Our Birth Story

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Here’s how the best day of our lives went. Some details may be TMI (too much information!) but they could serve some of you well. Here goes:

August 21, Friday

8 am. I wake up to do my usual bathroom routine. After peeing, I notice blood on the tissue. I go, “Hmmm…” So I pee again, and yep, there’s a bit of blood alright. But I wasn’t feeling any pain. I walk into the bedroom and tell H, “Hon, there’s blood. I think we have to go to the hospital.” While he gets ready and places our bags in the car, I take a quick shower. I even have a little time to blow-dry my hair, haha. While getting dressed, I feel another gush of blood — good thing I was already wearing a sanitary napkin by that time. Before we head out though, we ask Mama to take one last pic!

Last Pregnant Picture
One last pic before leaving for the hospital
— our last pic as a pregnant couple!

8.15 am. We leave home and head to the hospital, which is a 30-minute drive away. I pray that there wouldn’t be any traffic jams. I’m feeling hungry and our OB did advise me to get a light snack, so H & I pick up some burgers on the way. Halfway through my burger, I begin feeling mild contractions, which can be likened to menstrual cramps. I start timing contractions.

8.30 am. Still on the road. My water breaks in the car!

9 am. We arrive at the hospital. My dress and shoes are soaked! I’m wheeled to the prep room, and I hand over my information sheet and latest lab tests to the doctor. My contractions are still moderate and 7 minutes apart. After an internal examination, I’m told that I’m 4 cm dilated but the baby is still way high, hardly engaged. I’m not allowed to walk anymore because my bag had already ruptured. I’m hooked up to an IV.

9.30 am. I’m transferred to the labor room. Contractions remain the same, 7 minutes apart, moderate. I’m hooked up to a machine that monitors my contractions and Timmy’s heartbeat. A doctor remains by my side the whole time. The anaesthesiologist arrives. A catheter is inserted into my spine so that he can just inject the epidural through the IV when I ask for it later on. Another doctor arrives for my antibiotics skin test and oooh boy, that injection stings! It hurt even more than the catheter insertion!

11.30 am. Not progressing contractions-wise and I’m still at 4 cm. Baby’s not engaging either. We decide to augment labor so I’m given oxytocin through IV.

12.00 pm. The contractions are strong. REALLY strong. 3-4 mins apart now. I can handle the first few waves of strong contractions, but I feel myself getting weaker with each wave. H joins me in the labor room. I hold on tightly to his hand whenever the strong contractions would make an appearance. He whispers words of encouragement and I feel better.

12.15 pm. Holy crap. The contractions are super strong. I ask for an epidural. It takes effect 45 minutes after it’s given, so oh boy, I had quite a few rounds of contractions that made my legs feel like jello. How I dealt with the pain: squeezing H’s hand, exchanging stories with the doctor monitoring me and the baby, praying the rosary, offering my pain to God, thinking that every contraction brings me closer to meeting Timmy.

1 pm. Another dose of epidural is given as I didn’t feel much relief after the first one. After awhile, I feel so much better. I can still wiggle and feel my toes, and the contractions are easier to bear now. I have a high threshold for pain, but I had a feeling not taking the epidural would do me worse.

1.30pm. H and the medical team gather ’round while my OB does another IE. After awhile he goes, “Makakauwi tayo nang maaga.” (“It looks like we’re all going home early!”) My cervix is dilated at 9 cm and contractions are 3-4 mins apart. The baby has also engaged. My OB tells H, “Get your camera! And change into your scrubs na!” Then to the staff, “DR na!” Delivery room already? I am in a daze while everyone excitedly shuffles about. We were all expecting I’d give birth around 6 pm onwards.

2.00pm. At the delivery room. I’m being taught when and how to push. I also try to remember what we were taught in birth class. We’re also waiting for the baby to descend a little bit more. By this time, I’m already hungry. VERY hungry. My motivation to push? Timmy of course. My other motivation? TO EAT!!! I ask the doctors beside me, “Pwede na ba ako kumain agad after delivering?” (“Can I eat right after delivering?”) They answer I can eat after spending 2 hours at the recovery room. That’s a long time! I don’t even know what time I’ll deliver yet! My tummy grumbles.

