Creating Life: A Tale of Love and Growth_My Pregnancy Journey, Finale
As I had promised in the last episode that I must finah my pregnancy journey episodes this yeqr, I’m here with the final episode on the last day of 2023.
My Pregnancy Journey, Finale!!!
While we were discussing my situation, Mummy Ibadan, my husband’s uncle’s wife, arrived. She exuded a nurturing presence, quickly trying to understand what happened and how to help. Meanwhile, a nurse starting her shift was surprised to find me still in the ward, expecting that I would have delivered by then.
I was experiencing intense pain, I suddenly felt the urge to push. I recalled the dangers of pushing when the cervix isn’t fully dilated—knowing it could result in rupture and severe bleeding, even risking the mother’s life. Despite trying everything in me not to push but my body was not listening to me.
The nurse suggested transitioning to the labor room despite my cervix being only 5cm dilated. The policy there typically required admission at 7cm dilation or above to avoid prolonging labor and their workload, as pushing usually begins at 10cm dilation. However, the nurse, a true blessing, offered to advocate on my behalf. She expressed confidence in my ability to deliver naturally and proposed giving it a chance.
Moving into Labour Room
My husband and Mummy Ibadan prepared my bags as I was too weak to do it myself; I relied on a drip for energy since I couldn’t eat. While en route to the labor room, my sister called, begging me not to push yet. Tearfully, I tried to explain that I understand the risks of premature pushing, yet despite my understanding, my body refused to heed my intentions.
It was around 8pm, upon reaching the labor room, the nurses were astonished by my level of pain despite being only at 5cm dilation. They opted to admit me into the delivery room. Surprisingly, the lady who had left the previous ward earlier that day, leaving me behind, was still in the labor room, yet to deliver. I was both shocked and fearful, wondering, “Will I end up spending another day here?”
I was put on the delivery bed, it was not comfortable for a tall lady like me, it’s a short bed with a leg strap, I lied down. MY husband and mummy Ibadan were not allowed in but they stood by the window, they could see the inside too, I was the only one in the room assigned to me.
Their presence was like a strength for me, they were so encouraging, you would think mummy Ibadan is my birth mother, she was coming in at interval to give me glucose for strength, and also cleaning me up, she is a gem!
I was screaming, crying praying to God to ease this for me, I told God “This pregnancy was easy for me, don’t stress me with this labour, allow my child come.” I felt a lot of emotion, I felt like pooing, but, trust me, I created a whole lot of mess, the nurse were packing it.
The nurses inquired if I had used any spiritual remedies or ingested anything that could explain the delay. Tearfully, I assured them I hadn’t used anything and pleaded, explaining that if I had, I would have been open about it. I cried, pleaded, and prayed earnestly.
Labor was challenging. Eventually, my water broke, splattering everywhere, requiring cleanup. The nurses were patient, showed both kindness and firmness when needed. I had prayed for a compassionate nurse, and my prayers were answered.
The most challenging aspect for me was resisting the urge to push prematurely. Despite attempts to breathe through my mouth as advised, it proved ineffective. To help distract and encourage me, my husband suggested chanting “thuma sebila.” Reluctantly, I echoed his words alongside Mummy Ibadan, yet reached a point where I insisted he should recite it alone. In an attempt to uplift my spirits, he showed me our maternity shoot photos, I gave him a bombastic side eyes. LMAO
We are ready !!!
After a while, the nurse arrived and announced my readiness to begin the birthing process. By that point, I had lost count of the numerous vaginal examinations I’d undergone. I was prepared, cleansed, and positioned on a tidy foam mat, while my husband and mummy Ibadan were politely asked to step aside momentarily.
The nurse provided a comprehensive tutorial on the proper technique for pushing during childbirth. It became evident that pushing also requires a specific method; any misstep could impede the baby’s arrival. However, when the moment to push finally arrived, the urge seemed to dissappear, It was a funny moment, the nurse said “but you were screaming you want to push, you want to pooh, Oya do it now.”
I was cautioned not to prolong the pushing phase for the baby’s safety. Thus, every pang of pain became a signal to exert all my energy in pushing. Eventually, I felt the sensation of my baby’s head at the opening—a moment known as crowning.
