๐ธ A Long Overdue Story
I know it’s long overdue, but I still want to share how it is for me for becoming a first-time mom at 43.
It took me years to finally sit down and write this — not because I didn’t want to, but because I wanted to relive every memory and emotion that came with it. Becoming a mother at my age wasn’t part of my plan, but it turned out to be God’s greatest surprise for me.
๐ God’s Perfect Timing
When I found out I was pregnant, I felt excited and scared at the same time. My OB-Gyne once told me that I had PCOS and would need help conceiving if I ever decided to try. But I wasn’t planning to get pregnant — I always told people, “It’s up to God. I’ll have a baby when He says I’m ready.”
And true enough, God’s timing was perfect.
๐ A Miracle in the Making
One day, I found out I was already more than three months pregnant! My period was irregular, and I sometimes had light spotting, so I didn’t suspect anything. I didn’t even experience morning sickness or cravings — except for one moment when I had to have Indian mango and mongo with ribs! I wanted it so badly that I went to the market in the middle of the day just to cook it myself. ๐
My fiancรฉ noticed something different about me and suggested I take a pregnancy test. When it turned out positive, we couldn’t believe it — maybe it was a false positive? So we went to the hospital for an ultrasound.
That’s when I found out the truth — I was three months pregnant, and I found out on my birthday! ๐ It was truly the most special gift from God.
When the doctor called my fiancรฉ into the room, he cried. Our families and friends were beyond happy — and so were we.
๐ Finding Out We’re Having a Boy
A few weeks later, we went back to the
hospital for another ultrasound, this time to know the gender of our
baby and check if his development inside my tummy was normal.
We were both so excited — but in my heart, I knew that whether it was a boy or
a girl, my love as a mother would be the same. ๐
Still, I couldn’t help but worry a little about the developmental tests. I just wanted to make sure that my baby was growing healthy and perfectly fine — and I was so relieved and thankful when the doctor said that everything was perfect.
During the ultrasound, my baby — being such a good baby — didn’t give us a hard time! He immediately showed us that he’s a boy! ๐ถ๐ My fiancรฉ even saw his little face clearly on the screen, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t see it. Until now, I still laugh about that!
๐ฑ A Smooth and Blessed Pregnancy
My pregnancy went smoothly. I didn’t have morning sickness or strong cravings, and I preferred vegetables and fruits. I continued riding my eBike until my 7th month, and I walked every morning and evening because my nanay told me it would make delivery easier.
My due date was supposed to be the end of October, but after a long walk on the night of September 30, my water broke!
๐ The Night My Water Broke
I was about to lie down to sleep when I suddenly felt water coming out. I told my fiancรฉ, “I think my water broke.” Since I wasn’t in pain, I calmly started preparing our hospital bags — until he told me to stop because the floor was already soaked! ๐
We booked a Grab to ACE Pateros Hospital, and the driver — who said his wife had recently given birth — assured us that he knew what to do. He drove fast but carefully, taking shortcuts so we could arrive quickly.
When we reached the hospital, the staff were very attentive and immediately called my doctor. I was brought to the labor room, still not in pain but mentally preparing myself to give birth.
๐ช My Labor Experience
My fiancรฉ wasn’t allowed inside the waiting area, so I was scared but determined to stay strong for my baby. I arrived at 11:00 PM, and after about four hours, they gave me pangpahilab (medicine to induce labor). That’s when the pain began.
It was so intense that I joked later, “It’s not true that you see stars when you’re in pain — I saw dots!” ๐
When my doctor came in, she guided me to push properly. I screamed during my first tries, but she said, “Don’t scream — push like you’re going to poop.” On my fourth push, I heard her say, “I’ll call someone to push your tummy,” and right after that, my baby came out crying.
Then everything went black.
๐ค️ The Morning After
When I woke up in the recovery room, it was already 4 AM. I was tired, sore, and overwhelmed. Later, the nurse brought my baby to me for the first time so I could try breastfeeding him. That was when I first saw my son — so tiny, so fragile, and so perfect. ๐
He couldn’t latch yet, so he stayed in the NICU for observation. Those hours felt like forever. When they finally brought him to me, I couldn’t stop crying.
