[ sorry we haven’t kept in touch kabayan, Mahal just gave birth last week. It’s been a crazy 8 days and counting. Thanks for keeping us company part of the ride. that’s Baby Dumpling by the way, seconds after birth. thanks for reading! ]
A MILLION THINGS are going through our mind right now, so we’ll try to sift things and tell you what we’re feeling.
It still feels like the first time, every time. We’ve been a father thrice before, but each time feels special. We won’t say this is the best ever, but we have to say at this stage that being a dad 25 years after the last time is indeed very special.
The best way to share our experience with you Precious Reader would be to try to compare our experiences as a new dad in New Zealand and how we remember it back in the Philippines. Ito ang pinaka-meaningful na paraan para ma-share ko mga karanasan ko:
If you want the realistic indicator of how well (or badly) a country treats its citizens, experience its health care. New Zealand’s health care to all citizens, permanent residents and work visa holders of at least two years isn’t the best in the world, but it spares no expense in two areas that we know of : in life-threatening illness, and in pregnancy and/or maternal care.
Wife Mahal was admitted to hospital for 8 days, underwent an urgent caesarian section, received full courses of painkillers and antibiotics, and our Baby Dumpling received diapers, formula, and pediatrician and testing services. As did Mahal from her obstetrician, diabetes doctor, dietician and of course midwife.
All these services were regular, on time, and most importantly, free.
Like we said earlier, hindi perpekto ang serbisyong pangkalusugan ng New Zealand. Pero sa panahon ng gipitan at pinakamatinding pangangailangan, hindi sya nagkukulang.
[translation : health care services in New Zealand aren’t perfect, but when you need it most, it’s there for you. ]
Sa Pilipinas naman, mayroon ding public health services kung may budget ang inyong local government, o kung may health insurance ka. Pero di ito garantiya na makakamtan mo ang serbisyong kailangan mo.
[translation : In the Philippines, public health services are available if your local government budget allows, or if you have health insurance. But even then, this is no guarantee that you’ll enjoy the services you need. ]
Like the Philippines, health care isn’t perfect. but any flaws or imperfections are made up for it by the passion and skill of its health care professionals. Mahal’s labor extended into past midnight, from the original day, and the midwife attending to her had to finish her shift.
But the midwife following told her firmly : I’m not going to leave you until you give birth, no matter what. And indeed, she stayed with Mahal through an unexpected caesarian section, helped her understand the consequences like low grade infection brought by the extended labor, the wearing off of the meds, and the recovery she would have to undergo.
All the while the midwife matched Mahal’s dedication and resilience. She never complained or talked about how long the process was taking (well over 20 hours by the time Mahal was brought out of recovery room), and stayed with Mahal until she was sure others had taken over for her. If Mahal was the heroine of the day, her midwife was a strong sidekick.
When you enjoy the services of good nurses, midwives and doctors as well as allied health professionals, it stands out anywhere.
Batang ama or matandang ama, becoming a parent is inspiring at any age. When we became a parent at age 23, we didn’t know a single thing about being a dad. It was trial and error most of the time, but the mistakes were survivable (I hope).
Thirty-two years and three kids later, we’re a dad again, and also an OFW. we’re more inspired than ever, trying to carve out a life in a new city, with new skills, new industry and new employer. The outlook is good, the vision is clear, but everything is made more worthwhile by Baby Dumpling, our nickname for the little one.
She has a bright future here, and in a way, because she is going to spend her life as an ethnic Filipina and New Zealander, with her (hopefully) intelligence, adaptability and gratitude for living in a generous host country, she will give it back and pay it forward, with our blessing.
It’s all about you now Baby Dumpling.
Thanks for reading, mabuhay!
