Alexander Steven (A Birth Story)

Almost a month ago now, I was privileged to attend the birth of my newest nephew. It was the second homebirth I've had the opportunity to attend and once again, I went away amazed and feeling blessed to have been able to witness such a huge moment for a family.

On Sunday I saw my sister-in-law, Betsy, at church. She let me know that she had been having regular contractions, but nothing too intense yet. That evening we decided I would go out of town a bit for a family dinner and that my girls would go to my parents' house overnight (Ken was out of town at a conference). It's a good thing we did that because my brother-in-law, Steve, called me at 5:15am to let me know that they had called the midwife and I could plan to come over soon!

I arrived at their house shortly after that (and just like Laura's birth, I was there before the midwife). I went up to see Betsy who was calmly focused, laboring in her room alone while their son, Donovan, slept in the next room and Steve hurried around, getting things ready.



Soon the midwife arrived and then my mother-in-law (who is a Doula and would also be attending).
The midwife got set up while Linda (our mother-in-law) helped out, doing whatever she could to help Betsy to be as comfortable as possible. This is the second time that I've been impressed at a birth, with how the mother seems to just retreat into a calm, focused place- sort of "away" from everyone else. She remains focused on what she has to do while everyone else scurries around doing whatever they can to offer assistance!

Henry James (A Birth Story)

On Friday night I got to do something amazing! I witnessed the birth of a friend's baby.
Today I'll share a glimpse into the birth story of Henry James, from my perspective.

Laura gave me the warning call- that she thought tonight might be the night- at 3:30 in the afternoon. Kyle called me not long before 7pm to let me know that it looked like the birth would be happening "now", and that it would be at home (not at the hospital as planned). I got in my car immediately and was surprised to arrive before the midwives!

Laura laboured at home, by herself and with Kyle for almost her whole labour, and the midwives arrived just after I did- and just before the baby!

Kyle was so sweet, telling Laura how good she was doing, being there for her in whatever way he could.



Laura was amazing. I remember the pain of a natural childbirth! She would endure those contractions, and then her face would relax into a focussed calm while she waited for the next.