And then there were three

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Daniel Isaac born 7.20.09 at 1452.

Birth weight: 6 lbs 5 oz

Length: 19.5 inches

Head circumference: 31 cm

Early Labor started 11p Sunday night but I was able to sleep for about 1.5 hrs. When I got up to use the bathroom, the cramping was still present. And I could not sleep anymore. I woke up Derrick after a few more consistent cramping every 5-7 mins. We called the OB on call at 4:30a but we knew I was still in early labor so no chance of going to the hosp yet. The OB-on call adviced us to notify them when the contractions are consistently every 5mins or less. I tried to sleep some more as adviced by the OB-on call and failed (as expected). I knew I had to save my strength. At 6a, I went to take a shower -- I just had to do something and I was getting ready for the BIG day! At 8:30a, we called the OB clinic. We were asked to go to the clinic for a cervical check and fetal reactive tracing. (I could probably have been sent to the hosp then if I wanted an epidural. But since I wanted to go natural and I was still smiling even with the contractions, they opted to bring me to the clinic).

At the clinic, baby Daniel had a consistent heart rate on the 140s but since I was hungry (and did not really feel like eating either) he was not moving as much as my OB wanted. I was offered apple juice and cheerios which I ate slowly. And as expected, the baby's heart rate reacted with the contractions.

At 10:30a, my cervix was 4 cm dilated and I had more and more bloody mucus (bloody show).

We were sent home to relax and take walks etc. but my OB said if I had to concentrate more and more with the contractions then we have to go to the hosp. If we haven't gone to the hosp or called her by 1p, she wanted a quick update anyway.

So Derrick and Mom ate lunch at home and at that point, I knew the contractions were getting stronger. I was pacing all over the first floor of the house, used my exercise ball, and concentrated with my breathing with every contraction. I asked to be brought to the hosp right after they ate. I tried to eat as well but only a little bit since I felt nauseous.

We were on our way to the hosp at 1245p. Arrived at the hosp around 1p. After they checked the contration and fetal heart tracing again and finished their History and Physical (which showed that I was 7 cm dilated!!! oh yes I was on active labor and knew the hardest part is coming -- the transition phase!), my amniotic sac broke. When it happened, I was about to get up bec the nurse asked me if I'd like to take a walk, use the shower or the hot tub, or sit on the birthing ball, etc.

The transition phase came and it was definitely LABOR!

What a weird sensation, with increasing strength of the contractions, I could feel my uterus pushing (by itself!) and I truly felt the urge the push. The nurse called my OB bec of how fast my labor was progressing. My OB came and was running to the hosp. And I was 10 cm dilated when she checked! yup, I was ready to push!

It's funny that I know in my head how to push after seeing women in labor, however, I was still very much out of sync! I was not pulling my legs, instead I would grip the top of the bed. I was extending my neck instead of crunching. I would push while exhaling when I should keep my breath in. But one thing I remember, I was able to hold my breath and push for the full 10 seconds!

After a few more contrations - I think I finally got it - I was able to push the little one!!! I was so excited to see his face! He was placed on my chest/abdomen skin to skin! I was able to breastfeed before they took him for measurements. He is a good latcher, very awake and active. (probably bec I did not get any pain meds -- not even Tylenol).

I looked at him. I forgot how painful the contractions were (now I know 10/10 pain). I did not even feel the pinch of the needle for the local anesthetic -- it was nothing compared to the labor.

My mom asked me if I'd still do it again natural since the experience is still fresh on my mind and I answered "yes, I will do it again natural". The pain was worth it for little Daniel. The pain I also offered up to the Lord for all those little children that do not have parents that love them.

I looked at my little Daniel on my chest. I was speechless. He is perfect!

What a great feeling! I am a mother!

click on the pictures to enlarge

Delima Family

Papi Derrick, Mummy, Daniel

weight: 25th percentile


proud father


I love my son!

Precious gift from God

My labor support team is resting (my mom felt like she went through labor as well)

I was offered to eat -- thought it was a joke! But I saw the menu and chocolate cake was available. I did not finish my entree but I finished that cake! I just had a work out!

Daniel: I am fed.

Never co-sleep with your infant!

He did not want to be placed in his bassinet! and I was really tired.

Adorable

Mummy and her little peanut

The hosp gave us a bottle of sparkling grape juice with Daniel's name and stats. Also written: produced by Derrick and Sarah Isis Delima in Indianapolis, IN. cute!

On our way home. Derrick looks tired-- but happy.

Tiny baby, huge carseat

We're going home!!!

And then, there were three.