Picnic at BC Women's

I was concerned that she'd think I was crazy... "Let's meet at the hospital, on the hill across from the emergency entrance. Bring a picnic and a blanket." It just seemed the right thing to do on this beautiful day in August. How else could I create a sense of safety, close to the hospital, yet far away? High up on the hill, with lovely green grass all around, trees to lean on, a hill to climb, a place to labour without being watched.

I arrived, and there they were, looking just like a couple on the hill having their lunch. Lovely cheese, crackers, fruit, sparkling juice... A soft blanket and a lap to lean on... Contractions every five minutes. She'd rest on her side for a while, then walk for a while... We'd talk about what to expect...how second babies take their time at first, then fly out. We were in the perfect place, ready to dash inside whenever the labour became stronger.

It was so joyful to be a witness to this labour on the hillside.

"Let's go in," she said after a few hours. I had timed it so that the "fancy room" would be available, after all the new babies had been discharged, and everyone had taken their lunch breaks. We were in luck...

Sun filled room, glass tiles, the shower, a birth ball, arms to hold, primal sounds...

...and the baby came like a rocket after a whirlwind of labour. She did it! This was the healing labour that I'd wished to nurture.

The last scene...she's sitting up in bed with the take-out menus spread before her. "Which do you think? Steak? Baby-back ribs?"

This was good. Really, really good.

Into Dad's Hands

Dad caught the baby...then mum writes...

"...I haven't called as there have been no questions, no stress, no concerns. It has been unbelievable. I was prepared for chaos and tears and frustration and there hasn't been any. Just lots of quiet time getting to know one another, long walks in the neighbourhood in the early evening and tons of smiles. I still have moments where I have to pinch myself when I look at him, he just seems so unbelievably perfect to us.

I want to thank you so much for being there with us during his birth. There were many times throughout the experience when I was so relieved to have you there with us. It was an enormous comfort. You had the words I was looking to hear and I thank you for them. I was very lucky to have had my path cross with yours. I know we will have another opportunity to work with you again in the future and I look forward to it!" - Cohen's mum

Lambing time...

We're just back from the spur-of-the-moment trip to the UK, to hike, see the new lambs (saw one set of twins feeding), stand on cliff edges, and drive the one-track roads (yikes!) in Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

We also cheered as our son's band won at the World Pipe Band Championships - absolutely amazing!

Now that we're home, it seems like a wonderful dream. The phone calls have been coming in thick and fast with updates on all the most recent babies. I've been fielding questions about pooping, breastfeeding, throwing up, whether grunting is normal, how to introduce solids, parenting 2 year olds, toilet training...

I'm home for a wild week of pre and postnatal visits, then off to Hornby for our "regularly scheduled holiday."

Then the busy Fall baby season approaches. Truly lambing time...

UK Bound

Another amazing week...four babies born (stories later). Late Wednesday night, my husband paged me while I was at the hospital. I was sure he was going to tell me that another client was in labour. But he phoned to say that he'd booked seats for us to fly to England on Sunday. Wow! I picked up my passport on Thursday...attended a bliss-birth on Friday...washed and ironed on Saturday...and here we are, ready for the airport. This will be our first solo flight (aka childless) together since our children were born (23 years.) Not a bad anniversary present!

- Jacquie Munro, Vancouver Doula