[ozmidwifery] 2 births in 2 nights

[Tom, Tania and Sam Smallwood]

Hi all,   Just had to send a quick mail, as I've been getting so much strength and encouragement from this list, to let you all know that Wendy and I attended a wonderful first birth on Tuesday night, with baby Samuel born through water, into his mum and dad's loving arms, whilst his grandmother, two Aunts and friend prayed him into the world.  It was a truly amazing experience, and wonderful to be involved in the gathering of many strong and faithful trusting women.  Between us, I counted that we had 26 children!  And then baby Samuel, 4.2kgs of him, made 23.    We then were called to the second birth of another woman last night, who has been niggling for nearly a week, and then went quiet over Tues and Tues night, when she knew we would be too far away to be with her.  Having had a 3 hour first birth, we (and she) thought it might be quick this time.  She had a couple of moderate contractions and was just telling Wendy how it gets a bit difficult to concentrate at this stage, when she stood up, walked a few steps, and said that her baby was coming.  Little Evelyn was born into her dads hands less than a minute later, standing in the doorway to the bathroom.  10 minutes later, I arrived, knowing already that I had missed the birth, but so happy to share in that wonderful time just afterwards.    These women are always so thankful for everything we do, words are not enough to communicate to them what an honour it is to be asked to be there, and what amazing teachers they are.   Tania