Ceri's Birth Story
In late 2003 we came across Kate's e-mail on a website. We contacted her and very much liked her philosophy. She was relaxed and flexible and we felt very comfortable.
When my expected due date past I became very anxious to not have to go to a hospital for a scan or possible inducement. Kate suggested a castor oil cocktail and some herbs. On the Wednesday morning I took the first dose of castor oil. Later that evening I began to feel rough and started having contractions. By Friday the contractions were beginning to get painful and more frequent and I was unable to sleep that evening!
On Saturday morning we went to watch TV in an effort to distract me from the pain of the contractions. It was then I had the feeling I needed to push. I tried to go along with the feeling without pushing hard. John called Kate and we prepared the living room for me to give birth. With one of the pushes we were both a bit surprised by an accompanying 'pop' sound -my waters had broke! Kate arrived followed by Amber and they encouraged me in my pushing. After about an hour Kate (finally) said one more push and the baby would be out, and out she came!
Ceri was a little slow to start breathing on her own, but Kate and Amber handled the situation well and Ceri soon started breathing fine.
People asked us after the birth if we would do anything different another time. I can't imagine ever wanting things different. Being in the relaxing atmosphere of our own home without the pressures or restrictions of a hospital birth was a true blessing.