BirthWise Maternity Care, LC

Gentle Births Happen at Home    

The Birth of Aspen   

Mom:

 

This was my fourth pregnancy—and I knew it would be my last— so I tried to enjoy every minute.  The birth day itself was no exception.  It was a beautiful, sunny day, and I spent most of it walking outside.  My sister was visiting from out-of-state, and she was there to help with my four-year-old son.  I was glad she was able to see what labor can really be like—not some Hollywood version.  She was amazed that it could be quiet and peaceful.  She took my son to the school to pick up my other two children and then kept them busy at my mom’s house down the street.  The birth and active labor were attended by Heather and my husband, Jeff.  I like to be left to myself—asking only that Jeff stay in the same room at all times.  This was amusing when he was sweating while I was in a hot shower.  It made me feel better, somehow, seeing him sweating with his glasses all fogged up.  I planned on giving birth in my bed but didn’t quite make it that far.  The living room floor was the next best place.  Jeff nearly missed catching baby Aspen because he was running after a towel.  I think his first words upon seeing her were—”Hey!  She has the nose!”  All of our children have his nose.  She’s beautiful, she’s perfect, and we’re so glad she’s ours.

 

Dad

 

I’d like to say there’s nothing to it, however, I think my wife would probably disagree.  You couldn’t ask for a nicer day for a birth.  The sun was shining, the weather was warm and my wife was able to find many chores for me to do in the yard while she was pacing back and forth in early labor.  Ordinarily I would tell her that I would get to them later, but pregnancy adds an edge to her that doesn’t do well to mess with.  Our daughter Aspen was born healthy and safe at 4:00 pm.  Heather was excellent, she even learned very quickly what took me at least 2 previous births with my wife to learn;  don’t speak unless spoken to and don’t touch unless asked.