The birth of Sebastien at home -

This being the birth of my second child I knew I want to have no medications, a relaxed natural labour and birthing experience. Most people I spoke to about it thought I was nuts but having the first child heavily medicated (numb actually), with busy doctors and the smell of antiseptic in the air I knew I was making the right choice. Being the first person in my family to experience a homebirth I had a lot of questions.

I choose midwifery care, as it was the only alternative to hospital birthing there is besides unassisted homebirth and I was not ready for that. I am very glad I did. It is the most thorough care I have ever received. They questioned my dietary habits, lifestyle and of course emotional well being. They used herbs instead of drugs when I began to swell, for healing and to prepare my body for the job ahead.

Not only did they do this but also they were there everyday for the first incredible week when I needed the most support. I was having problems getting Sebastien to latch for breastfeeding and was going to give up and pump and bottle-feed when to the rescue the midwives swooped into action and taught us how to syringe feed him for the 3 days it took us to get him to latch. The midwives taught him to stick his tongue out and down for proper latching technique and he will never forget it, at 3.5 months of age he still does it all the time.

The day finally came and labour pains started at 3 am. I was able to sleep between them and they were 20 mins apart. I was unsure if "this was it" so I did not panic or call my midwives I felt secure by the knowledge I had received that I was in control. By 8:30 am my son went to school and I was definitely in labour with my bloody show occuring and the pains now 5 mins apart. Finally at 9 am. my husband phoned my midwives and they came to our home at 10:30 am. No rushing to the hospital, no panic attacks just breathing through the contractions and following my body's lead.

Finally when my water was broke at 1 pm. I went rapidly into transition and then pushed my baby out with the knowledge and security knowing my body knew full well what it was doing. It told me when to push and when to rest. With only a little tear (no sutures) and the peacful baby on my stomach I lay and rest. No rush to go anywhere or do anything just lay and enjoy our child and each other. My son came home at 3 pm and was surprised to see his little brother sleeping on my lap. He immediately held and bonded with him.

The best cure for post partum blues was the constant support I received from the 3 women I will be eternally grateful to. They made an unforgettable life experience just that unforgettable.