Ready, set. Go?

Ready, set. Go?

By Suhaily Supahan

2007.

All the preparations. Nesting, they call it. We bought tiny rompers, swaddles (the traditional ones and those with Velcro but both equally confusing), the majestic white crib that now sits at the corner of our bedroom. Oh, and the cot bumpers (just in case but then again do newborns move that forcefully?) and tiny pillows.

And I waited.

One more week to 24^th September.

With everything bought, the focus now was on ensuring a smooth delivery. I walked and swam laps at the pool because the doctor advised me to continue being active. I slept too, fearful of the often-mentioned fact that once the baby arrives, I will bid sleep farewell.

Finally, the day arrived. I was prepared and all ready to deliver my first child —  a girl. A smooth delivery? Check. Baby healthy? Check. Time for me to catch all the rest I could while the nurses were around.

The next day, I was well enough to change her diaper so the nurses left me to it. I looked at my baby. I took her diaper off. This was easy. Then, I saw the ‘mess’. My mind went blank. Ok, what do I do? Nurse, please help. I didn’t prepare for this part.