I love the calm of the night, the hospital hallways usually full of people have now only few nurses checking on patients, it is 1am when I walked in to see Bree and her husband Tim. She was well and truly in active labour and yet again the power of woman’s body was leaving me speechless. 
The hours were ticking away and when she couldn’t catch her breath anymore it was time for some relief. Once epidural kicked in, Tim curled up on sofa and I went into the communal area to get some rest too. The excitement and anticipation were huge so all I was hoping was for Bree to be able to doze off before her body had to find a strength to push. 
I could see the daylight poking through the blinds, it wasn’t easy for her, epidural is amazing when it comes to pain relief but can give mumma some nasty side effects – shakes, vomiting, or pain coming through localized areas of the body. Bree coped the first two examples but thanks to the midwives and Tim she was able to calm her body down before we were all waiting for the green light for pushing. Bree had a friend Alex amongst the midwives, and I loved seeing the bond between those two, Alex went above and beyond to encourage Bree to keep pushing even though there was suggestion of instrumentals if nothing would happen in next 5mins. By then it was closer to an hour of non stop pushing…
I am no doula (yet!!) but I could see the encouragement and reassurance from everyone in the room she can do it. In less then (5!) minutes she was holding her baby girl in her arms. 

It does take a village; the support is so important during the labour hours…your partner, midwives, doulas, the little signs of “keep going” around the room. I have fond memory of Bree’s village in the room. Welcome to the world Maisie, your parents hearts are full now.