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"Real Life"

The Story of "Sean: My Midwife Baby"

My first two births were joyous and sacred events, and yet this time, for my third baby, I longed to do things a little differently. Birth had never been a problem, but what I really wanted was support during my pregnancy. I wanted someone to comfort me if I was concerned, and answer the many questions I had, even as a third time mother.

My midwives thought I had a great attitude. When I asked them how I could slow my labour a little, they suggested I deliver lying on my side this time. (My birthing history seemed to suggest a squat was too fast for me.)

Once again, my first indication of birth was my water breaking. It was a warm Sunday afternoon, and I was just preparing a picnic to go to the beach, when my water broke. This time I was afraid I didn't have much time. Phil and I had decided on a hospital birth, assisted by only a midwife (no doctors or nurses unless absolutely necessary.) I was tense in the car because we got into a traffic jam. When we reached the hospital, I felt calm. Our midwife met us at the hospital and helped my children get ready for my third birth. I especially wanted my daughter to have the opportunity to see a positive birth experience. Though my son was quite young, he insisted on attending also. (Perhaps one day he will be a great support to his partner in labour...)

As hoped, the birth went smoothly again, and I was perfectly lucid. I was on my side during birth, and this did help slow things down. The midwife used a hot oil massage on my perineum to help avoid tears. She applied the oil at just the right moment and it felt soothing.

Sean slipped out quickly and easily, quick as lightening. I needed no stitches, and had no tears. Sean lay on my stomach for 15 minutes while the umbilical cord continued to pulse, then Phil cut it. Within 20 minutes, baby Sean was nursing, and continued for an entire hour.

After, the midwife ran a warm bath, and baby and I went in. She helped to clean me up and while baby Sean continued to nurse, she washed him to. Then we all dried off, got dressed, and walked off to our car to go home. In total, I was in the hospital 3 hours. No drugs, no stitches, no interventions.

So much of life can be imperfect; I am honored I had the experiences of three sacred births.

-- Karin Harris, Calgary, Alberta