Lots of after birth pains, a foot massage, and a cold pack for a very sore peri, but still no placenta. After an hour, the woman made her way to the loo, the journey being well rewarded with the birthing of a lovely huge and healthy placenta eagerly explored by the woman s daughter and her midwife. With that done, and after some time soaking in the shower, the woman rested on the couch with babe tucked up well and truly full and warm against his mother s skin. It was a glorious sight. Breakfast was cooking, bacon and eggs, coffee all round and the washing machine humming in the background.
Life goes on as usual, with something very special added to the day.
It is this normality that stays with me. As a friend, I thank this family for allowing me to share in this special time. As an aspiring midwife, I thank them for the affirmation of the normality and the sheer joy and beauty of birth.