Oh, what your parents didn’t experience during your pregnancy! A big bicycle accident for your Mama, a move, a wedding. And you were always full of life and mischief throughout. You did create a bit of action in the end though. You sent your parents on a little forced ‘vacation’ to Triemli, as it initially looked like you might not be quite as well-supplied anymore. We tried to motivate you with medication to come into the world, but you were not impressed, and after observing you closely several times, we could say with a clear conscience that you were really still doing very well and there was no longer any reason to stress you into the world. So your parents went home with you still in Mama’s belly. At that time, we wouldn’t have thought that you wouldn’t want to arrive in July, but only in August. In the days after your due date, your Mama kept feeling contractions and wondered now and then if this discharge might be amniotic fluid or not. I gave your labor contractions a little push with a special massage and a few acupuncture needles. In the night leading up to August 1st, your birth slowly began to unfold, and I visited your parents at your home. One of the rare summer thunderstorms was just passing over Zurich, and your Mama was diligently working. Your Mama also felt very nauseous repeatedly. As the contractions became more irregular again and the nausea gradually improved, I decided to go home for a bit. But I didn’t stay there long, because the contractions intensified again and the nasty nausea returned, which is why we decided to meet at Triemli to give your Mama something stronger for the nausea and also some energy with an IV. This plan worked quite well, and your Mama soon felt better. Unfortunately, the contractions did not come with the regularity we had hoped for. I pulled out all my alternative midwifery knowledge, but the contractions didn’t want to come as desired in the long run. Your Mama’s energy also slowly dwindled, as you all had been working for a long time. We decided on an epidural, and your Mama and your Papa, who was always by your side and lovingly supportive, could rest a bit. As I too was slowly running low on energy, we agreed that I would lie down for a while and a dear midwife colleague would continue to care for you until the birth progressed further. You were still moving very diligently in Mama’s belly and took on various positions, and your Mama also did a lot of exercises. Shortly before midnight, I received the joyful call that your gateway to the world was now wide open, and I happily made my way back to you. After your amniotic sac was ruptured, you were suddenly on your way at a brisk pace.
Your Mama could watch in the mirror as she pushed you closer and closer in a deep squat, and she found a wonderful strength within herself to bring you into the world. She even said that she really enjoyed this part of the birth. It was so beautiful to watch you all and to see how you, as a whole family, cuddled together shortly before 2 AM on August 2nd.
Since your little house unfortunately didn’t come into the world completely, you were allowed to have an intimate cuddle with your Papa. When you were all reunited a little later, tired but happy, and you were wearing a bright red hat, I went home content.
Welcome, little Earth mouse! I wish you all the best for the future and that you inherit your parents’ wonderful sense of humor!