My long awaited baby is a joy

Tabitha Nyaga, a first time mum got a baby boy after a four-year wait. Today she shares her experience of raising him up.

The D-day
I waited for my due date (23rd of September) last year with a lot of expectation. This being my first experience, and having sought a baby for four years in marriage in vain, I approached my pregnancy and preparation for labour and delivery with a lot of enthusiasm. My husband traveled to Nakuru the day before my EDD early in the morning. On the same day, I had fierce labour pains at around 9.30 am. At about noon, I experienced an abnormal discharge that saw me quickly take a bath then rush to the hospital. On admission, the nurses informed me that I was 3cms dilated. My husband came back later that evening to find me just about to deliver. At 10.34pm, I delivered a healthy baby boy, Allan Karanja. I left the hospital the next day with a smile and a gift I had waited for so long.

Shy moment
Immediately after delivery, and the baby having been washed, I was asked to dress him with the clothes I had brought. The front of his T-shirt had text written on it, ‘Trouble is my middle name’. The nurse who stood nearby asked me why I had chosen that clothing for my newborn and then was joined by the other team of nurses in laughter. I had not noticed that earlier on, and it was the only item of clothing in my bag!

First few days
Breast-feeding Allan was very painful. Even when he was not feeding my nipples cracked and bled. However, this uncomfortable situation changed after some days. Since then it is a pleasure to feed him. it was difficult to bathe my little angel because of his small size. But with the help of my husband and mother-in-law I learnt the skill within no time.

Fun moments
I love the way Allan laughs and tries to imitate other people’s talk. But the most amazing thing is just having a baby, and knowing that you are not asked to dress him with the clothes I had brought. The front of his T-shirt had text written on it, ‘Trouble is my middle name’. The nurse who stood nearby asked me why I had chosen that clothing for my newborn and then was joined by the other team of nurses in laughter. I had not noticed that earlier on, and it was the only item of clothing in my bag!

Back to work
When I went back to my business, I would call home after every one hour or so to find out how the baby was fairing. The house helps I got were not reliable and they would come and go. Thankfully, I am self employed hence I would stay at home when need arose.

Dreams for Allan
I am hoping to educate him in the best schools in town. I will later send him for further studies outside the country. His feeding habits are healthy although when he is ill he does not eat well. He is a strong active boy who is always smiling.

One more
If all goes well, we plan to have another child. How soon depends on God’s will.

END: BL25/13

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