I was due on December 31st, 2023. As that day approached, I had been working remotely. I didn’t do much physical activity to prepare for labour, but I did watch videos on TikTok and YouTube about what to do during contractions, how to pack for the hospital, and other people’s labour stories.
I gave birth in the US, and due to the cold weather, I only went outside twice in the two months I was there. I only walked around the kitchen island three times during that time. The Holy Spirit nudged me to stretch two weeks before my due date. I did this once daily, usually after showering in the evening.
The Holy Spirit nudged me again, and I began eating dates two weeks before my due date. I ate six dates and prunes daily.
On December 31st, I drank 1 Liter of vita coconut water with pineapple juice. I also purchased a 46oz can of pineapple juice but only drank it the day after my due date. It took me two days to drink it. I started drinking on the first and finished on January 2nd.
The clinic scheduled a non-stress test on December 31st. I prayed the baby would have come while I was already at the hospital, but nope. The clinic also scheduled another non-stress test and a doctor’s visit on the 4th. This is because, after your due date, they prefer to monitor the baby and its reaction to contractions closely.
On January 3rd, I completed a 10-minute labour-inducing workout video on YouTube.
During my Doctor’s visit two weeks prior, I was 1 cm dilated, so I prayed I would be more dilated at the next visit. When I went for my on January 4th, she asked if I would consider a membrane sweep while she checked my cervix; this is where they separate the amniotic bag from the uterine wall to initiate Labour. I was unsure about whether I wanted to because, at this point, I wanted my baby out safely without complications.
She asked if I wanted to move up the induction date, and I agreed. She left to review the procedure schedule. I forgot to mention that at the same time the clinic scheduled both non-stress tests, they also scheduled an induction for January 8th.
While I was waiting for the Doctor to return, I prayed and asked God if I should go ahead and have a membrane sweep. Shortly after, peace came upon me, and then I heard, “Let it happen naturally.” When the Doctor returned, she said the earliest was Monday the 8th. I said I agreed. Then I said no membrane sweep.
When she checked my cervix, I was still 1 cm dilated. I then left for the non-stress test appointment at the hospital.
During my non-stress test, I spent an hour at the hospital. Previously, I had spent only 20 minutes on the monitor while they observed my baby’s heart rate and movement. Additionally, the doctor requested an assessment of my amniotic fluids, but fortunately, everything turned out normal. I experienced regular Braxton Hicks contractions throughout the day, as usual.
When I returned home, I had some food, watched TV for a while, and then went to my room around 4 pm. While in my room, I continued using an exercise ball that a friend had gifted me. At this point, my husband called me, and while talking to him, I spent around 30 minutes bouncing on the ball and doing hip rotations. However, I didn’t feel any contractions at that time.
At 7:53 pm, my sister called me, and we talked for an hour. While on the call, I suddenly felt the need to use the bathroom and went to urinate. After a few minutes, I returned to the phone but then felt the urge to urinate again, followed by a bowel movement.
I took a shower after I got off the phone at 9 pm. I felt a tightness in my womb whilst in the shower, but it was Bareable, and I again thought it was Braxton hicks.
As I got ready for bed, there was cramping that was slightly stronger than menstrual cramps. I called my husband as usual at bedtime and told him that I believed I was in Labour and would get some rest before heading to the hospital because I knew Labour could be extended. He said okay, keep him updated, and we hung up.
I laid down and tried to sleep but couldn’t get past the discomfort.
For the next hour, while experiencing contractions, standing and swaying from side to side, squeezing a hair comb, a tip I got from TikTok.
My mother and I informed our friend that I was having contractions, and she instructed us to start timing them. Initially, the contractions were five minutes apart, but soon after, they dropped to three minutes apart. We quickly started preparing for the hospital. Before leaving the house, I lost my mucus plug.
We arrived at the hospital after a 20-minute journey. I was taken to the Labour and Delivery Triage area, where I was hooked up to the same bed that I had used earlier that day for my non-stress test. While the nurse was attaching the monitoring machine, my water bag broke at 11:06 pm. When my bag broke, I immediately informed the nurse. She asked me if I was sure about it, to which I replied that my water bag had burst. She checked to confirm, and then Admissions came. Despite experiencing contractions, I answered their questions.
I had a very intense contraction that made me forget how to breathe, but the nurse helped me by guiding me to breathe in through my mouth and out through my nose.
The doctor came into the room to check my dilation, and at that time, I was 4 centimetres dilated. After this, I was transferred to the labour and delivery room. At that moment, I felt a sudden chill unlike anything I had ever experienced.
When I arrived at the delivery room, I changed into a hospital gown and continued to endure the pain by squeezing a comb. The medical staff asked me if I wanted an epidural, but I declined. They seemed surprised and asked for my reasons. I told them that I was concerned about the long-lasting effects of an epidural, but they said that they had never heard of any. I didn’t say anything else and remained quiet.
An hour later, the doctor returned to check my cervix and found that it was only 6 cm dilated. 15 minutes later, I felt like I needed to use the bathroom to urinate, but nothing happened. When I returned to the bed, I felt it was better to stand during contractions. As I stood, I experienced another contraction that was easier to handle. Another 15 minutes later, I felt a pressure that made me feel like I needed to have a bowel movement. I told the nurse I needed to use the bathroom, and she asked if I was sure. I replied that I felt like I had to poop.
It was very difficult because I had the urge to push, but the doctor informed me that I was only dilated 6 cm. I didn’t want to harm my cervix, so I refrained from pushing. At this point, I began to give thanks and praise to God and worship Him.
The nurse attempted to contact the doctor but received no response. I experienced a strong sensation, causing me to lie on the bed as I couldn’t stand up. When I mentioned feeling like I needed to use the restroom a second time, the nurse called the doctor again, who arrived promptly. The doctor asked if I wanted her to check my cervix again, to which I agreed. Upon examination, she informed me that it was dilated to 10 centimetres.
I asked, “What?” and she mentioned your 10 cm. Suddenly, 6 to 10 medical professionals rushed to assist with the delivery. Everyone was ready except me, haha!
I was not ready to push.
They said when I feel another contraction, I should push. So I pushed down as I held my legs, and the baby’s head began peeking through. They said to push again the baby’s head was out. They said again, and after three pushes, my baby was here. I gave birth at 1:49 am.
I knew she was healthy because of her strong cry. After measuring her, the doctors returned her to me. Throughout the process, my husband was on the phone listening.
Now that I knew she was okay, my concern shifted to whether or not I was okay.I kept asking if I had torn, but the doctors couldn’t respond until they got the bleeding under control. After the delivery, the medical staff informed me that I had a 2nd-degree tear and proceeded to stitch me up. Then, I was cleaned up and had to wait to be transferred to the postpartum unit.
I had brought a hospital bag and a playlist, thinking that I would be there for a long time, but fortunately, everything went well, and I am grateful for the experience.
For a more dramatic version, watch the video here.
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