New Designation. Part 1

The past two weeks have been the biggest learning curve so far. 

It all began when we drove to Mangalore for my check up few days prior to my EDD. Dr VK gave the option of inducing labor the next day or on the following Monday. Considering that I was not mentally prepared for the next day itself, we decided to wait till Monday. 

The problem was, I didn’t realize how uncomfortable and anxious I would be about waiting. We (better half, MIL and I (with BB)) stayed at Woodlands Mangalore and I did my curb walking, duck walking and generally walking around as much as possible and also did my usual breathing exercises. We also went around a little in Mangalore like the toy train in Kadri Park, a visit to Tannirbhavi beach and also daily bonda-baby breaks for the thirsty crow that I was. We also got an NST on Saturday because I was panicking and on Sunday evening Appa and Di arrived from Mysore.

Monday was D-day and after getting borderline annoyed with Appa because of his rahu-kala timelines, we reached the 11th floor of KMC Jyothi. While induction was mildly painful, I was mostly fine till evening and doing mini dance reels and watching Office with the husband while sipping on juices and soups. This was also the first time I got an IV Cannula in 30 years of my existence. The evening NST was slightly concerning so one RL bolus later, the NST was much better and the plan was to wait and watch.

Meanwhile, the entourage outside the labor suite were eager with anticipation since they thought the new member would join us today. But it was a long night filled with burps, contractions and painful tossing and turning around. My playlist gave me a lot of peace and calm in those hours and I am so glad I am one of those people who can be positively impacted by the right music. But my stomach could barely take in few sips of water at this point so I was also quite tired. Early morning, I had a good breakfast (after some antiemetics) and realized Dr VK still had hopes for a NVD from me while I was myself sitting on the fence at this point.

The real drama started around 10 when Pitocin was initiated and I began to realize what was PAIN. All those breathing techniques seemed useless and moving around also wasn’t an option. The saving grace was having the husband with me who was my calm and steady support in those hours. The magic began when my request for epidural was finally considered at 12pm and I was lulled into a fentanyl-induced state of bliss, albeit for a short while. The pain was back in a while, but slightly different this time. A quick check by Dr VK at 2pm and she said we are ready. Suraj and I looked at each other in surprise, shock and excitement. 

The next few minutes passed by in a blur where the room was populated beyond my control and I honestly didnt feel as much as I’m supposed to (thanks to the epidural) but after some pushing (and pulling), through tears and smiles and prayers and blessings from those with us and within us, Baby Rao was born. 

It was then that I realized that I was now a mother.. a new title to my existence. Something I had no idea about. And this being within me for 9 months (39+6days to be precise) was finally out into the world, crying his lungs out and banking on me for his care. 

In all the commotion, in all the chaos, if there was one source of peace and calm, it was in the form of the better half. He proved he was more than a spouse that day. Something far more superior, something far more precious and sacred.

The family came in soon after and they were all excited at the new member in their midst. A grandmother, a grandfather, an aunt in the making. There was also a Grand uncle and grand aunt to celebrate the moment. 

True, we wished there was another grandmother and grandfather in our midst and we sorely miss them every single day. But we tell ourselves that they are with us, that their blessings are with us and that we will carry on their traits and traditions as best as we can.