September 25, 2008, at exactly 7:46 PM, I delivered Askim in Makati Medical Center after 39 weeks and 3 days of conception. I had a visit to my OB GYNE, Dra. Mae Syki-Young, the day before and she mentioned that I will be giving birth anytime soon. She could feel Askim's head down my cervix already when she did an examination. Well, I just thought it would be as soon as 28 of September yet I was really thinking of giving birth in October since my due date is on the 15th.
That night of September 24 around 10 PM, I experienced contractions lasting up to 5 minutes and longer with a little gap each time. I had contractions again at 11 PM then at 1 AM until 4 PM. Since the pain was tolerable, I didn't complain a lot though I already informed my OB GYNE about it. I also texted my team leader that I won't go to work anymore. Of course, I didn't want to give birth at work. I'd better be home for me to be able to run to the hospital easily whenever my water breaks.
The next sunny morning came. I took a shower to ease the pain just to see a brownish and creamy discharge. My OB was alarmed and ordered me to go directly to the delivery room. At around 9 AM onwards, I was still able to take a shower, eat breakfast, manage to pack baby stuff, and walk down to the waiting taxi at the main street with my Aunt Mel and Bebegim.
The taxi was already running through Ayala Avenue to Makati Med when a very strong contraction came. I was not able to stop it. I cried and shouted with pain. Bebegim ordered the taxi driver to blink his headlights and do whatever it takes to get through the traffic. Officers on the streets of Ayala were helpful as well. We made it to the hospital at 10 AM. The excruciating pain was gone, but I was put into a wheelchair and sent to the delivery section. In there, I experienced a different sensation. I was cold and weak and dizzy.
To make the story short, I counted 7 hours in the labor room until my OB GYNE offered a delivery through C-section. She mentioned that it could be fatal for me and my baby if we have to wait some more. I labored long enough. I had an ultrasound examination and they found out that Askim's size was normal and I could have painless delivery with the help of epidural anesthesia, but my cervix did not dilate. It was just 1 to 2 centimeter and it did not expand.
Well, after all the waiting, the pain, and the hardship, this is Askim Amelita G. Kolca.
September 25, 2008 is absolutely one of the happiest moments of my life. We have a newborn baby which is healthy and strong, sweet and innocent. Everybody who sees her can tell that she is charming and beautiful. I am just very happy about this whole thing. Very happy.
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To Bebegim: Once again, you are the reason why I want to wake up each time in the morning. Now we have another reason to live and it is Askim. I know how much you loved me and how much you still do. Thank you so much po. I just can't live without you. You and Askim are my everything. I love you.
To my little Askim: Welcome to this world! Mommy and daddy love you sooooooooooooooooooo much!!! I hope that you will grow up healthy and happy, smart and beautiful. Thank you for coming in our lives; bringing us smile and hope. We promise to take care of you. Daddy and I will do our best to give you all you need. We will nourish you with love and care all the time.
