My Time in The Labor Room

• I was already two weeks overdue and, frankly, I was tired of being pregnant. I kept going for checkups and I was told the same thing over and over again. "Your child isn't ready." When we realized our little baby was quite comfortable in her small cave, my husband and I made the decision to have an induced labor. While waiting for a room, we noticed other women reacting to the pain of contractions. And I felt a bit sad that I might not get to feel that pain. All that lasted a few minutes when I found out the woman sitting directly opposite me was only dilated to 3 centimeters. It was obvious that the pain was extreme, yet she wasn't close to being fully dilated.
• When we were finally called, I went over my birthing plans with the doctors. When all was said and finalized, I was given an epidural injection. My husband was right by my side, cheering me on. The doctors and nurses were really supportive and they made sure they were with us at every step of the way. Immediately, my bundle of joy came out, and everyone in the room celebrated with me. I felt this warmth in my chest. And I spent the entire night just staring at the child that just came out of me. Though I had my child through a C-section, the feeling wasn't anything less.

Kira Chang

China