2.10pm. I start pushing. The team is fantastic. They’re all saying out loud together “Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale, hold and push! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, exhale slowly… Inhale, hold and push! 1-10, exhale slowly…” I could hear H cheering along too! I rest in between contractions. Since I got an epidural, I couldn’t feel much down there. I didn’t know if I was pushing right, but the doctors assure me everthing’s going well. By the 3rd round of pushing, some doctors help push the baby down also. I hear the doctor say that the head is coming out. I push with all my might.

2.34 pm. Baby Timmy says hello to the world. :) His APGAR score is 9/10. I’m still lying down on the delivery table, but I can see Timmy being cleaned up while H hovers about with the camera. After a quick clean, Timmy is brought to me to latch, then we share our first picture together. The team congratulates me and I thank them — we all did it together.

New Mommy and New Baby
Timmy: “I don’t think I’m in Mommy’s womb anymore…”

3.30 pm. Recovery room. I try to get some sleep but the adrenaline of the past hour keeps me wide awake. I close my eyes and say my thanksgiving prayers. I still cannot believe that I had just given birth. When my light snack comes (a piece of chiffon cake and bottled water), I feel so much better too.

5.30pm. I’m transferred to my room. My family is there and we all talk about the birth experience. My Mom comments that I’m quite talkative and strong for someone who just gave birth. I’m not feeling tired at this point. There’s happiness rushing through my veins!

Evening onwards. Timmy’s pediatrician comes to visit and update me on the baby, OB checks in on me. Everything is going well. I devour dinner. And then I get to experience breastfeeding Timmy for the first time ever — it’s an awesome, beautiful experience.

The following days. I get stronger with each day. On my 2nd breastfeeding session with Timmy, I walk to and from the nursery with little assistance. Despite some soreness, I can move about easily. Timmy is my motivation. The walks to the nursery are helping me heal better. By the time Timmy and I are discharged from the hospital, we’re both stronger. I’m a little bit scared about what the next days will bring me, but I believe I can be the best Mom I can be for my baby. My support system is wonderful, and with this beautiful, healthy baby, who wouldn’t want to keep doing her best?

Baby Timmy
Baby Timmy

And so this is Timmy’s birth story. This is just the beginning of a new and beautiful journey for H, me and Timmy – my family of three. Such joy!

*****

Thank you for the wonderful wishes everyone! Timmy and I are doing great. I’ve read all your comments, and my heart fills with all the joy you share. Many thanks!

49 Comments on Our Birth Story

  1. MrsG from New Zealand!
    August 27, 2009 at 12:32 pm (15 years ago)

    Love your birth story, Toni! I wish I was able to give birth to Bea the ‘natural’ way. I never had to do the pushing at all. Bummer! LOL

    Enjoy the special moments with Timmy, my dear! Looking forward to more pictures!

    xoxo
    .-= MrsG from New Zealand!´s last blog ..VIDEO: 8 Years to this Day =-.

    Thanks MrsG!!

    Reply
  2. ceztlavie
    August 27, 2009 at 12:35 pm (15 years ago)

    congratulations again! welcome to the world, timmy! and welcome to motherhood, toni! :)
    .-= ceztlavie´s last blog ..Tagged: Top Four =-.

    Thanks Cez!

    Reply
  3. Dexie
    August 27, 2009 at 12:36 pm (15 years ago)

    thanks for sharing the beautiful story. he’s a cutie :) . sleep when you can. that means you should sleep too while he’s taking a nap :) . congratulations again on your new bundle of joy.

    I’ll do that! Thanks Dexie!

    Reply
  4. jeanny
    August 27, 2009 at 12:37 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulation again Toni and D. Aliw ako basahin ang birthing kwento mo, parang ang bilis bilis lang, kaya siguro nakapag post ka kaagad ng photos ni baby Timmy sa FB, hehehe!!!!
    .-= jeanny´s last blog ..LP: Hapunan =-.

    Haha! Nakarecover ako agad kaya agad-agad din sa FB!

