Hello to everyone reading! I’d like to introduce myself: my name is Patricia, and today, in 2014, I am 34 years old (do the math, I was born in 1980—I know, I’m already getting old) and I am the proud mom of three children. My gremlins are two girls and one boy of different ages: 13, 8, and 3 years old. Here at Trocando Fraldas (now called Famivita Contents), I want to share a bit of my experiences as a woman, mother, and friend to my kids. I want to tell my stories and also exchange experiences with anyone who wants to interact with me.
You really never forget your first time! Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a mom; my maternal instinct was always very strong and I dreamed of the day I would get to show off and caress a big belly that, for a little while, would house the most important person in my life! At 18, I met the great love of my life, at 20 we got married, and at 21 I was pregnant with my first daughter. The pregnancy went by without any major problems, except for a kidney stone that decided to show up right during pregnancy, which happened at my 6th month.
When I was 35 weeks along, I started to notice that my underwear was getting wet—more than seemed normal. So my husband and I went to the maternity hospital several times, until, at my scheduled appointment with my OB/GYN, he ordered an ultrasound to see if everything was okay. But before heading to the scan, he did a physical exam but couldn’t detect anything. So there I was in the ultrasound room being examined by a specialist who asked lots of questions, and the whole situation was starting to worry me, until he said that the amniotic fluid was indeed low and that it was best to take the results to my doctor immediately.
When I arrived, he read the report and, looking concerned, told me to get three injections of Celestone (a corticosteroid that helps the baby’s lungs mature faster) and that we would do the delivery in 3 days, on Saturday! My heart shrank in worry—was my daughter suffering?
The Big Magical Moment Became Worrying…
And so the big day arrived! It was me (of course! duh hahaha), my husband, and my mother-in-law going to the maternity hospital. There was a nice atmosphere because I knew I’d soon see my daughter. But deep down my heart was not at peace…
I got to the maternity ward and, while waiting to be admitted, every minute felt like an eternity. Finally my doctor arrived and took me to the pre-delivery room, where a nurse asked me to put on a very interesting gown—the kind that leaves your backside completely exposed. And there I was, saying goodbye to the belly I had loved so much, and soon I would meet my beloved, long-awaited, and cherished daughter…
I entered the operating room, sat on the surgery table, and there came the anesthesiologist who introduced himself. He was an older man with a Bolivian look, short in stature but with a very gentle expression, and he talked to me to keep me calm. He shared stories that made me laugh. At one point, he asked the nurse to come help hold me. I sat with my back straight and there came the shot I was afraid of, but to be honest?
I didn’t feel a thing! The anesthesia was a spinal block and it was very easy—I soon felt my legs getting warm and heavy. Then my doctor came in and told me I would soon see my little girl. About 10 minutes later, no more than that, I heard a very weak whimper and the team started running around, and since I had no experience—after all, this was my first child—I thought it was normal! I felt calm but sensed something wasn’t right with that situation; they took her to another room and the pediatrician came to ask me a few questions. I was already anxious when I finally heard my daughter crying in the distance…
See also: Second part of the birth story
Photo: c.o.m.a.t.o.s.e
