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Jaimeanne and Chris' Story
The Birth of
Samuel Rylence Curran
I received a phone call from Jaimeanne around 7am on Friday
19th June letting me know that she thought she may be in labour and
that things had kicked off around 4am. Chris was currently away for
work but was expected back the next day; I was hopeful he may make
it but didn't want it to be a marathon for her!
She had called the hospital to speak to a midwife and was waiting
for a call back to chat about what was happening. Jaimeanne asked me
to wait while she had a contraction and then continued the
conversation; it was fairly apparent at this point that she was
definitely in labour! Jaimeanne decided she might have a shower and
then head back to bed and relax.
I
called Jaimeanne around 10:30am to advise I would be in her area,
and if she would like I could pop in. In her words, she told me she
was "just cruising along" and that she felt fine. Her sister, Terri,
was attempting some last minute pregnancy photography that I was due
to take in two days time! Jaimeanne let me know that she had spoken
to Chris and they were both hopeful he may be able to get a flight
that would get him into Canberra around 2:30pm.
I received a phone call from Terri at about 2pm letting me know that
they were 'taking' Jaimeanne to the hospital; Jaimeanne later told
me that she had been in denial about the fact that she was in labour
- if only she could get her body to wait... unfortunately this baby
was waiting for nothing and Terri had to firmly suggest on leaving
home. From what I hear, it was a crazy car ride of GPS woes and no-one even thought to grab something in case Jaimeanne's waters broke;
someone saw favour in them as everything was still intact when they
arrived at the hospital!
As
I was walking briskly into the hospital, at about 2:30pm, I got a
phone call from Terri saying that 'apparently the baby's head is
about to be born, so you'd better come!' I arrived to find Jaimeanne
labouring beautifully in the bath, breathing through the
contractions. She looked at me and told me that unfortunately Chris
wasn't going to make it. I sensed a great amount of sadness in her
that was mixed with the emotions of being on the verge of birthing their
baby.
I could see her baby's head (but not yet born) through the
amniotic sac! Jaimeanne was very patient and allowed her body to
birth her baby as it felt too, ever so slowly and gently; out came her baby
soon after, membranes rupturing as he emerged - an amazing
waterbirth, baby 'in the caul'!!
A beautiful little boy, Samuel Rylence, was welcomed into the world at
3:15pm on Friday 19th June 2009.
Congratulations, Jaimeanne and Chris, on the arrival of your
gorgeous little man. Jaimeanne, your commitment to the birth you
desired showed in your willingness to do as much preparation as
possible and put that into practice on the big day. Chris, you were such a strong support for Jaimeanne,
always encouraging her to delve into anything she felt would help
create a positive experience, and even though circumstances kept you
away on the day I could see that your strength was a pivotal
influence for Jaimeanne as she birthed your baby with ease and
calmness. It was such a great honour to be
a part of your special journey; thankyou for allowing me that
privilege. I wish your little family all the very best.
Congratulations again!
