A natural birth

Finally, two births in the past couple of weeks which were completely normal (well as normal as they can be in a hospital).

Both fast (not first babies) and no drugs or other medical intervention. One was a complete posterior and came out posterior (and I caught it).

I'm becoming more confident each time - although still have freaked out moments. It is very interesting that at most of the birth's I've attended as a student midwive, the women are so tired and wrung out when baby arrives that the ecstasy of birth is not there. Some are not even interested in looking at their babies.

I've just seen the Business of Being Born (which is a great film), and the homebirths on it show that orgasmic moment - something that has not been present in some of the births I've seen. Is it because they are in hospital? Are women not prepared? I'm sure it can be like that for more women - what is the point of difference that makes a woman feel euphoria at the moment of birth?

I do find being in the hospital environment seems to squash that and really increases the intervention in birth. I so want to get a primary birthing unit established in our area so that women can have a middle ground between home and hospital.

Next week is a big week. The plaster cast comes off Matt's arm - at last. Hopefully we will get the permit to begin building so we can move forward on that. And a big week with the Midwifery exam.

The pressure is on, we have to pass or else that's it for the year ...so back to the books....