    Reply
  5. renin
    August 27, 2009 at 12:39 pm (15 years ago)

    Almost 7 hours of labor? Ang sakit-sakit siguro nun…but then, Timmy’s here…and there will definitely more wonderful experience instore for Mommy Toni, Daddy H, and Timmy! ^_^
    .-= renin´s last blog ..An inch of purity =-.

    Masakit lang nung wala pang epidural, so the intense pain was around an hour. 😀
    Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Joey
    August 27, 2009 at 12:59 pm (15 years ago)

    Your Timmy is so cute! He’s such a blessing, and looks like he didn’t make birthing that difficult for you :)

    Congratulations on your new bundle of joy 😀
    .-= Joey´s last blog ..When Kids Are Sick =-.

    Yes! I kept telling him “We make a good team you and I!” :)

    Reply
  7. gene
    August 27, 2009 at 1:08 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulations! And can I just say that you’re so lucky that you still remember Timmy’s birth story. I had an induced labor and my doctor put me to sleep and my husband was still at work when they brought me in. I woke up in our room a couple of hours later asking “Nanganak na ba ako?” Until now, I still can’t remember any part of it. And I was so thirsty and hungry when I woke up. But I still consider myself lucky because all of Una’s “batchmates” are C/S babies.
    .-= gene´s last blog ..Alice in Wonderland =-.

    Ah! I wanted to avoid that. Buti nalang pala I didn’t fall asleep! I wanted to witness every moment. 😀

    Reply
  8. witsandnuts
    August 27, 2009 at 1:13 pm (15 years ago)

    Thanks for taking us to the moments that happened on that special day. I just noticed the new category “Baby Steps”. Take care, Mommy Toni. Kisses for Timmy!

    Thanks Jo! Hugs hugs!

    Reply
  9. Em Dy
    August 27, 2009 at 1:35 pm (15 years ago)

    I’m glad that labor was quite short, others last longer and that both of you are doing quite well.

    Happy parenting!
    .-= Em Dy´s last blog ..The Time Traveler’s Wife =-.

    Yes! I thought mine would last for a day so thank goodness it just took 1/4 of a day for labor! :)

    Reply
  10. haze
    August 27, 2009 at 1:36 pm (15 years ago)

    good job toni!!! :) enjoy your new bundle of joy. timmy’s so cute! kade has a new playmate :)

    take care!!! see you soon!! sushi date ok?
    .-= haze´s last blog ..on the homefront… =-.

    Yes! Sushi date soon! When I’m back at work na! 😀

    Reply
  11. toni
    August 27, 2009 at 1:50 pm (15 years ago)

    hi toni! congratulations! welcome to the wold timmy!!!
    .-= toni´s last blog ..For Sale: Oakley Shades =-.

    Thanks Toni!

    Reply
  12. sheng
    August 27, 2009 at 1:58 pm (15 years ago)

    I’m swelling with tears reading that, i remember when i borne my eldest, there was so much joy and anxiety, hoping that my baby will just be normal, all ten fingers complete.
    .-= sheng´s last blog ..Seatlbelt: One Slip That Could Save =-.

    Yes! I immediately looked over nga at Timmy’s toes and fingers eh to count them! 😀

    Reply
  13. janis
    August 27, 2009 at 1:59 pm (15 years ago)

    congratulations!
    your baby’s so cute!
    .-= janis´s last blog ..The Morning Rush =-.

    Thanks Janis!

    Reply
  14. Eper
    August 27, 2009 at 2:00 pm (15 years ago)

    Thank for sharing your birth story and good luck with the breastfeeding! :)
    .-= Eper´s last blog ..Got Ink? =-.

    Thank you Eper!

    Reply
  15. rowie
    August 27, 2009 at 2:06 pm (15 years ago)

    Beautiful story, Toni! Welcome to Motherhood! :) I agree: nursing a baby for the first time is the most awesome experience.

    Take care and rest as much as you can, especially these first 4 – 6 weeks. (Best advice I got was to nap whenever baby’s taking a nap!) :) Hugs!
    .-= rowie´s last blog ..Giving. =-.

    Timmy’s napping right now and here I am answering blog comments. LOL! I SHOULD sleep! Thanks for all the help Row!

