Newborn baby

My wife just gave birth to a baby boy recently. The birth was done by way of caesarean section as my wife has scoliosis and may not be able to give birth naturally. The surgery was done in a private hospital with medical bill amounting to RM6,000. Although CS is supposed to be a low risk surgery, it is not totally free of complication. Examination on the surgery area after 2 weeks indicated that there is a hematoma (blood clot) measuring 7 cm in length residing underneath. As a result, my wife still look like 5 months pregnant. Examination by another gynae indicated that the gynae conducting the surgery may have missed a blood vessel, leaving the vessel bleeding underneath while the wound was stitched. When we pay a premium for undergoing such surgery in a private hospital, we expect some quality and not such blunder, as it's a matter of life and death here. Despite being assured that the blood clot is not harmful and a matter of time to dissolve, I am not convinced. Will do another scan few months later to ensure that the blood clot will really dissolve. Otherwise, we may consider asking the hospital to waive the hospital bill.

The baby is born safely, but was diagnosed with right inguinal hernia. The weight of the baby was only 2.35kg at birth, and I really questioned the gynae's wisdom in concluding that my wife was having a contraction while it was still not due. I'm beginning to suspect the premature birth of my son may have a connection in developing the hernia, as this is very prevalent on premature babies.

Upon diagnosis of hernia, not surprising, the paediatrician has recommended surgery whenever possible. He even gave me his name card to call him immediately if I have decided so. Wow, I am amazed how professional doctors could be in closing a sale. Is he mad or stupid? How could an infant withstand those general anaestetic? Upon checking with other GP doctors, I was advised that preferably the surgery to be done when the child is older, unless a complication develops, as there is a possibility the GA during surgery can cause brain damage. And babies can't tell you whether they have brain damage, cause all they can do when they wake up after the surgery is to smile at you and you think it's OK.

The baby is now putting up weight quite well, 5kg after 2 months. It's gonna be long and winding road ahead. The one thing I learn about being a parent is, you start worrying about the kid the moment your wife is confirmed pregnant. Cause pregnant doesn't mean the embryo is healthy and will materialise. But if it's not, you still need to wash that thing out and take some pain, so better hope for a successful embryo. And the worry will never end until ur kid is grown big enough to earn his own living 2 decades later.