The Hospital visit and The New Baby

Last weekend I went to the hospital to visit one of the USP students, and netball team player, 1 day after she gave birth to a lovely little girl. Yes quite a different experience this one. She went into labour on the Wednesday night and into hospital on the Friday morning when things were happening 2 minutes apart. She told me she waited, not sure where as the delivery suite was not available and a bed on the ward was also not ready. Apparently 9 babies were delivered before lunch time on this day including a first experience of twins for the doctor so things were a little busy!! Anyway our patient waited patiently while trying not to push as she had been
advised. At around lunch time she waddled her way up to the reception as she really felt the baby was "down". The doctor took one look at her and said "ready" to which she nodded but still had to wait 5 more minutes while they cleaned the delivery room and the doctor got over the shakes from delivering the twins! Into the room and basically the head was showing so with one push the baby was out!!! Even though I can't speak from experience I'm sure this is a far cry from what you get in a hospital back home? The next day when I saw her everything was fine although she was crammed into a ward room with 5 other ladies and only sideways shuffling space between the beds. I asked if anyone had been along to instruct her on what to do now and she said no she was figuring it out herself! Baby was feeding though so I suppose all was good?! After one check of the heartbeat etc she was free to be discharged from the hospital.

There were 4 Fijiian ladies present at this time and me the palagi (currently holding the baby!) All manner of things were packed into 2 large bags. When you visit hospital in Samoa you bring everything you need including sheets for your bed and crockery and cutlery for your meal (which incidentally they did bring around in a cart). There was a fair amount of luggage in tow and a big bunch of flowers. We were then ready to leave. Going home time. A big thing in our world. I asked the mother if she would like to be the one to carry her baby out of the hospital but she said she was fine if I did so the unusual procession that we were left the building.

Standing outside the next decision to be made was how we were all going to get home!! My car was right there so I handed over the bundle and went to bring it round. Some how we managed to fit all the luggage in the boot, 4 Fijian ladies, 1 palagi driver and a babe in arms into the car!! We were riding a bit low at this point but off we set. Are you noticing a lack of description of any car seat for this baby? That would be because there wasn't one! Yes you guessed correctly, baby traveled home at 1 day old in the arms of one of the "aunty's" in the back seat. Needless to say I was driving very carefully (Samoan speed even) and watching out for other crazy drivers.

We got home safely and piled ourselves and all the luggage out. Things have gone well from what I've heard over the last week. Baby seems fine. Many people are calling around to visit. There is never a lack in Aunty's or Uncles to look after a baby here which seems to be the Pacific Way. Now we are just waiting for the netball initiation. Mother is keen to get back on the court so I'm sure it won't be long until new baby Jasmine is spotted down a the Apia Park Netball Courts!! Never to young to start I say!!