    Reply
  16. Tina
    August 27, 2009 at 2:08 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulations once again! Timmy is so precious. :)
    .-= Tina´s last blog ..Jehovah-jireh =-.

    Thanks Tina!!

    Reply
  17. blue rose
    August 27, 2009 at 2:17 pm (15 years ago)

    oh yeah! welcome to the world Timmy boy. And congrats again to you Ms Toni & to your hubby. glad to hear na mabilis ka lang pala nakapanganak. thank you for sharing your birthing story.
    .-= blue rose´s last blog ..Tao…bakit ka ganyan? =-.

    Yes! 6 hrs. wasn’t so bad. Salamat!

    Reply
  18. imom
    August 27, 2009 at 2:22 pm (15 years ago)

    Aww, Toni, this is a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing with us your birth story. While reading, i can’t help but wonder if you were writing as you were on labor, LOL! I couldn’t recall much of my first birthing experience. However, that “jello” statement above is so apt it gave me vivid memories of the pain! haha
    Congrats again. Timmy is so beautiful :)
    .-= imom´s last blog ..Layers of Goodness =-.

    I was thinking about my birth story DURING labor. Haha! So that I don’t forget the details! Down to the time!

    Thanks Chats!

    Reply
  19. mariaR
    August 27, 2009 at 2:55 pm (15 years ago)

    How wonderful Toni. Congratulations to the three of you. I was a little teary eyed with your story, a very fresh reminder to what I went through just 8 months ago hehehe. Ahh, enjoy every moment now. Love seeing you and Timmy snuggle together. He is soooo cute!

    Thank you mariaR! I sometimes run through the day in my head too. It was an awesome experience!

    Reply
  20. notsquare
    August 27, 2009 at 3:11 pm (15 years ago)

    This is the most beautiful birth story I have ever read in my entire life! (I’ve read more than 10 birth stories, all of close friends of mine)

    I cried!!! Got sooo emotional!

    Congrats again!!! (((hug)))

    Awww B!!!! *hugs*

    Reply
  21. Giselle
    August 27, 2009 at 4:00 pm (15 years ago)

    So glad to hear that all went well with your delivery! Congratulations on the arrival of dear Timmy and wishing you all the best with motherhood!

    Thank you Giselle!

    Reply
  22. Sinta
    August 27, 2009 at 6:35 pm (15 years ago)

    Thanks for sharing this story with us ^_^ Awww, he’s so cute. I’m glad everything went well. xoxoxo
    .-= Sinta´s last blog ..BCBGMAXAZRIA Customer Service =-.

    Thanks Sinta!

    Reply
  23. anne
    August 27, 2009 at 6:54 pm (15 years ago)

    great job and what a wonderful birth story! your timmy is seriously cute! he was about to smile in the photo.

    i have a question though…how come they allowed you to eat immediately? i had a c-section and i remember being very hungry and i was begging even for a piece of candy in the recovery room and they didn’t give me. when i was able to fart (sorry, TMI), they gave me soft diet. solids were allowed only when i was able to do #2. (TMI again). was that because i was C/S? inggit ako that you were given food agad :)

    Maybe it was the type of delivery, as you shared. :) Perhaps, perhaps. I’m not sure! But waiting for so long to eat was torture. Haha!

    Reply
  24. mitzi
    August 27, 2009 at 7:11 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulations again to you and Dennis, Toni!!! :) To Timmy! welcome to the world :) I just learned to day, from Josie (of Finance -JWT) that you gave birth already. [Why from Josie? nakasalubong ko lang siya sa Enterprise – she saw it on FB daw =) hindi ko siguro naabutan the time that I logged on :D).
    And was so happy to see how you shared your birth story here in wifelysteps! How nice talga, it’s a beautiful story and Timmy’s so lucky to have this kind of documentation on his being brought into this world 😀 (including during your pregnancy) :) but of course, he’s even luckier and so blessed to have your as his Mommy =) no doubt you’ll be a wonderful mom, Toni 😀

    He’s so cute 😀 I think he looks more like you =)

    God bless always! =) Mwah!

    Galing talaga ng Facebook ano. Hahaha!

    Thanks for the kind words Mitz!

