A holistic birth

2 weeks ago my eldest daughter gave birth to a boy, Benjamin. It was a good holistic birth.

She had had a straightforward pregnancy and was working as a practice nurse up to 37 weeks. She had read all the books, been to antenatal classes with the National childbirth trust and attended yoga regularly. I felt being prepared helps but you never know how you may cope until the big day.

She was over at our house having lunch, and while on the phone to her husband her waters broke. No panic but plenty of excitement. We drove her back to her house and had afternoon tea, and as Wimbledon tennis was on the television that helped as a distraction. The midwife came and confirmed that she was in early labour and to call back when the contractions, or should I say ‘surges’, were coming every 4 minutes. As the contractions became more regular she walked around the house finding the most comfortable place and position. Her husband was being a great support and we sat calmly creating an atmosphere of peace and joyful expectation. Her husband made some pasta and she remembered to keep drinking as all the effort was going to be using up energy.

We timed her contractions and by 11pm she was now quite regular. She had no painkillers and the breathing was helping her manage. Back massage helped too. The midwife came and said she was 9cm dilated and doing well. She was now in the zone and quite focused. My wife and I felt she and her husband needed that special space to themselves so we left for home with encouraging words. Three hours later Ben was born on the stairs (best position) with her husband holding her up. He cut the cord and the placenta passed naturally 2 hours later.

Born 4th July, it was their first wedding anniversary- a special golden child. Very happy parents and very proud grandparents.