Post Delivery moments

I could see the joy on my husband's and mother's face when I was wheeled into my room after delivery at 1 am. Meanwhile, my baby was taken into nursery and was kept there. Why nursery?? It's beacuse my little angel didnt cry immediately and needed a couple of strokes on BUM.

I was so eager to hear from mom and Arun about the baby, how it looks, was it crying, was it pink, is evrything ok...... I was so eager to hear more about the baby. I continued... What's her blood group, Apgar score, birth weight, length etc. Listening to them..., the very next instant was my sister (from Bangalore, India) on the video chat and said, the baby looks just like me. She had heard from my mom over phone. All these brought a big smile on me after undergoing painful C section.

The baby was brought in after a clean wash and given to me for her first feeds at 1.30 am. The moment she was put on my breast, my little lamb started to suck. Its was though she was programmed well to seek the breasts, suck milk and relish. My biig nightmare was how to allow the baby to latch on.. what if the baby is not sure of how to suck. Further, I was bit unsure whether I provide adequate milk for her, although the baby was clinging well. She took her first feeds and was put in her cradle next to me. All wrapped around. All the while, I couldn’t get a proper view of the baby since I couldnt move or sit because of surgery and pain.

I slowly started to feel the pain as my anesthesia effect was coming down gradually. I fell fast asleep within no time with a top up of Bupivacaine. Waking in between, I saw the contended papa of my baby standing next to the cradle and admiring his doll all night. He was feeling her toes, touching her tender skin, soft silky hair and just smiling with joy. He did not care that he had to rest for a while although it was midnight.

That morning .. I was not given anything orally. I could barely get up and walk to the bathroom. I was put on strict observation to avoid any infection. Early morning, like the house keepers in hotel the nursing staff came in cleaned me up and made me comfortable. When the room was cleaned, the matron walked in with my obstetrican. The matron brought in balloons and decorated the room pink. My obstetrician said we shall observe for 1 day and discharge you the next day. He also looked at my baby and said. She is one of the prettiest baby I have ever delivered and she has beautiful nose just like mother. This was first time my doctor spoke something outside his subject. I still hadnt seen the baby properly.

My baby was taken to nursery again for wash and warming up. She was the cute "Sayang" ( meaning "Darling" in malay) among the nurses. She was noticed for her sharp nose and wide round eyes. Compared to her all other babies (the chinese) had a narrow slit below the eyelids- Eyes and the nose was not be be seen!

She came back after her BCG vaccination on her bum. No cry no sound. She was simply looking around with her eyes wide shut. She looked at her papa and began to smile. He waited for nothing... quickly pulled the camera to just grab some good smiling pictures. We had photo session for a while until she fell asleep. My hubby immediately printed few pictures with thank u note to give it to nursery staff and doctor’s clinic as memory. We had shared the good news with almost all our friends, colleagues, relatives and family by that time.

Later in the day, I went for breast feeding and baby care classes. I could walk like a snail and once bursted out in tears when my husband asked me to get up slowly turning to one side which dosent need anyone's support. He was trying to make me strong and I couldn’t do it. After a while he walked in with a pink teddy and a ear ring and pendant set from 'Poh kong' diamonds. I was so touched.

By next day that is 16th January I was back to normal. We had few friends who visited us especially Sri, Priya and Priyanka. They really meant a lot to us since most of our family and relatives were far away in India. All those visited us signed up in the baby journal.

I was officially discharged but my husband asked for another day extension. We also wanted to enjoy the hotel.. er..I mean the hospital facility. And more so, his surprises were still on the way.

Next day I got up and dressed. We all went to the nursery with my little one. I was given a lot of goody bags, diapers before we bid good bye to all the friendly Gleneagles Intan hospital team.








Here are few important things a first time mother should never miss before going back home.







1. Clear all the doubts about umbilical cord care
2. Dont forget to get baby's feet and hand stamp before stepping out.
3. Ask for the samples of milk supplements or formula which are rich in iron- Some hospital have plenty of them to give away
4. Ask your obstetrician when you can really start exercising
5. Buy a feeding pillow- Its very convinient.
6. Dont forget to thank everybody who helped you during your stay in hospital. Buy some gifts before hand.
7. Give something memorible to the hospital staff ( I gave a big photograph where my baby is with all of them. I also wrote a thank u note). They loved it.
8. Dont forget to get the maternity leave signed.
9. Decide on your paediatrician.
10. Clarify on breast feeding techniques, breast and suture care.
11. Dont leave behind anything which is good to keep as memory like hospital tag, first name tag on cradle, birth announcement news etc.






So, now going home with a complete family!

The D Day

I walked into the delivery suite at 5pm and I was lying on bed after enema. My blood was sent for routine investigations. And there enters my husband into the suite. Looked like he had brought half home in. But it was great feel like home. My obtetrician came in and began labour induction by placing a tablet pervaginally. I was relaxed in toto. But this time my mom and Arun were worried. We called everybody back home India as we ( my hubby and me) had decided to deliver our baby here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where we both were working.

Soon the time just rolled on. It was dinner time. Had royal dinner. Still no pains. My doctor visited me 3rd time and said probably the baby would be out the next day. So have a good sleep. On per vaginal examination: It was 3 finger only dilated. After he left I started having severe contraction pains. I got out of bed started walking around. I had continuous urge to defecate. The pain was crossing my threshold which is normally very high. I sat on a couch and said let me go for epidural anesthesia.

