In Dad’s loving arms!
by Paddy O'Rourke
In Dad’s loving arms!
It was with open hearts and peaceful minds that we ventured into the journey of homebirth. Our union was one of strength, compassion, and love.
Living on a remote island in the Salish Sea put us many hours from our midwife or a hospital. Here on the island, we rely on ourselves and our community to move into and through challenges.
Our confidence was unwavering if not a bit naïve. A myriad of birthing videos had educated me on how to catch a “freshy.” I had also been at my son’s birth, seventeen years earlier, and catching seemed pretty straightforward, in the event the midwife could not make it in time.
True labor started in the middle of the night and of course everything got crazy. We had just moved into our cabin up on the hill and didn’t yet have hot water set up. Hence, making water for the waterbirth tub meant heating water up outside with a big propane torch. Well, that was working for a bit, but proved futile because “Junior” was bustin’ forth!
Bronwyn was absolutely amazing, drawing from her ancient wisdom. The energy of that time was rising so quickly. They are extraordinary moments . . . moments to be cherished, and yet, so fleeting.
Bronwyn was inside, then outside—the primal energy of a woman giving birth—roaring like a lioness. There is no greater power than a woman moving into transition. Bronwyn was no exception. We were totally one as our beautiful daughter came forth, although Bronwyn was a bit concerned about my dropping the baby. No, it was all right, I had my fielder’s mitt on! Head out, shoulders turn, body pops out . . . just like the video.
I am blessed with a beautiful family!
Bronwyn and Paddy
Paddy is an avid rock climber, musician, and builder by trade, who welcomed his daughter into the world seventeen years after welcoming his son, whom he raised by himself, having sole custody.
PART III
SIMILKAMEEN’S PERSPECTIVE
