Nineteen years ago

I was sitting on my lounge floor on a ton of newspaper, student lodger grudgingly turned off Red Dwarf and shuffled off to bed, the midwife came with gas and air and I was in labour with Susie.
Nineteen years ago, last night I had cycled, yes, CYCLED to work and was halfway through teaching my evening class on graphic design and calligraphy when I began to get contractions. After a while they became quite regular, my class sussed me out as I kept glancing at my watch.
They shot out faster than you could say 'labour'.
My boss locked up my bike and drove me home.

We called the midwife who was a close friend and prepared for a long night ahead.
I was booked for my first (and sadly last) home birth.
It was a fantastic experience, despite the fact I could only have gas and air and a shot of pethadine.
I was relaxed, Simon was happy to be in his own home and so involved, the doctor just poped in a couple of times and Abigail, who was six had asked to be there and was a keen, if chatty!  helper throughout.

Because we had no car and I had been cycling a lot that day and teaching in the evening I was quite exhausted. She would have been born by 3 am, but I just gave up for a few hours and eventually she arrived at 5.30am. Abigail had chosen her baby grow and cardigan and helped weigh and dress her.

Once we had cleared up we just all sat around chatting and eating toast! It was so relaxed and Susannah Maire was a chilled out little baby. Miriam who was two, woe up with all the commotion and came down as well, as did out student lodger, grumbling at the noise I had 'apparently' made.

Susie continued throughout her childhood to be a very laid back and easy baby and toddler. I am forever grateful for the unique experience of a home birth, it was amazing.