Rona’s third birth experience, Ruth’s birth!
Previously Rona shared her two birth experiences on Our blog. This is her last story for now, unless she is blessed with more babies! Thank you for reading Ruth’s birth.
To read Rona’s stories click here.
Ruth’s birth, another cesarean
And so, we prayed for another child. This time we asked for a girl and she was given. We named her Ruth because I love the character of Ruth in the bible. I got the same gynecologist because I did not want to go all the trouble retelling my complicated pregnancy history.
I learned of my 3rd pregnancy while attending to Matthew in a hospital. He was 2.5 years old and frequently needed to be admitted to hospitals due to asthma issues. Also, he was so susceptible to viruses. That time he had a stomach flu and was hospitalized for dehydration.
Having a sickly and clingy toddler, I was always tired during my pregnancy with Ruth. And I got a bad hold of all the hormonal surges so I was not cheerful either. I was mostly sad driving to my ob/gyn appointments alone, with a toddler always in tow. Even the seatbelt on my bump irritated me that time. This again was a totally different pregnancy experience. I prayed harder for sure.
During this time, it was clear I needed to go for C-section again.
I was scheduled to deliver four weeks ahead of my due date, taking the possibility of uterine rupture again. I was booked for September 6. But even 4 weeks earlier than the schedule, I went for a regular checkup feeling painful contractions. The doctor told me to go to the ward so she can check me better.
And tadaa, I was in labor. I was told: “call your husband; I need to operate on you now.” Again, I was unprepared. I looked at Matthew and I didn’t know how I would take care of two babies.
My husband was at work and it took him an hour to arrive home, get some things for me and the baby. I do not know how big was the possibility of uterine rupture but they were all in a hurry, I felt uneasy.
I can’t recall how many times they asked how long until my husband could come.
And we were all ready and only the husband missing so someone can get Matthew and perhaps there were paperworks, too. As soon as he arrived, I was wheeled to the operating room, ball pens, papers and some things falling from the bed, bed bumping everywhere while I am being rolled.
With all that went through that day, my BP shot up to 160/120 and I got a tachycardia –my heart was beating so fast. I was injected anesthesia, then operated on. In the middle of the operation, I felt like choking down my neck, my head seemed exploding in pain and then I felt my neck harden.
I remembered the crew calling a cardiologist on stand by and I received shots meant for the heart.
That moment was serious!
I was praying to God, “If it is also Your will, I want to be with my children and my husband so I can take care of them more.” My husband was made aware of my condition and his thoughts shifted from “oh please Lord” to “God knows what He’s doing” and then to a complete surrender “whatever happens, I know we will be reunited in heaven.”
I never noticed the time. I got no details of what specific time Ruth was born, how much she weighed or how tall she was.
After OR, I was put on an observation room for two days, while they were monitoring my heart. I was ordered to rest. I didn’t see Ruth instantly. I was worried she’s hungry. I knew she needed to latch on me and she needed me.
I was so devastated by the thought of my newborn without her mom by her side.
And yet it also gave me that determination to be well, and be with her the soonest possible. When I was finally wheeled back to maternity ward, I can’t praise God enough for Matthew and my husband who were waiting.
I asked for Ruth and she was brought to me from the nursery.
Ruth is now 2.5 years old and Matthew is turning 6 in a few days.
Surely I am a different and a better person due to motherhood.
I’ve conquered fears I wouldn’t dare face.
I have given love I didn’t know I’m capable of.
I have endured pain nobody can ever imagine.
But above all, I have learned faith and grace so deep that I won’t have everything any other way.
All praises to The Most High God.
Jenny Pena
Latest posts by Jenny Pena (see all)
- Hold on to these Promises, Let go of worry - March 12, 2020
- Wellness arsenal, what has kept our immune system strong living in China and abroad - March 3, 2020
- A Ruby is born, our expat home birth - October 22, 2019