Myla Katzav

I was experiencing slight bleeding or spotting two days before Ben was born and yet, I still requested Haim to drive us to Jerusalem the following day.  I wanted to pray at the Wailing Wall.  We reached Jerusalem but I didnt make it to the steps going down the wall.  I had some spotting again and just opted to sit in one of the coffee shops overlooking the area and said my prayer there.  By midnight, we went to the hospital as my contractions got regular and stronger. 

I delivered in the public hospital very near our house.  In Israel, only public hospitals have the equipment and facilities to treat complications.  So even if you are booked in a private hospital, when a complication arises, you need to be moved to the public one. So, we opted for the public hospital. The delivery area is divided by small labor/delivery rooms so I would hear screams and cries from mothers in labor and delivery who chose to do it the natural way (no epidural!) It was kinda traumatic to be hearing this when you are experiencing one of the most discomforting events of your life.  Ben was delivered 11 hours after.  It was a HARD labor because the epidural didnt take effect in all parts of my stomach.  I could literally feel my tears sprinkling to my glasses!

But as soon as Ben was brought to me, everything felt wonderful!  Finally, I had my Ben in my arms..and my family is complete!