Birth Story

We decided to only do a C-section 12 hours before the surgery because we did not feel comfortable with the possible complications we learned from the anesthesiologist. I have to admit, when I considered the original "two bird one stone" plan, I completely overlooked the fact that I was not pregnant during the first two surgeries I had before. As the anesthesiologist pointed out, even though the baby would've been taken out before they put me under, my body would still be in the "pregnant state". That could mean increased risks and complications with general anesthesia because of the physiological changes pregnancy brought to my body (i.e., heavier workload on the heart and lungs).








Dr. Liu totally understood our concerns and respected our decision. The time to go in for the surgery was moved an hour earlier because the anesthesiologist had to administer an Epidural and pain management on me in the maternity ward before he started his day on the surgical floor. My mom, Joey, and Genevieve all came to the hospital at he crack of dawn. The nurses helped me get ready and at 6:45, they wheeled me into the OR.


To our surprise, they allowed Bill into the OR. The female resident simply asked two questions, "Does your husband want to be in it with you?" and to Bill, "Can you handle the sight of blood?"
Bill was holding my hand, all suited up in a surgical cap and a purple gown, when they administered Epidural. Dr. Liu was a bit surprised when he realized that Bill was in the his OR, but he didn't say anything. However, since this was probably the first time a father was present during a Cesarean and the doctors didn't know how he'd react or behave, Bill was told to stand in the corner where I could see him and not to touch anything.

It was sureal to be awake while a team of doctors operated on me, and I would've been under a lot more stress had Bill not been there with me. I tried to listen to what Dr. Liu was telling the other doctors, but it was hard to hear his voice with all the clinking, beeping, and shirshing all around. Bill kept my mind off of the strange noises and sensations by offering reassurance and encourgement. What also provided some comfort was when the anesthesiologist put her hand on my cheek and asked how I was doing.

For the most part, The surgery was rather peaceful. I didn't feel anything except the occasional and very mild tugging and pulling. Then the anesthesiologist came and told me that I'd feel most discomfort when they pulled the baby out and that she wanted me to focus on my breathing and try to relax. As soon as her face went out of my range of vision, I felt this strong pulling at... my diaphrgam, of all places. It was like someone was trying to pull everything below the diaphgram out at once. When I started to feel I was gonna panic, I heard Bill's voice, filled with excitement, "Babe, they're getting him out! Peanut's coming out, babe!" Then a big load of heaviness was lifted from my tummy and I gasped. I heard the baby cry. "Oh my god! He's BIG, Kate! He's so big..." Bill giggled.

Our son, William Kai Martin, was born at 7:36am, Friday, September 11th, 2009, at Tri-Service General Hospital Nei-Hu Branch in Taipei, Taiwan. At birth, he weighed 4,210 grams and was 51 centimeters long. He came with a full head of soft wavy black hair. He's absolutely perfect.