November 18, 2005
1+1=3
So, the suspense is over: C's water broke around 4a, regular strong contractions started from 5:45, midwives arrived 7:45, delivery followed at 10:50.
It was a planned homebirth, on a mattress in the middle of the living room floor. We'd planned on the bedroom, failing that the bright blue birthing pool in the middle of the dining room, but life had other ideas. Mother and baby are resting comfortably. A capable lad, he's already figured out breastfeeding. He has perfect tiny feet, which fascinate his parents. What the child of two journalists will be like has yet to be determined.
P, who through his whole life had wondered about the association between boiling water and childbearing, found himself boiling enormous quantities of water to keep up the temperature in the birthing pool.
The midwives were outstanding - if anyone is looking for some, let us know -