy baby boy. I was given the chance to cut the umbilical cord from our baby. This is also the first time I saw Leslie after we parted before her labor process. You can see she’s already tired from all of the pushing and procedures that was done but I can see from her eyes the happiness and perseverance of having delivered our baby. It was no easy feat. Our baby is 3.290kg when he was born. The wound from the delivery would take time to heal and it gave me a renewed sense of respect and admiration for all of the hardships and efforts my wife has put on for the past 9 months to carry and deliver our baby. With this, I’ll be forever grateful and thankful to her.
After cutting the umbilical cord, we were given the chance to bond as a family. The “Unang Yakap” was performed and our baby boy breastfed from her mom for the first time. You can see from his eyes that he’s adjusting to this new environment. Imagine being on a warm and dark place for 9 months and suddenly, be out to this world.
I was asked to exit the delivery room so my wife and son can start the recovery process. They would be on close monitoring for 2 - 4 hours. I used this time to process the documents for our admission. The room that was provided to us was Regular Private. We were also sent to the Pediatric Wing since there are upgrades being done on the Maternity Wing. Both are on the same floor so it’s no hassle. The room is clean and very spacious. There are items on the room that are already ours (e.g. pillow, pitcher).
Around 11 PM, I was called to the HRPU again to escort my wife and son to our room. Once settled, we used this time to bond and enjoy the first moments of us being a family.
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