What I learn from 'King Eddie Hospital' - Ep 1.

April, 2005.

Perth.

I was sent by Dr Bong (our GP) to do a thorough check-up of my pregnancy since the papers and data from Malaysia was insufficient. That was the first time when my husband and I entered King Edward Memorial Hospital For Women (KEMH), or better known as King Eddie Hospital. It was my 32nd week of my first pregnancy and I was truly amazed with the 3D ultrasound, especially when we could actually see the exact features of the baby in the womb a.k.a Muhammad Al Fateh about 10 weeks later (yes, he was born 11 days later then the EDD). 

Al Fateh, seconds after he was born at 25.7.2005, KEMH, Subiaco.

Pro Professionals.

It was not just the machine that I was impressed with, but also the warm attitude and professionalism that the radiologist  portrayed to us. It was the first time when someone explained to me that the procedure would be a little bit uncomfortable since the ultrasound gel was cold and she'd be wiggling the ultrasound torch on my protruding tummy (most Malaysians GPs that I met just slap the gel and the torch and do their work, silently.) Well frankly, it was not uncomfortable at all, especially when the flat screen TV monitor above us was showing a movie show, starring our unborn hero in the tummy! She guided us all the way, showing us the spine, all the different bones, labeling them with colorful tags; asking us whether did we know/ do we want to know whether would it be a prince or a princess. All these small gestures helped both of us experiencing beautiful little steps in our journey to become young parents. 

What I learn from her was that I must do my job well, enjoy doing it and ensure that my customer is fully satisfied. That's trust (amanah) in your job.

Patience & Passionate

 

All patients were taken care by midwives and the midwives were divided into groups. I was in the hand of the midwives of Aqua group. At first, I was not sure what difference does it make but after experiencing hard-long-painful-uncomfortable-15 hours labor, with contractions every 2-3 minutes, I do realise that meeting the familiar faces that you meet during your pregnancy as well as the same faces in the labour suite do help you to be calmer and more confident since you know that you're in good hands.   

During the whole birth experience, there would always be a midwife in the room, taking care of us (my husband and myself, Mak came in around 2 hours before the birth of Al Fateh & Alwani). Yes, there were many of us in the room, but it's not cramp because the suite is HUGE with linked shower & toilet! It was easy for us the perform our solah and they even supply Halal food for us. When one of the wild contractions came while my husband performed his prayers, the midwife would be ready with her fancy massages which worked wonders to the aching back, offered me fresh hot water bottle and taught me ways to dilate faster using the big gym ball, sat with me on the chair, telling stories of her family and experiences. I was just fascinated with their passion and patience, like I was too special to be alone during the pain. I must salute their warm professional work etiquette. Triple salute!

Remember I told you that my first labor was a long one? Guess what, Alwani's was long too, 13-hours, shorter by two hours though from Al Fateh's. (So lassies, if some say that the 2nd labour will be easier for all, it's a myth!!) But during both labours, I was not being 'pushed' to give birth as soon as I could. The patience that they have made me feel comfortable and not being rushed, which was super! Though both were long labours, since I always got stuck at 3cm for 5-6 hours, they waited for me to dilate (normally). When a shift were near the end, the hand-over the case process was clear and informed. As I said, the faces were familiar since I've seen them during my pregnancy check-ups, but still, the introduce themselves (again) very well, and the midwife leaving would whisper her good luck wishes to my Mak, my husband and myself. I experienced a full circle shift during Al Fateh's labour, because we checked in and delivered during Lorraine's shift, after 5 shift changes! On the other hand, Alwani was delivered by RMW Eve, who's originally from Aviemore, Scotland, another full circle!

From Aqua Team, Registered Midwife (RMW) Eve,
with  bluish-purplish-pinkish Alwani on 16.4.2007.

 And Alhamdulillah, the results were, I didn't suffer from any tear. Furthermore, their soothing encouragement on how to breathe, demonstrating the correct techniques while I was doing 'it', and giving clear instructions to my husband and Mak on how to help were fantastic in making the birth experiences phenomenal. This was when Mak asked both of us to be grateful to Him for the rare experiences, having passionate professionals working with me through the incredible pain. Alhamdulillah.

Why can't us Muslims be like that?

On another note, HAPPY 67th BIRTHDAY MAK! Thank you for being with both of us during our two labours in King Eddie. WE LOVE YOU!