Second time, new experience
So far so good,’ she announces cheerfully. ‘I have not had any problems although this pregnancy has come seven years after my first born son. It seems like the first time—a totally new experience.’
INTERVIEW BY ROSELYNE ATIENO
WRITTEN BY KUI WAGACHA
Phideliah discloses that when she got her first born son, she was very young, and in college. ‘Things are different this time around, because I am engaged to my baby’s father and we intend to get married as soon as I deliver.’
Life seems to have conspired against Phideliah because she got pregnant when preparations for her wedding were in top gear.
The baby’s father was surprised when Phideliah told him she was expecting. However, she says, he took the news in stride. ‘We were already engaged, so we just decided to push our wedding date forward and deal with the baby first.’
How did she inform her parents? At this point, Phideliah’s mother, Esther, who has been quiet throughout the interview, interjects; ‘There was this day when I was coming from church when my younger sister (Phideliah’s aunt) called me and announced that Phideliah got pregnant. She was with Phideliah the previous day and Phideliah gave her the news to pass to the family. It was a shock to me; I had barely noticed it because she had kept herself busy around her house throughout.’
Phideliah admits that she was six months pregnant! ‘I succeeded in my plan to surprise her.’
Phideliah, who works as a receptionist at a law firm where she says she is still going strong—even on the third trimester, has kept all her checks in place, and sees her doctor regularly to ensure that the pregnancy is on the right track. ‘I have been okay, the baby is okay—the doctor has confirmed it, so I can say I am really excited about it!’
‘I am very active at work. Apart from the weight gain, nothing is interfering with my work. My colleagues have also been extra friendly, very caring, understanding and careful with me!’
She tells us precisely how old her baby is: ‘Seven months and a week.’ she announces proudly. Phideliah’s pregnancy has been progressing well without any complications: ‘With this pregnancy, I can honestly say that I have had absolutely no cravings. I am eating everything and I have been very healthy I have put on some weight though. This is unlike the first one, during which I used to crave for sausages a lot.’
Turning her conversation to the baby she is expecting, the expectant mother says she does not want to find out the sex of her baby because she wants it to be a surprise. ‘I have also opted to shop for neutral colours that are suitable for both boys and girls.’
So, this pregnancy is a dream. But how does she feel about labour? ‘My first experience was very tough—I laboured for two days. There were some complications, and I went too early to the hospital. They were reluctant to discharge me, as they were sure that I would begin labouring soon. I actually went into labour that evening—and continued well into the night before I finally pushed my son out. At least, I know what to expect this time round.’
Regarding her birth preference, Phideliah says, since she gave birth to her first born child naturally, she wants to do so again with this one. ‘I had a natural birth the first time, and I’ll do it again this time. That is why we are women. We have to learn to go through that.’
END:PG15/26