My Birth Story: Francesco Matteo

Well, hello there!

Let me just update you with something...I am now officially a mom!

It's already a month since I had given birth to a bouncing baby boy named, Francesco Matteo. But before I gave birth, I wanted to be super prepared so what I would do is to read other mommy bloggers' birth stories every night. But it is true...every pregnancy is different so I am here to share my own birth story:

On June 19 around 4AM, I woke up to pee in the bathroom and when I wiped, I saw a tinge of blood. The first thing I did was that I smiled to myself. Really. I did smile, because I was already 39 weeks and 2 days then...and it is true when they say that on your final month, it feels like forever to wait for your baby to come out. Anyway, I tried to go back to sleep because I know I'm still at the early stage of labor as I only felt very mild contractions and back pains.

At around 6AM, the pain started to escalate but still bearable. I woke my husband already to tell him and we started timing my contractions for an hour. By 9AM, we agreed to go to The Fort already because the contractions were at 5 minutes apart and the pain was increasing. By 10AM we were already in Fort area but because I can still bear the pain, we went to SM Aura to pass time and for me to walk and walk and walk...and to window shop a little to divert myself from the pain.

By 1PM, we went to the delivery room of St. Lukes - BGC to have myself checked (IE). I did not notify my OB then because I was afraid it was only false contractions. However, when the resident OB IE'd me and informed that (lo and behold) I was 4cm already...it means I was ready for admission. A rush of excitement came to me and my husband and he started calling our parents to inform them. I thought to myself..."THIS IS IT! WE WILL SEE OUR BABY SOON!"

I handed over my OB's admission forms, birth plan and mother's information sheet to the nurse. I changed to a hospital gown and was admitted to the High Risk Pregnancy room so I could be with my husband while I labor. I specified in my birthplan that I did not want IV inserted (just heplock) so that I could still walk to hasten my labor. By 4PM, I was asked to be IE'd again, but to my dismay, I was still 4CM though I was 50% effaced. I wasn't feeling pain in my abdomen as opposed to the birthing stories I read from other moms, instead the pain I was feeling was at my lower back.

By 7PM, the backpain was getting more intense so I started doing breathing exercises I learned in birthing class. (It was really useful!) But again, I was disappointed to learn I only progressed to 5CM. The resident OB assured me though that I was doing good because I was already 90% effaced. My OB also dropped by to check on me and assured me everything is going good.

By 10PM, the IE progressed to only 6CM. Also, the IE came painful because the resident OB stripped my membrane to help hasten my labor. True enough, after a couple of minutes, my water bag broke. When my water bag broke, the backpain was so intense already. And even though I planned to have a natural, unmedicated birth, I finally gave in to ask for epidural because I thought my labor would continue till morning.

At 11PM and 8CM, I was given epidural. And my oh my, it was like the bestfriend that I've been waiting for in my life! It helped me rto rest for a while. 12MN came and my personal OB was the one who IE'd me. I heard her say "Very good!" then she informed the nurses and resident OB to start prepping up the delivery room. I WAS READY! My husband was also being prepped because he was going to be with me in the delivery room.

My husband being prepped for the delivery

At around 12:40 AM, I was wheeled into the delivery room. The nurses and doctors were preparing while I watch them. My OB then asked me to begin practice pushing. I tried to remember what I learned from birthing class and at the same time listened to my OB on what should I do. Note: contrary to what we watch on movies, it is not advisable to scream while you push. Instead, you tuck your head down, make a deep inhale and hold your breath for 10 seconds while you exhale and push at the same time. The nurses, doctors and my husband counted in unison to help me focus. 

My husband with the wonderful doctors and nurses of St. Lukes BGC

At 1:27 AM, after around 7 pushes, they all cheered as my OB announced "BABY OUT!" 

Part of my birth plan was for my husband to cut the umbilical cord of our baby which was truly a memorable experience for him.

Thanks to my BFF epidural, I could smile!

Cutting the cord

Our very first family picture! :)

Meet our little baby boy, Francesco Matteo

Cesco weighing 7.2 lbs and 49 cm in length and 9.9 apgar score

My boys <3

I would like to thank God for this wonderful blessing and safe delivery, to my loving husband who stood by me all the way, to my amazing OB, Dr. Regina Capistrano and her awesome team of doctors and nurses of St. Lukes BGC, to my supportive parents, in laws, family and friends who visited us in the hospital...THANK YOU VERY MUCH! 

