Sometimes Birth Takes it’s Time
I always get excited when a first time couple contacts me. Excited because they know something that the uninitiated usually do not know. Jade was like this. She had a quiet confidence that she could handle anything her birth threw at her and that she would want to remember it and see it in a different way. She was absolutely clear and unconcerned about the vulnerability of birth. It was beautiful and affirming to be around her in the weeks leading up to her birth. In a lot of ways, she reminded me of myself before I gave birth to Julia ten years earlier. At least, how I like to remember myself.
Jade would need every ounce of her strength and confidence. Like so many first births, it was long and winding – there was lots of waiting and wondering. I popped in after dinner when she was still in early labour. I could feel the excitement, the anticipation but also the doubt – what stage was this exactly? how much longer would this happen for? when and how would birth happen? I don’t always get to be there in the early labour stage and it was nice to be there with them. After an hour or so, I decided to leave for a bit – tuck my kids into bed and get a few hours of sleep myself. I wasn’t expecting to sleep all night but the morning came and I hadn’t heard anything. My heart always sinks when I wake up and see the light as often it means that my clients have had a very tough night.
At a birth, morning light comes with mixed feelings. Frustration that another day has dawned and you haven’t met your baby but often new energy and new hope. Jade and Scott decided to transfer to the hospital for rest and a change of environment. Scott updated me and said to hold tight – they would let me know. I ignored him and made my way to the hospital to wait in the waiting room. From past experience, I knew that things can change very quickly once a woman’s body has a chance to rest. This time I was right. The next text told me that Jade was fully and they were ready for me to join them.
What joy and love there was at this birth! Their midwives are two of the warmest and funniest in the city and you can tell watching them that they are a close and supportive team. Scott cracked jokes to make Jade laugh in the spaces between and little by little, their baby made his way into the world! There was lovely light and shadows and a zillion beautiful moments to capture. Once he was here, the midwives snuck Jade’s family members who had been waiting for news into the room for a little birth-day party.
Welcome to the world little Eddie! You are one of the lucky ones who will be surrounded by friends and family – so excited that you are finally here. Your mama will teach you about strong women and your dad will teach you how to make them laugh.
Article and photos: Catherine (Cat) McAteer Site: |
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