One Month Ago

A month ago, on 23rd April 2010, I so-called 'gave birth' (it was actually c-section) to my lovely twin daughters. I can never forget the journey on this day, and would love to share it with everyone.

The Early Morning

I was awaken by a nurse at 6am to get ready for the big day. I bathed, changed into the operation outfit, had my hair tucked into the operation cap, removed all foreign items and lie on my bed, waiting to be pushed into the next level. 2 nurses then came at about 7am and asked me if I was ready. As I was being transported from my room, I was praying for a smooth procedure. Hubby followed and I was starting to get nervous. First stop - anesthetic room.

The Epidural

I hurt my back a couple of years ago and the pain has always been there. The thought of having a needle injected into my spinal sends shivers down my spine. I was asked to sit up, hold on to a pillow and bend forward. It was quite a long procedure. I do not know what was being done behind me and I was only told that everything is going well. I could feel liquid dripping down my body - was it blood? I was so quiet that the anesthetist, Dr. Damo asked me to say something. I said: "I am shivering". I felt hot from my buttocks onwards and find it difficult to move my feet. The nurse and doctor moved me back onto the bed. I am now numb from waist down onwards.

I finally saw my hubby in a hospital attire and I knew he was cheering me up by asking me; "How do I look?". Then, the moment came. They pushed me into the operating theater and asked my hubby to wait in the anesthetic room.

The Operating Theater

Not a good place to be. Bright lights, cling-clang sounds of the equipments and I could see 2 incubator stations labelled "TWIN I" and "TWIN II". I was relieved to see my gynae, Dr. Raman and also Dr. Kiren there. As usual, doctor asked me how am I feeling. I could not answer. I am shivering more and more and I'm unsure if it's because I was cold, scared or was it the epidural effect.

The situation was getting tense for me. I thought they were starting to operate on me and shouted: "where's my husband?" Someone told me he will be in here soon, and he finally came and sat next to me. A drape was placed in front of me - however, I could see everything through the reflection from the operating lights above me. Dr. Raman was holding a scapel on my belly and shouted "Can you feel this, Aigie?". I closed my eyes and answered "Feel what? No."

JENG JENG JENG JENG!!!

It was so noisy in the operating theater as I was told there was an extra team there because of twins. Things happened so quickly. My hubby was holding me tight as I was shivering intensely. Then doctor told my husband "Ok come... it's time." My husband stood up and as doctor pulled TWIN I out from my cut-up womb, my hubby shouted "Baby ah!!!" I heard some suction sound and then.... the cries from my TWIN I. My baby was out! I cried! OMG! I cannot describe the feeling that I had when I heard her first cry. Very quickly, TWIN II was pulled out and I immediately felt my tummy flattened.. like 'wooshh'. Then, all I heard was baby cries in the operating theatre and noise of doctors doing something with me.

Baby Suelyn

Baby Kaelyn

I was looking around but could see nothing, only sound and noise all over. Through reflections, I could see doctor pulling out something from me... maybe it's the placenta, I'm not sure. I looked away from the graphic scene. Not knowing whats happening around me, I could see hubby running here and there as he was taking pictures.

Both babies were brought to me and the first thing being shown to me was their pet-pet - to confirm that they are girls. I was allowed to kiss my babies before they are being whisked away to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

In less than 1/2 hour, the entire procedure was over. My hubby followed the girls and I was left alone in the operating theater for the final touches. Dr. Damo gave me a shot that made me relax and reduced my shivering. 3 small cysts was being removed from my uterus at the same time. I was half asleep by this time and felt really good and relaxed. Should have given me that shot earlier!!

After I was all being stitched up, I was being brought into a 'rest' area where they monitored my temperature and blood pressure before sending me back to my room. I never saw my babies that day as I was too tired and unable to get off from the bed.

An unforgettable journey. Both babies spent 3 weeks in NICU and are now back at home, both doing well. More pictures available on FB and I will blog about life in NICU once I have time.