Liam's Birth Story

Dear Liam,
Happy Birth Day!
I am going to tell you the story of the day that you were born...

Once upon a time in a land far, far away in northern Alberta there was a woman and man who wished for a baby. You heard them wishing on the wishing star and knew that they were the perfect parents for you. So down you came and began to grow, safely inside your Mama.

I happen to know that she did an excellent job growing you because I met your Mama when you were still inside and she had a perfectly round belly.

On the morning of September 28, I woke up at 6:30 to my telephone ringing. It was your Grandma letting me know that you were on your way. I got dressed as fast as I could and drove over to your Grandma's house.

I arrived at 7:00am, Maura the midwife was already there.
I got all the information; you had woken your mama up at 4:00am, when the water that had been keeping you cozy released - shortly after that the contractions started. At about 5:30am, your mama told your dad it was time to start driving to Calgary because you were on the way.

When a woman is having a baby for the first time we usually think it will take a long time. Not with you little man, you were on a mission and your mama knew all the right things to do to help you arrive safely.

At 7:15am Maura checked how things were going with your Mama; she was fully effaced and 2cm dilated. The contractions were getting stronger, so Maura and I helped your Mama to breath and walk back and forth from the bedroom to the bathroom. At 8:15am your Mama was making some noises that let us know that things were speeding up. Maura checked again and this time your Mama was 6cm dilated. Time to go to the birthing centre...

Maura headed off first and your Grandma and I got your Mama ready to go. I am sure that the idea of getting in the car was not a very pleasant one but your Mama did it. I drove - the sun was shining and we had a beautiful view of the mountains, all the leaves on the trees were yellow. It was a beautiful fall day - a perfect day to have a baby.

I wondered if the contractions would slow down in the car, they did not.
I wondered if we would make it to the birth centre in time, we did!

We arrived at the birth centre at 9:15am. Maura had the giant bath tub filled with warm water and your Mama got right in. Maura checked again at 9:35am and this time your mama was all the way dilated and very ready to push!
Maura called Toby, the other midwife, and let her know it was time to come and help out. We wondered if Toby was going to get there in time, but she did.

As your Mama was pushing we told her that we could see the top of your head. She didn't really believe us at first so Maura gave her a mirror and then she could see for her self just how close you were... Giving birth is hard work, but your Mama made it look easy. She listened to all the things she had to do; she moaned, pushed, remained calm and looked beautiful the whole time.

Your mama pushed for 52 minutes...
You were born into a warm tub of water and then gently placed onto your Mama's belly where she held you in her arms. The room was full of love as we all rejoiced at your arrival.

When your dad arrived we had a big surprise for him!
You and your Mama were snuggled up together in bed waiting for him to come in and make your family complete. He did.

I would like to thank your parents for inviting me to your birth. I feel truly blessed to have witnessed your arrival.
I hope you live a long and happy life full of love and adventure.
And I hope that you will always find solace near the water from which you were born.

Welcome to the spinning world Liam.

Liam
Wednesday September 28th 2005
10:27 am
6lbs 12oz.
19 ½ inches
35cm head circumference

With much love,



Earthy Birthy Mamas
Doula extraordinaire