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless"

Psalm 84:11

St. Lukes Hospital BGC - Maternity Rooms 101

Hello non-existing readers! Happy 2015!

It's that time of the year again wherein my blog will be updated. I just scanned my previous blog posts and it seems - no matter how few - my blog entries have reflected the different phases of my life. The transition of interest on food and fashion, to travel and wedding plans...and now on my new phase - motherhood!

Yes, my husband and I are so blessed to be expecting our little bundle of joy soon. As of today, I am on my 2nd trimester (19 weeks to be exact). And today, I will share to you information you need to know about St. Lukes Hospital at Bonifacio Global City.

Now, a lot of people, when they hear St. Lukes Hospital - BGC...the first thing that comes to their mind is the word expensive. I will be honest, this hospital may be a bit pricier compared to other private hospitals. But do keep in mind that, you do get what you pay for - bigger rooms, state-of-the-art equipment, nice lobby, and very clean facilities. And if you ask me, when your health is the topic...it's best not to be kuripot about it.

St. Lukes BGC lobby - view from the 2nd floor

My husband and I took a tour of their maternity rooms and suites last weekend. I think this is a very necessary step to expecting parents so you would know how much you need to prepare and save in the coming months before the baby comes.

Now here is what I learned:

If you are already experiencing THE contractions, you need to proceed to the 3rd floor Delivery Room. From there, you will be taken to their admission room wherein the resident OB and nurse will evaluate and assses your status. After that, you have the option of choosing to have your labor at the Labor Room or the High Risk Pregnancy Room. The Labor Room is NOT a private room, there are 6 beds separated by accordion and you will be joined by other mothers in labor. Eating and bringing of companions are NOT allowed in this room. The cost is Php 1,500 for 24 hours.

High Risk Pregnancy Room - It doesn't mean you must be at high risk to be admitted here. You can choose this room when you are in labor and you want more privacy. This room is equipped with an LCD TV, private bathroom and a lazy boy for your companion. Eating is allowed in this room and the cost is Php 4,620 for 24 hours or Php 300 per hour if you do not consume the 24 hour period.

High Risk Pregnancy Room

High Risk Pregnancy Room

After the tour at the 3rd floor, we where then directed to proceed to the 8th Floor which is the Maternity Wing. Located here are the Private rooms and suites. There are 4 types of private rooms (Small Private, Regular Private, Deluxe Private and Executive Private). This will be the room you will go after you give birth to recover. We only viewed the first 3 rooms mentioned as the Executive Private Room is already out of our budget. :)

Small Private Room - This is the smallest room in the private room category. It includes an LCD TV, refrigerator, cabinet and a day bed for your companion  The cost for this room is Php 2,500 per day.

Small Private Room

Regular Private Room - This is around 2 square meters bigger than the Small Private Room and has a better view and larger windows but with same amenities. The cost for this room is Php 3,500 per day.

Regular Private Room

Deluxe Private Room - This is much bigger than the Regular Private Room. It has same amenities as the first two rooms plus an office desk. And there's a bonus lazy boy for your companion or for you when you breastfeed your new born. The cost for this room is Php 4,150 per day.

Deluxe Private Room

Compared to the private rooms, if you choose to be admitted in a Birthing Suite, you don't need to be transferred to different rooms during the different stages of birthing. In here, you will have your labor, delivery (for normal delivery only), and recovery all in one room. There are 5 types of Birthing Suites (Regular Suite, Deluxe Suite, Executive Suite, Ambassador Suite and Presidential Suite). We only viewed 1 Suite Room because the Regular Suite is occupied during our visit and the rest are out of our budget. :)

Deluxe Birthing Suite - This is a quite a big room and has lots of seating for expected visitors. I just don't favor the choice of wallpaper though. I think it's kinda "chaotic looking". The cost for this room is Php 12,000 per day.

Deluxe Birthing Suite

Deluxe Birthing Suite

Keep in mind when choosing the room...Doctor's professional fees are dependent on the room you take. "The more expensive the room is, the higher the doctor fee will be."

That's it for now! I'll be blogging about childbirth classes which my husband and I will take next month! :)