    Reply
  25. Daphne
    August 27, 2009 at 7:26 pm (15 years ago)

    Wow your post makes it sound like it is so easy to give birth. I expected screams and shrieks of pain between the inhale, exhale and push moments hehehe 😉

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful story. Glad to hear you and Timmy (so his name is Timmy na nga ba or you rather keep it private muna?) are both doing ok.
    .-= Daphne´s last blog ..Another day, another sunset =-.

    Hindi pwede magscream! Lahat ng energy nasa pushing! 😀 Yup his nickname is Timmy. :)

    Reply
  26. Kuria
    August 27, 2009 at 8:11 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulations, Toni! Baby Timmy is gorgeous :) So happy for you and H! I’m sure you’re gonna be an amazing mum! God bless!

    Thank you Kuria!! :)

    Reply
  27. Amy leigh
    August 27, 2009 at 9:28 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulations! :)

    Thank you!

    Reply
  28. Gmirage
    August 27, 2009 at 11:24 pm (15 years ago)

    Hello Timmy! Abooh! Congratulations o your new bundle of Joy, Toni, antagal naman (but same for my eldest) Sarap ng feeling di ba? Enjoy!
    .-= Gmirage´s last blog ..Up…tears fell down =-.

    Masarap nga ang feeling :)

    Reply
  29. ela
    August 28, 2009 at 12:15 am (15 years ago)

    wee!!! congratulations again! and welcome to the world timmy!

    aliw ako sa birth story mo. i remembered mine clearly too. hirap manganak ano? pero super worth it :) can’t wait for another one, ehehehe
    .-= ela´s last blog ..a speeding ticket for a busy bee =-.

    Hirap maglabor! Pero masaya naman kapag alaga ng team like I was. :)

    Reply
  30. dyanie
    August 28, 2009 at 12:24 am (15 years ago)

    congratulations again toni! good teamwork w/ H ah! welcome Timmy!!! :) tonigirl, ang galing mo mag track ng nangyari. buti alam mo pa yung exact time. and dun sa last pic na pregnant ka, ang kulet. nakapag papicture ka pa kahit na manganganak ka na hehe! :)
    .-= dyanie´s last blog ..Red Mango in Greenbelt =-.

    Haha! Yeah! Pinahabol ko pa sa Mom ko na picture-an kami ni H before leaving. Heehee.

    Reply
  31. Lissa
    August 28, 2009 at 12:47 am (15 years ago)

    Wow! You’re so lucky Toni to have had an easy delivery, relatively speaking. Enjoy the newborn days with Timmy.

    Yes! 6 hours of labor wasn’t so bad and the team was fabulous. :)

    Reply
  32. kayni
    August 28, 2009 at 1:07 am (15 years ago)

    i’m so happy for you and your family, and i’m glad everything went well. i wish you, your hubby, and timmy well. i have no doubt you’ll be the best mom for timmy and everything’s going to be fine.

    Thank you Kayni! *hugs*

    Reply
  33. smarie
    August 28, 2009 at 10:18 am (15 years ago)

    oooh! he’s just beautiful, toni :) congratulations to both you and hubby. welcome timmy, you are a dream come true for mum and dad!
    .-= smarie´s last blog ..Bogota! At the airport with the in-laws =-.

    Yes he is. Thanks smarie!

    Reply
  34. brissiemum2
    August 28, 2009 at 6:13 pm (15 years ago)

    Oh wow! Birth stories are a wonderful thing to share! And yours sounds just lovely. I have a horror one and a lovely, calm one but both were caesarians. It is nice to hear about a completely different entry to this world! Congratulations again. What a cutie, too!
    .-= brissiemum2´s last blog ..From Fluffy To Fantastic…….. =-.

    Thanks brissiemum!

    Reply
  35. Nenette
    August 28, 2009 at 9:26 pm (15 years ago)

    Thank you for sharing your story, Toni! It brings me back to the births of my two babies.
    I’m glad to hear that it all went relatively smoothly. He’s so beautiful.
    Welcome to the Mommy Club, my dear friend… I know you’ll be a wonderful mother. xoxo

    Awww Nenette thanks!!

    Reply
  36. nina
    August 28, 2009 at 9:46 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulations to you and your husband. Enjoy motherhood!

