Christmas wishes

Suddenly it's Christmas again.

I've been off call for about 3 weeks now.  It's the longest I've been off call for ages.  I had two clients go into labour on the same day (back up at the ready) and the first gave birth just after 2pm and the second waited a couple more days.  Both births were what the women were hoping for.  The first a VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean, the second, a waterbirth, following a very long latent phase.  Both beautiful births.  Two happy families left behind me. Just the way I like it.

So what next for me?  Well 2012 is coming to a close.  It doesn't seem but yesterday that I was writing about my hopes for 2012.  Well, I wasn't disappointed.  I saw some amazing births.  What a privilege to be a part of them.  I know that I say that all the time, but I really really mean it.  What a privilege.  I am blessed amongst women.  I was invited to talk on blog radio with Empowered Papa.  Exciting times. 

So 2013 is knocking at the door.  And I know the wish that I have for this Christmas that I would love to see.  I want to see women have informed choice and informed consent about birth and I want them to hear the positive birth stories that are out there.  I will do my best to be a part of that grass roots birth movement.  I would love to see Agnes Gereb freed and for homebirth to be an option for all women across the world.  Human rights in childbirth is a cause close to my heart.  Well, birth is the field in which I work.  It doesn't take a genius to work out how much money would be saved if women were supported in their birthing choices, freeing up time and space for the women who need obstetric support.  We need the doctors and the specialists, but we need them for the women that need them, not every Tamsin, Dorothea and Harriet.  How can you give me the best Christmas present possible? (Why thank you very much).  Click on to the Freedom for birth link, join in the Positive Birth movement and tell your good birth story.  

And so from me and mine to you and yours... Have a wonderful Christmas and a joyous New Year