The pain was intense, a burning sensation, but I persevered, continuing to push until the head emerged, followed by the shoulders. Instructed to stop pushing momentarily, the final moments culminated in the safe delivery of my baby. The cord was swiftly cut, and the immediate sound of his cry brought immense relief. Dayyan was placed on my chest, that moment, that precise instant, was beyond words.
The relief and overwhelming emotions upon seeing my baby for the first time are indescribable. Tears stream down my face even as I pen these words, the joy, the relief, the anticipation, all palpable.
The cry of my newborn, a sign of vitality, reverberated in the room. While the nurses attended to him, I transitioned to the final stage, birthing the placenta.
I was told to keep coughing subtly, then the placenta was out and that was when the nurse told me congratulations, they went to call my husband and mummy Ibadan who gave them my baby welcome clothes which I had packed. Then the nurse put her hand inside me to clean me up, pressed my tummy very well. Then, it was time to stitch my vaginal
I pleaded with them, urging for an analgesic to relief the discomfort. It baffles me why obtaining pain relief seems challenging for nurses at this stage in Nigeria. Is there a scarcity or reluctance? I couldn’t help but question the delay in administering it—did they enjoy in seeing others in pain? Eventually, I received it, yet its effects waned swiftly, leaving me fully aware of the discomfort.
Eagerly anticipating the conclusion of these procedures and the long-awaited reunion with my baby, I finally received the green light to move to the lying-in ward. Stepping out, I was enveloped in my husband’s embrace, a surreal moment. Together, we walked towards the ward, filled with anticipation and joy at the thought of reuniting with my precious baby..
The lady I met there, was still in the labour room, yet to give birth, , I couldn’t bring myself to meet her gaze, overwhelmed by empathy. I understood the difficulties she might be experiencing, watching someone who arrived after her leave before her. My thoughts were with her, sending fervent prayers for her safe and smooth delivery.
*Motherly* Ever After
It was midnight, we could not even sleep till morning, as we were calling our family member to share the news, my dad told me, he has been on Tahjud praying, since he heard in the evening.
Alhamdulillah, by morning, I was moved to the lying in ward where other nursing mothers are.
The lying-in ward unfolds as an entirely distinct realm, a sanctuary where new mothers converge for recovery. Here, stories intertwine, mothers who birthed naturally, those who underwent C-sections, grieving mothers, and infants without their mothers’ presence. The emotions are a melange, a tapestry of experiences that vary greatly.
Breastfeeding, a new challenge, became a conquest we celebrated. The love and support of friends like Idowu and family like Waliyah amidst the trying period were invaluable.
While mothers who had a vaginal birth could resume activities relatively quickly, those recovering from a C-section proceed cautiously, step by step. Each birthing method has its unique challenges and advantages. Labor pain accompanies natural birth, while post-operative recovery defines a Cesarean section. Every journey deserves recognition. My time in the ward was enlightening, I grasped the dual task of recuperating while tending to my newborn, realizing the weight of responsibility that comes with caring for a precious life.
Despite going through the Nigeria Cash scarcity, overcoming delays, we triumphed, discharged the next day, embracing the new chapter of motherhood. Labour was definitely not easy but I was surrounded by love and grateful for the people with me.
I gave birth during the Nigeria Cash scarcity period, we had some delay due to cash but against all odd, we prevailed, we were discharged to go home the next day.
We brought Dayyan Akorede home, successfully, a healthy happy boy. I am grateful to God for his gift and I can say he is my best achievement in 2023. I am grateful for my husband for doing this with me, it was never my pregnancy, but OUR pregnancy, he was there through it all. I’m grateful to my friends for making it easy and memorable, grateful for the gift of family, showering me with love. I am also grateful to you reading this, thank you for following my pregnanacy journey. IT IS A WRAP
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I’ve read lots of pregnancy and birth stories as I am a lifestyle youtuber myself who find it hard putting into words my thoughts when doing a blog about my pregnancy and birthing process, but your write ups are so great and makes the reader feel like they were there with you.
May Allah bless bless all mothers and intending mother’s, ready g your write up reminds me of my birthing process especially the feeling of wanting to poo and push when it’s not yet time, the stitching up after birth too. But when you see your precious baby the feeling is so intense that you know it’s worth it.
Looking forward to reading more from you Khair.
Thank you so much for reading Amber, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Ameen to your prayers