A year after the birth of my son, I can't believe how quickly it has passed. What an adventure. I have tried, time and again to write down his birth story. It seems like a dream to me now. A perfect dream. Leading up to his birth, I had the best prenatal care I could have imagined. I've never looked forward to a doctors visit, but I looked forward to every appointment with the midwives. I had never experienced such attentive loving care from a health care practitioner. I felt so prepared for the birth, even though it was my first. I knew I could do it, and that it would be the home birth I had always wanted.
It is the night before my due date. Labor starts slow and steady. It continues through the night. The next day I am in the yard picking berries and holding on to trees when contractions hit. I can see my husband watching me from the window, he thinks I am crazy. But after 9 months of a pregnant wife he knows better than to tell me to come inside. The midwives arrived for my due date exam just in time for labor to kick in. The next 10 hours are really hard to remember now. I was in the room I prepared for my son's birth, listening to the music I had picked out. Over and over the same CD. It was just how I had wanted it to be. He was born just before midnight on his due date. Having midwives help me deliver him at home was really wonderful for me, my husband and my baby.
The best part, and maybe the only part I remember clearly is after the birth. Holding my son, and seeing his face for the first time. The feeling of relief and joy. I am so thankful that I had Inside Passage to help me on the journey. I know it wasn't easy, but it was incredible.
Having midwife aftercare really made a difference. Who knew anyone made housecalls anymore? It was so great to be able to stay at home with our new baby for the visits. I looked forward to them as much as the prenatal visits.
I can't express how amazing my whole pregnancy/birth experience was, and and I thank Inside Passage Midwifery for being such a huge part of it.
~ Linda Curtis
