There is something incredible, some thing totally unbelievable about new life.  It is indescribable.  It is insane.  It is perfect.  A women’s body perfectly made to do this incredible job.

I got the call at around 6am on the 26th February 2014.  It was Mias, very calmly telling me that Catia was in labour and had been most of the night.  They called their midwife, Marilyn Sher, at around 3am, and continued to labour at home until Catia felt she needed to go to the hospital.

I arrived shortly after them, at about 8am.  Catia was a little distressed at the time but was soon calmed down by Alida, the Doula. What wonderful work these ladies do.  With a calm voice Alida quietly and gently coached Catia in her breathing and assisted her into the correct mind space.  Wow, did Catia then take Labour on for real! No epidural, no pethadine, no gas… nothing!

Marilyn broke the waters around midday.  Intense labour pursued.

Catia was incredible, tackling each contraction one at a time. At 16h34, a baby boy was born!

Welcome Máxmilan Rodrigues Nel.

Mom and Dad could not have been prouder!

My heart was happy.