Diary of a first time mum

Sylvia Mugambi graced Pregnant Issue 17 cover together with her twin sister, Connie Mugambi.
She was blessed with a baby girl on the 20th of October, 2008. She tells us of her experience as a new mother.

My due date was 30th of October. I had made up my mind on having a C-section. In such a case, one can choose a date of delivery, even two weeks before the given due date. I chose the 25th of October because that was when my doctor would be available, but my plans did not go as planned. On the morning of 20th October, I woke up with intense contractions. I shared this with my husband who thought it was still early for the baby to come. He assured me with a smile, ‘Am sure baby can wait a few more days.’ I wanted to hold on to this assurance for the next four days but the pains were not subsiding.

My mother-in-law advised that I go for a check-up and in no time, my husband and I were on our way to hospital. After check-up, I was informed that I had dilated 2cm. I had to be booked in for an emergency C-Section. This, and I had not even carried a hospital bag. I was informed that had I stayed later into the day, I would have been forced to push, something I dreaded. I urged them to go on with the operation.

It had been my desire to have my husband by my side but he could not enter the theatre room. All kinds of emotions went through me. I did not know what to expect. But the moment I was put on a drip, my senses took leave and I slept. The procedure was over in about 45 minutes and when I woke up, I did not feel any pain, thanks to the painkillers I had been administered. Though we had gone for scans during my pregnancy and had been informed that it was a girl, I knew that was no guarantee, so my first question was to enquire about my baby’s sex. Jasmine was born at noon on the 20th of October, weighing 3kgs.

Earlier days
I was unable to breastfeed my baby in the first five days. She was given formula milk. The nurses would clean her up. I was shown how to do so, including caring for her umbilical cord, and general baby care. I left the hospital on the fifth day.

Welcome home new mom—some laughs
Our first night at home with Jasmine was memorable. She had been doing well all through but come midnight, she started crying. I did not know what was disturbing the baby. Jasper, just like I, was lost. Jasmine was not wet, we had just changed her. She was not hungry, for she had just breastfed. We called our mother-in-law who encouraged breastfeeding. And an auntie advised to give Gripe water. These only quieted her momentarily, because in no time she would be howling again.

In the morning we decided to take her to hospital. On nearing hospital, the little angel went silent and fell asleep. We were debating whether to go on to the hospital but then changed our minds. Maybe she needed a little fresh air.
We drove back hoping her silence would last. We were in for a surprise. Getting home and placing her in her cot, her screams started again. We had no alternative but to head to hospital again. On the way there she went back to slumber land. We had to make a quick decision. Getting to hospital, it was comical telling the doctor that our baby could not sleep yet there she was, asleep as a baby possibly can. The doctor gave us a ‘you must be first time parents’ look. We learnt that the baby had colic.

The challenges
The three month maternity leave is a great deal but I wish it could be longer. The initial days of raising a child are hard work. There is no sleeping.

I have employed a house girl to help me with household chores since I cannot bend, my wound is yet to heal. I sleep with Jasmine but I have been advised to let her sleep in her cot, so that she does not get used to me. And soon I have to go back to work. Letting this happen has been hard though.

Funny moment
My identical twin sister Connie had accompanied me to the hospital when I started labouring. She later told me how, after I delivered, a certain nurse who had seen her in the waiting room came to her, worried. “But you just delivered, you are not supposed to be seated out here!” Amused, Connie had to explain that it was her twin who had just delivered.

Adjusting
The realization that I am Mama Karimi has not registered yet. Whenever my mother-in-law calls me “Mama Karimi” I take time to answer, and only respond after it hits me that it is I being addressed.

I can now eat like before, especially chicken which I used to eat and puke in my pregnancy. I take lots of fluids so as to stimulate breast milk production. It is a nice feeling being a mother.

END: BL18/60-61