Around 2:00 that afternoon, I started having contractions that were hard and close. After putting my boys to sleep for the night and getting my sister settled comfortably on the couch, I thought I should sleep as much as I can. I sat down on my bed and my water broke. It took me by surprise since with the boys my water had not broken until I pushed. After my water broke, excitement really started to grow. The contractions came very close and very hard. I called my midwife, Michelle. I told her that my water had broken. She asked a few questions and by the way I sounded she felt that she should come right over. She and an assistant arrived shortly after. They were so professional and so comforting. They came to my home and waited on me, unlike the hospital where I felt like a stranger and knew no one except the doctor and my husband. The midwives set up their equipment like oxygen and emergency medications if there was a need. I felt well taken care of.

Pretty soon I started to push. I pushed on my side but then knowing I had the freedom to choose whatever position I waned I soon changed to an upright, semi-reclining position. My sister sat against the headboard of my bed and I relaxed into her body between contractions. I was so comfortable I even fell asleep in between pushes. The midwives took good care of me. They took my temperature, blood pressure and checked my baby's heartbeat often. They reassured me often that everything was ok.

My husband was at the midwife's side being guided how to catch his baby. My boys looked on as their sister entered the world into their daddy's loving arms. I had the homebirth that I had dreamed of. It was a calm, quiet and loving atmosphere.  Our daughter Sierra Rose weighing 8 lbs 2 oz. was just beautiful. My sister who was behind me, had said" Oh when dad put her on your chest I felt like I gave birth to her too", we both started crying. My oldest son got to cut the cord and my other son got to help weigh and dress her. It was a whole family experience.  We settled in bed for the night as Sierra nursed and my husband and two boys all fell asleep in the same bed. What a beautiful experience.

Nancee L.Kerr