Maja Shares Birthing Story: 30-Hour Labor, 12 Hours No Epidural

First-time mom, Maja Salvador, opens up about her emotional and very challenging birthing experience. It was filled with moments of pain, fear, but also ultimately, immense joy and courage.

"I experienced an intense 30-hour labor, 12 hours without epidural, 3 hours of pushing. Then ended up having episiotomy and forceps." -Maja Salvador

In an Instagram post this Saturday, June 8, Maja detailed her 30-hour labor, which included 12 hours without an epidural and 3 hours of pushing. Despite her best efforts, she ended up needing an episiotomy and forceps to deliver her first born, Maria.

According to Mayo Clinic, "episiotomy is a cut (incision) made in the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus during childbirth. This area is called the perineum. Although an episiotomy was once a routine part of childbirth, that's no longer the case."

The Unexpected Complications During Delivery of Maja's Baby

"Exactly a week ago…I experienced an intense 30-hour labor, 12 hours without epidural, 3 hours of pushing. Then ended up having episiotomy and forceps. 2 contractions and 7 pushes later, we finally welcomed our baby Maria," Maja began.

No mother would ever dream of such a birthing experience, and if you think the challenges end there, that's just the beginning.

After the initial joy of welcoming Maria, Maja faced a sudden and severe complication—uterine inversion. This rare condition required immediate medical intervention. NIH (National Institute of Health) defines uterine inversion as "one of the most serious complications of childbirth. It refers to the collapse of the fundus into the uterine cavity. Although it is rare, it carries a high risk of mortality due to hemorrhage and shock."

"Immediately had 10 minutes of skin-to-skin contact with her, but biglang nagka emergency... I had uterine inversion," Maja remembered how this became reason for her baby to leave her arms and baby Maria was given to her husband, "binigay nila kay Rambo who was seated helplessly next to my bed," Maja recounted. The situation escalated quickly, leading to significant blood loss and a dramatic drop in her blood pressure.

Maja continues, "3 OB GYN were there trying to put back my uterus manually which led to blood loss of 3 to 4 liters, then my blood pressure went down to 60/40, sinabihan na lang ako ng Doula ko na anytime I would have to go to the operating room for surgery."

At this point, Maja surrendered everything to her faith. "That time sabi ko nalang sa sarili ko na I can’t do anything anymore... ubos na ubos na lakas ko... I started praying Hail Mary... paulit ulit kahit wala na akong lakas." And at her lowest, finally a good news came to light. "And miraculously, after their last attempt, one of the OB GYN succeeded in repositioning my uterus. AMEN!!!!"

"Ubos na ubos na lakas ko... I started praying Hail Mary... Paulit-ulit kahit wala na akong lakas." -Maja Salvador

Maja expressed profound gratitude for the medical team that worked tirelessly to stabilize her condition. Despite the dire circumstances, the team managed to reposition her uterus successfully, averting the need for surgery.

In her post, Maja extended heartfelt thanks to the medical personnel, and gave special mention to the Filipino nurses who provided unwavering care and support. Maja gave birth in Canada.

"Ate Vanessa, Angela, Ate Gloria, Ate Christina and Ate Beverly, Thank you," she wrote. She also expressed her gratitude to her doula, Grace, for her exceptional support during the ordeal.

The Road to Recovery

Now in recovery, Maja is surrounded by her loving family. She expressed her relief and joy at being with her loved ones during this critical time. "Ang swerte kong kasama ko ang pamilya ko dito sa Canada," she said, thanking her family members for their support.

Maja's concluded with a touching message to her little family. "To My Husband, I LOVE YOU. To My Maria, EVERYTHING IS WORTH IT! I LOVE YOU ANAK," she wrote.

Many would really call Maja's experience a miracle, if you ask us too it was really that! But one thing is undeniable: Maja exemplified the courage and admirable strength that all mothers possess, sacrificing everything, even their own lives, for the sake of their little ones. Maja's unwavering strength and selflessness shone through all those childbirth challenges, inspiring those who read her story.