The Arrival of Angel

Dear readers,

We are delighted to announce the arrival of our angel in the early morning of April 10, 2012. Co-incidentally, 410 is also our house number. Welcome angel, you have knocked at the right door!

At 7:45 am of April 9, I experienced bloody show and my water bag broke, 15 minutes later. The pre-labour signs were clear, though my EDD was still 16 days away. I first informed hubby, who was just about to step out from the house for work. Then, took a shower before calling up Dr.Paul's mobile at 8:15am. He instructed me to stay calm, pack my bag and admit myself to the labour ward within the next 2 hours.

I will write more on the details of the labour pocess after my confinement. The experience was intense for a first time mother like me. Overall, with a birth weight of 2.61kg,  baby Jaden was delivered via natural birth without epidural. My supportive hubby was with me throughout the labour process.

Despite extreme exhaustion, our lives are filled with happiness and gratitude ever since the arrival of Jaden. May he stay healthy, and grow up well.

P/S:  The belief of 'drinking of young coconut water in the third trimester of pregnancy can prevent jaundice in new born baby' did not work for me.  Baby Jaden's jaundice level increased to level 236 on the 3rd day, and is currently under-going phototherapy with a rented UV lamp at home. We will visit Dr. Chai Pei Fan again tomorrow, hopefully Jaden's condition is under control.  



The first moment of life



Jaden Tan, the miracle of my life

The nurses called him 'celik mata' as Jaden's eyes
were already widely open in just a first few minutes after birth.

Phototherapy at home.  Rental charges, RM445 for 3D2N. Additional day, RM 60/day

Expenses:
Mother and delivery charges (3D2N)  RM 3,616
Baby charges                                      RM 1,005
Total                                                 RM 4,621

Week 37 - Maternity Check-up

Date:  4 Apr 2012 (Wed) Appointment Time: 9:30 am
Waiting Time: 20 mins

Blood pressure: 70/110
Weight Gain: 0 kg
Urine: normal

Baby heart beat: 154 bps
Baby weigh: will measure next week
Amniotic fluid level: decreased, but still at the safe zone.
Position: engaged, head turned side way (not facing my back bone), hopefully his head will be facing posterior soon, that will be the most optimum position for natural birth.

After the ultrasound session, Dr Paul spent some time to explain to me and hubby how the baby will  move through the birth canal during a natural birth. He was also very kind to tell me that I can call him anytime, even in the middle of the night if I suspect (1st time mother!) I am experiencing contraction, spotting, leaking of amniotic fluid or any other sign of labour. Anyway, he did not see any clear sign of labour yet, so most likely I will see him again for another 1 or 2 weekly check-up before the labour.

Baby, mummy's tummy is still the safest shelter for you in the whole wide universe.  If you think you need more time to prepare yourself, go ahead, take your time. Mum and dad just want you to be healthy and comfortable. Do not rush. By the way, if can, please avoid coming out on 11 Apr, it will be a national public holiday, which means charges will be doubled for any form of delivery! Hahah....please be a co-operative good baby!

Expenses:
Diagnostic/monitoring   RM 0.60
Admin fees                   RM  4.00
Consultation                 RM 50.00
Ultrasound                   RM 50.40
TOTAL                    RM 105.00

Week 36 - Maternity Check-up

I have been down with flu, sinusitis and buried by work lately. Since tomorrow will be week-37 check up, I told myself I must update week-36 check-up tonite, by hook or by crook.

Date:  28 Mac 2012 (Wed)
Appointment Time: 9:30 am
Waiting Time: 25 mins

Blood pressure: 77/105
Weight Gain: + 1.5kg
Urine: normal

I was down with flu, gradually leading to a full-blown sinusitis, as expected.  Dr. Paul wanted to prescribe antibiotic for me but I did not want any foreign substance affecting my baby (although doctor insisted that it was perfectly safe for me to take a course of antibiotic at this stage of the pregnancy). I decided to rely on my natural immune system to fight the virus.  The concerned doctor at the end still prescribed Clarityne and Actifed, 2 types of medication to mitigate my runny and blocked nose. 3 days of MC were also given, but I did not make use of it. Just wanted to finish as much work as I could before the baby arrives.

Baby heart beat: 157 bps
Baby weigh: 2.5kg
Amniotic fluid level: optimum
Position: head down, engaged, condusive for natural birth

During the ultrasound, we saw our beloved baby, he definitrely had packed up some fat and looked more chubby now. Of course, without fail, he was posing his signature pose, that covered part of his face with one hand. Fetal movement was strong, sometimes I could feel that he was making the 'wave' with his arms and feet in my tummy. My tummy ended up distorted whenever he performed his stunts. Hubby is the number 1 fan of the baby's performance.

By the time of this writing, the condition of my flu is getting better, though is not fully recovered. Workload wise, have managed to clear up quite a major portion. I feel more relieved and can confidently say, yes, I am ready to welcome my baby, if he is ready too.

Expenses:

Admin fees      RM  4.00
Consultation    RM 50.00
Ultrasound      RM 50.40
Medication      RM 28.35
TOTAL          RM 132.75