    Thank you Nina!

    Reply
  37. aggy
    August 29, 2009 at 5:44 am (15 years ago)

    congratulations! you will be a great mom to your beautiful baby. i’m a regular reader but don’t really comment :) your stories inspire me especially now that i am 6 months on the way, expecting a boy in december :)

    take care and enjoy mommyhood!
    .-= aggy´s last blog ..downtown chicago august 09 =-.

    Hi Aggy! It’s so great to hear from you. :) Congratulations on your baby boy! Having a son is such a wonderful experience. I’ll be sharing more of my pregnancy preparations and motherhood experiences soon; I do hope they continue to help you! :) Thanks for the kind words!

    Reply
  38. Boinkie
    August 29, 2009 at 7:56 am (15 years ago)

    congratulations.

    Welcome to the fellowship of mamas.

    Thanks Boinkie!

    Reply
  39. fortuitous faery
    August 29, 2009 at 8:08 am (15 years ago)

    wow…what an amazing blow-by-blow…or should i say, push-by-push account of timmy’s arrival! just look at him…it sure beats any pain reliever out there!
    .-= fortuitous faery´s last blog ..Litratong Pinoy #63: Hapunan (Dinner) =-.

    One of the things that kept me through labor was detailing the morning’s events in my head! I just ran over the order of events over and over and over to keep me distracted from the pain. Haha!

    Reply
  40. CandyQ
    August 29, 2009 at 9:13 pm (15 years ago)

    Congratulations, Toni and H! And to baby Timmy, welcome to a whole new world! :-) God bless you!

    And Toni, your birth story reminded me of mine: I also had to be induced and despite my high threshold for pain, I eventually gave in to asking for an epidural because I didn’t want to scream the delivery room down, hehe!

    I thought I would scream! Hahaha. I think I was in too much pain that I couldn’t scream. I just whimpered. Hahaha!

    Reply
  41. kat
    August 29, 2009 at 10:14 pm (15 years ago)

    i am so, so thrilled for you and your family! i remember the first time i ever became a mom and i know how special, exciting, scary, and happy it is all rolled into one! looks like you had a very easy labor (not unlike mine =) and i’m glad everyone is safe, sound, and healthy!

    when you get the chance, pls. send me your mailing addy at: katdlr@gmail.com
    .-= kat´s last blog ..go shorty, it’s your birthday…(in a couple of weeks) =-.

    Thank you Kat! I sent you an email 😉

    Reply
  42. christine
    August 31, 2009 at 8:42 am (15 years ago)

    What a wonderful story! Our little guy Henry was born the same day, although we had a few bumps along the way. I’m so glad that you are doing well, though. And I wish you much sleep in the coming weeks!

    Oooh! Happy same birthday to Henry too! And wishing you much sleep as well. :)

    Reply
  43. kelly chan
    September 1, 2009 at 1:00 am (15 years ago)

    Thank you for sharing your birth story. I have very low pain threshold and I envy all the moms who have already given birth. I hope I could be as strong as you when its my turn to give birth. Your tips (esp. when you cited your motivations) are truly helpful to me.
    .-= kelly chan´s last blog ..DIY Pre-nup Photos =-.

    When the baby is there, the pain won’t matter! :) You will get strength from your baby!

    Reply
  44. Kay
    September 2, 2009 at 2:17 am (15 years ago)

    Omigosh … I love this entry … super detailed … I’m glad you were able to have a safe delivery though I am amazed it took 2 epidurals … grabe … pero super worth it yan lalo na pag malaki na sya and calls you Mommy …
    .-= Kay´s last blog ..my gorgeous twin brothers =-.

    Yeah mababa yun first dose ata, so the anesthesiologist upped it the 2nd time. :)

    Reply
  45. Office Bags
    February 23, 2011 at 10:17 am (13 years ago)

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  46. Aby
    April 20, 2012 at 2:02 pm (12 years ago)

    sigh! this made me teary eyed. I’m 40 weeks tom and still dont have contractions. I wish to give birth this week in a natural way to our little boy just like you did. Thanks for sharing and hope you are having a wonderful time with Timmy. :)

    Reply

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