Next moment the anesthetist was in. What a relief after epi. The nurses were so friendly and accommodative. They comforted me. Kept hot water bags around my back. I was shivering following epi. It is one of the side effects. But my BP was ok. Another side effect of epi is hypotension which I did not go into. Now there was an alarming sign!!! As soon I was connected to fetal monitor. My baby’s heart rate had fell down tremendously. It should be maintained around 140-150bpm instead the moniter showed 45-50bpm. It did not pick after 5 minutes. The efficient matron discussed with my husband( who is also a doc) felt there should be urgent interventions at this moment.

The matron next minute called Dr Andy ( my obstetrician). He was there within no time. Ok we are doing emergency C- section. I couldnt believe what was going on? All the while we were making our minds for normal vaginal delivery and now we hear the "C" word! I pleaded..please.. lets wait for normal. There was no time to hear my cry. I was pulled inside OT at 12.15 am.

Inside, I met the same anesthetist in OT… He said ''Hey Shilpa… How come.. ?? I felt like telling its all grace of your epidural n u. My husband was not allowed in as it was emergency procedure and not enough staff would be in to take care of OT visitors. I was rushed to OT table. I felt I was in heaven .. Can see everything but do not know what is happening down there my body.


At 12.25 am on 15th of January 2010 my baby was out. She didn’t cry immediately but after a while when she was tapped .. She woke from sleep and gave her first cry. I could see her getting cleaned. And couldn’t believe its my baby . She was immediately brought to me and put on my chest. I hugged her and couldn’t stop my tears of happiness. I gave her first kiss. And said ‘Happy birthday Dear Sia’ She surprised me by responding to my voice just opened her eyes looked around and again went back to sleep.

This day is still so vivid and wonderful when I think back. I felt whole world at my feet.
The credit for this goes firstly to my adorable 2nd half who has been such great supporter my whole of pregnancy. He made my each day memorable from packing my lunch bag with variety foods to satisfying my mid night hunger pranks. He also surprised me with few 1st time mummy gifts. We went on holidays quite often which kept me very happy. The 2nd person who has been great support during my entire pregnancy is my mother. Without her I could nt have understood few dos and donts of pregnancy. Both of them have been great support emotionally.

Around the delivery due date... All is well..

I started my maternity leave just waiting for my baby to come out any time.. 10 more days for the D date. Woke up each morning..water broke??? not today again!!! Although, I was enjoying last few days of pamper because once the baby is out I cannot push her in or get that "Special" importance having her in. With passing time I was making myself more confident and strong to deliver my darling. Around the corner I went to watch a hindi movie" 3 IDIOTS".. The movie was all fun and carries a message telling ' To boost up the confidence, just put your hand on heart and say all is well' It really works ... I tried it.. after watching a pregnant lady deliver with ease in the movie.




I expected my daughter to share her bday with her granny, 13th January. We celebrated my mom's bday with photography sessions with my big anytime burst tummy. Went to temple in the evening. My baby still cozy inside. NO sign of getting out. And next day was 14th.. the festival of harvest- Sankranthi. I forced my mom to make obattu (Holige or Puran Poli) which I cannot eat in my confinement. I went up to mirror and said.. Knock knock!!! baby.. ok ok U win I give up.. Please come out. Came out checked my hospital bag again and again. My birth chart print out all ready. My husband was just silently watching my gesture. He tenderly held my hand and said.. ' everything ok .. mini' .

We will go for one last check up today i spurted without 2nd thought. He smiled at me and said.. 'I am even more eager . U can atleast feel the baby within you..'


We left to hospital for check up. Now I was bit nervous.. Waited in doctor's reception. My doctor looked up with smile as I was still with big tummy and all his patients with and around my date had already delivered. My doc was away during christmas and new yr and his friend was covering him up for any cases. Looking at me Andy said..Oh!! Hello Shilpa...I thought you delivered already. Come lets do scan aha!! Now he tells .. everything ok lah!! Long legs, vertex presentations, but ah!! I was wondering whats this But for.. He said liqua is below 50% We better induce you..

OMG!! my baby is going to be out anytime today.. I started to get tensed as if it was my viva exam coming. Had increased sympathetic activity.. Visiting toilet frequently. My husband comforted me and my mom in my delivery suite. And left for home to get my hospital bag and other necessites.


I was settling in the suite room.. enjoying the labor suite just like a hotel room.. looking at the baby incubator, and other stuffs around. It was my first time in hospital as patient.. The feel of getting i.V pricked not pricking someone was nice.. I was soon relaxed and enjoying the muffins and snacks provided by hospital. I lay there on bed reading a book trying to finish last few pages before baby was out.... What an aura!!!

Here are few tips for last minute packing .. Hospital bag
1. Pair of loose pyjamas or preferably frock like wears
2. Loose panties/ pack of single use.
3. Heavy flow sanitary pads (Usually hosiptals provide this)
4. Shawl
5. A good dress to go out of hospital.
6. Toileteries
7. For baby.. soft towel, baby wrap, baby blanket, few sets of soft full body Body suites to wear while coming out of hospital, baby cap, mittens, socks, baby binder, soft cotton to clean bummy.
8. Diapers (Usually hosiptals provide this)
9. Handycam and still camera with batteries charged
10. Photo printer ( if you have one)
11. Tablet/laptop to upload babies pics on social networks
12. Bepanthan creme. ( used for cracked nipples and diaper rash)
13. Comb, make up items , mouth freshner
14. Pair of easy wear shoes socks/ bathroom slippers.
15. Baby diary to get signed by all those who visit in hospital
17. Goody bags, sweets, chocolates for visitors
18. Dont forget to pack for all those accompanying to hospital ( mom, husband, children)