I cannot pinpoint when labour begin and it was hard to differentiate labour pain and stomachache, even though this is the fourth pregnancy. There were false alarms and sent Twee Lim running home only to find that the contractions had stopped. Partly because I was anxious but I was glad that I let nature takes its own course.

1st September
In the morning , there were some increase of mucous tinged with blood. I wanted Twee Lim to stayed home but he decided to finish his markings in school. Felt some contractions and informed Ginny. Our arrangement is to call her once I decided to leave for the hospital

The contractions started and stopped throughout the course of the day. It happened mostly when there was a transition from one activity to the next, anxieties or even stress like :
Attending to a crying child, Twee Lim’s returning home and some news.

As there weren’t any significant signs towards the evening, I decided to rest for the night. My daughter, Ksena, was fidgeting and tossing around .I could hardly sleep.
At nine pm, I SMS Ginny: -Decided to call it a day. Strange labor. Sorry for the false alarm
Her reply was: - Nothing to be sorry about. Let nature take its course.
“Please God, give me a clear sign when I should leave for the hospital.” I prayed

11pm
I felt the strong urge to visit the bathroom again.
This time, the mucous flow was very heavy and I could feel it flowing down as I took a step. I thought,“ This must be it!” Jesher, sensing that this, probably, was the real thing, woke Twee Lim and Ethan up (effortlessly). I also did some last minute packing , put on my lipstick ,smiled at the mirror and headed to the door. I called Ginny and Dr Chong; briefly told them that I intended to leave for the hospital. The children were excited all over again!!

Twee Lim noted the time (11:30pm) and in another half- an–hour’s time, the baby would share the same birthday as Jesher!

Inside the taxi, I was overwhelmed with fear. I requested Twee Lim to recite (Isaiah 41:10) the verse over and over to me. I prayed very hard that I could make it to the hospital on time. At some point, I got irritated when Jesher and him tried to hold and comfort me. Ginny called to find about the contractions. She was also on her way.

‘There is no mistake, this time is real,.” I said to myself and I was sure.

When we reached NUH close to 12am, I headed straight to the delivery suite walking very slowly. Twee Lim and the children caught up with me as we were heading towards the lift. Ethan ran ahead and we were totally unaware of that. We were trying to locate the delivery suite. When we got there, I was relief to see Dr Chong. As the nurse was hooking the CTG on me , I was daunted to know that Ethan was missing. Before Twee Lim went to search for him, he appeared with Ginny!!

The children had fun filling the tub with Ginny. In between, Ginny came and check how I was doing. Dr Chong did a VE and I was 5 cm dilated. As I settled down, I could sense the contraction coming again. I was glad Dr Chong allowed the monitor to be removed shortly. More contractions and Ginny was kneeling beside me.
“This is a good pain, right?’ I asked Ginny for some assurance. I constantly reminded myself that the pain has its purpose and I am a step closer to baby.

The tub was ready. I did not plan for the waterbirth, since the children took time to filled it up for me, I did not want to disappoint them. Gamely, I went in. Instantly, it felt so good to be enveloped by the warm, soothing water. The children were asking me lots of questions and I seemed to be the focus there. Ginny gave instruction to Jesher how he could help; e.g. laying out the mat, fetching a drink for me etc.
Twee Lim decided to get some Kaya toast. Ksena and Ethan followed. The contractions picked up once they left. Jesher insisted on staying. Guessed he did not want to miss out any bit of the labour.
In between contractions, I chatted and gossiped with Ginny. About Kieran, about a famous gynae, about everything…I even noticed and commended she had a nice pedicure done. The contractions were manageable although some required concentration. I got tired from squatting and wanted to changed positions. A strong contraction hit and I felt fearful again.
I asked something like, “ How do you cope with fear?”
“Just one breadth at a time,” Ginny answered.
I nodded to that. “Little by little step at a time …” a children’s song came to my mind. Then suddenly…another contraction-- a furious one. I knew the baby’s crowning.
“ I want to come out,” my intention was to birth the baby on land.
“OK” Ginny replied. How is she going to help me out?? I wondered.
“The water bag has burst.” I could sense something went ‘pop’ inside me. Puzzled, Jesher asked how did I know the water bag has burst. Ginny briefly explained to him.
I could not muster enough effort to stand up. Might be better to stay in the water in case I slipped and fall, I thought. I told Jesher to bar Ethan and Ksena out. I needed the space and realized that I could not cope with them at that point.
All of a sudden, I could sense myself opening up. This sensation was very distinct in the water and I was focusing very, very hard. Later on, Jesher mentioned that I did not even screamed but just grunted twice! Ginny instructed Jesher to ring for the nurse. In a second, the mid-wife came dashing in. Ginny called Twee Lim on the mobile and I heard the ring tone. I was disappointed. Mistaken that he must have left the hand phone behind and now the possibility of missing the birth. But the fact was, he was back with kaya toast and already at the door!! What a good timing!!

“I see the hair,” I heard Ginny.
“OK. A little more and it will be over.” I kept encouraging myself.
The rest were a bit fuzzy to me as it all happened behind. The body slipped out next. The baby cried. “It a boy.” Announced Twee Lim.
Jesher dutifully laid out the sheets for me to walk on as I was helped out of the pool. Then it was the cutting of cord, the delivery of the placenta, the baby’s measurement.

This was probably the best birth so far, having the children involved. All went so smoothly, fast and natural. A compromise from the homebirth that I much desire to have.

The baby’s name is Yan, (same pronunciation as Ian) Hebrew name meaning, ‘God’s grace’. Indeed, God has been gracious to us as a family through out this period of pregnancy and birth and I am sure it will be even so in future.

Special thanks to Ginny. You are, more than a doula to me, a friend and I certainly needed you as my pillar of strength. It’s reassuring to have you around and your presence made all the difference! Your counsel and support is what every pregnant mum need. You are the Best!
I hope that our friendship will not end with the birth.