The pediatrician, who happened to be my OB’s husband, said my baby was a little premature and needed extra care. I was told to do skin-to-skin contact, and while it made me emotional, I also felt guilty — wondering if I had done something wrong.
๐ Feeling Alone
My fiancรฉ stayed with me at first but said he needed to go home to prepare for our return. He also said he needed to rest. I understood — but I also felt hurt and abandoned. I was still in pain and bleeding, and I had to walk outside the room to get water for the baby’s milk.
A nurse even told me not to walk around yet and asked if I had a companion. That moment broke my heart. I told my fiancรฉ how I felt, but his answer didn’t make it better. Some feelings just stay with you.
๐ฅ My Honest Hospital Review
Before giving birth, I’d heard mixed stories about ACE Pateros Hospital, but honestly, their service was excellent during my stay. The doctors and most of the nurses were attentive and kind.
However, there was one time when I called for a nurse because my baby was struggling to breathe, and they came late. When she finally arrived, she seemed dismissive and showed no compassion. That really scared me.
๐ถ The First Weeks at Home
Going home with my baby was both exciting and terrifying. I was so scared to bathe him because he was so small! I bought a baby tub and trays so I could safely wash and care for him.
Breastfeeding was another challenge — when my baby finally latched, it hurt so much that my toes curled every time he suckled. My breasts were swollen and painful, and I cried a lot. The postpartum emotions hit hard — I felt sad, ugly, tired, and worthless at times.
But every time I looked at my baby, I remembered why I had to stay strong.
๐ผ Adjusting to Motherhood
I spent three months of maternity leave bonding with my son. When I went back to work, my fiancรฉ took care of him at home. But it broke my heart to hear him crying because he was looking for me.
I told my fiancรฉ to wrap him in one of my used shirts so he could still smell me — and it worked! Eventually, our baby adjusted.
When I got home from work, he would run to me, and even now that he’s two years old, he still does. He sleeps through the night peacefully, and when he wants comfort, he just breastfeeds.
For his first year, I pumped milk daily to make sure he got all the nutrients he needed. Now, he still breastfeeds before bedtime — his favorite part of the night. ๐ฉท
๐ Two Years Later
Today, my son is two years old — active, talkative, and full of life! My husband and I do our best to raise him with love and patience. We’re learning as we go, but we know one thing for sure: we want him to grow into a kind, good-hearted person.
Becoming a first-time mom at 44 wasn’t part of my plan, but it was the most beautiful surprise of my life. It taught me faith, strength, and unconditional love — proof that God’s plans are always perfect.
๐ผ Coming Soon on the Blog
Watch out for more posts about my journey as a mom! ๐ฉ๐ผ
I’ll be sharing practical guides and real advice for first-time moms,
including:
๐️
What to buy when preparing for your baby’s arrival
๐
What to bring to the hospital when you give birth
๐ซ
What not to buy — items you don’t actually need (even if others say you
do!)
๐ Where to get cheap vaccinations for you and your baby
๐ฉต I will also try to get my husband’s point of view about all this — to share how it was for him throughout our pregnancy, labor, and early parenthood journey. ๐ฌ
Stay tuned for real mom tips to save money, avoid unnecessary purchases, and prepare smartly for your baby. ๐
๐ท To all the mothers — especially those who waited longer than most — know that it’s never too late.
Motherhood comes when it’s meant to, and when it does, it will change you forever.
๐ฟ Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
✨ Trust in God’s perfect timing. Because when He finally says, “It’s time,” everything falls beautifully into place. ๐"
๐ข Share This Post
✨ If you enjoyed reading my story, please share it with other
moms who might need a little faith and hope today. ๐
๐ Have you experienced motherhood later in life? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below! ๐
.png)
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading! Please share and like my Facebook page :)