Blessed again
More than ten years after getting her first. born, Anne Wanjohi had almost forgotten the nitty- gritty of dealing with a baby. However, her joy in rediscovering motherhood is something she would not trade for anything else. She tells Babylove more.
On My EDD, 11 January, I checked into hospital with slight pains. Interestingly, I never knew they were labour pains. When the doctor examined me, he told me I was 8cm dilated and that if all went well, I would have my bundle of joy in about 45 minutes! He then induced me to hasten the process.
My husband, Peter Wanjohi, religiously rubbed my back and encouraged me, but after four hours of trying to push, the doctor did another test and informed us that the baby was too big.This meant I couldn’t manage the normal way.
I was taken to the theatre at around 1.30 pm and at exactly 2.22 pm, baby Kelsey Wanjiru was born weighing 4.5kgs. My husband followed her to the nursery where she was bathed. He told me she came out of the theatre with her eyes wide open.
Unlike with my first born, when my mother gave answers to the slightest fears, this time I totally depended on my paediatrician whose support has been overwhelming. The first couple of months, Kelsey, now five months old, had colic. She would cry and fuss just before going to bed. This made me feel so helpless, but my paediatrician prescribed medication that worked wonders. Kesley’s discomforts disappeared after a month.
Breast-feeding was another challenge in the first few days. It was quite painful. And my breasts were overflowing with milk when Kelsey could hardly exhaust one. I had to express milk every so often. Thankfully, two weeks later all was well. I did not have any issues with the likes of bathing her as I had the exceptional assistance of my house help, who happens to be a 5 year-old girl’s mother.
Beautiful moments
When she first smiled at me. I almost shed tears-it was such a beautiful, innocent and loving smile. I still see her smile in my dreams.
Bathing my baby is another moment I cherish. My husband and I can’t help but admire the way she splashes water. I have a feeling that she will be a great swimmer.
I enjoy our bonding during breast- feeding. She feeds quite well and there are times when she drains me completely. So I have to feed well for both of us. I want to breast-feed her exclusively for 6 months.
It is such an honour to be a mother; to have someone look up to me. Kelsey’s brother, Brian Muturi, is now in class eight. It feels good when Brian comes to me for advice. It felt even better when he told me I’m his role model. I’m honoured and humbled to have another opportunity to have another one looking up to me Brian’s way. I pray for God’s favour to remain on my children.
Back to work
The first month I kept calling home every now and then. I instructed my house help to always have her phone fully charged and on; so that she can give me an update on the baby as soon as I need it.
I thank God for colleagues who understand that I have a baby, therefore all~wing me to go and be with her as soon as possible.
I have had my house help since August 2009. I must admit that she has been wonderful. She relates so well with Brian, which gives me peace to entrust her with baby Kelsey. What’s more, she is God fearing-a factor I always consider whenever I’m hiring a house help.
END: BL 33/27