Isabela Beatrice - A Birth Story

I didn't realize that my last visit to my doctor would determine when my baby would be born. I was waiting for labor to begin naturally, but due to some health risks because of my age, I had to be induced at 39 weeks and 2 days. My pregnancy was full-term but with no signs of labor yet, my doctor decided not to wait. I had to be induced to avoid any unnecessary complications.

It was December 2021, a week before Christmas, the date proposed was 26 after the celebrations but my husband has another idea. He wanted to have our baby with us on Christmas day and so we all agreed it has to be Christmas eve.

I was excited. Full of courage but nervous at the same time. How hard can it be?! I had two vaginal births before, this will just be the same. Though the last one was 12 years ago. Haha

We checked in at Mediclinic Park View on the eve of December 23. The nurse greeted us with big smiles ready to deliver our baby. Her first question was, are you having an epidural and my answer was no. You probably think I am crazy. Maybe I am just brave.

We put our things aside, get a little comfy, and even turned the tv on. The rooms at Mediclinic are well equipped and are almost hotel-like.

I changed into a hospital gown, lay in bed, and then the nurse started all procedures to induce labor. For a few hours, I was alright, the pain was manageable but after a few more hours I was riding in pain. They gave me pain relievers, pethidine first and then I was on air and gas. Last-minute when I was 6 cm dilated, I could hardly bear the pain. Ferald was watching me helpless. I thought I could do it but I was suffering so we decided to have an epidural. When the pain subside, it was the only time I was able to fall asleep, waiting for the baby to arrive.

Somehow, the birth was not progressing. The baby is stuck inside and not coming down the birth canal as it should. My doctor arrived. She suggested that if after half an hour and birth does not progress, they will have to take me to the operating room for a c-section. She doesn't want to stress the baby cause that is not good news for both of us. 

It was the last thing on my mind. I told my doctor that I wanted it to be a vaginal birth and I was clear about it during our prenatal visits. My baby have other plans but I was determined to have a natural birth. I asked the nurse to change my lying position, she turn me to my side and put a pillow between my legs. Somehow, this helped because after 30 minutes, there was a little movement. With tears in my eyes, I told my doctor to wait for another hour. Seeing that the baby progressed down the birth canal, she waited and without completing the hour, I was ready to push. Isabella Beatrice was born at 3:50 pm on 24th December 2021.

She came out face up and her umbilical cord was at her shoulder. It was the reason why she was not coming out swiftly. 

God is good. He listened to our prayers. When I heard the doctor say caesarian, I prayed hard. My husband and I prayed hard to God to allow this baby, being born on Christmas eve, to have a natural birth story.