It was Sunday, December 21st, my due date was Christmas Day, and we were at the 11 AM mass at church. As I was leaning, bending and exerting myself trying to contain my 2 1/2 year old in the pew, I kept feeling these little "squirts" of fluid. After several times, I leaned over to my husband and told him "I think my water broke!". We decided it best to leave and we said a quick prayer!!

Once at home I called Sandy to let her know. Since I had no contractions, she suggested I stay at home and call her later when my contractions became regular. Several hours had passed and still no contractions, just continual leaking. Sandy and I agreed on between 5 and 6 PM to check into the hospital regardless of whether I was contracting or not due to the fact that I was Strep B positive.

I checked into the hospital at 6 PM. After all the paperwork, IV's, etc., it was time to focus on getting my contractions started! Natural stimulation was suggested and Nipple Stim had worked with the birth of my first child, so I tried that, and again it worked like a charm. By 7 PM, I was having regular contractions. Again, as with my first, once things got rolling and became more intense, I spent all my time in the shower. By approximately 10 PM, our baby was ready to come into the world. Everything was happening so quickly that I barely made it from the shower to the bed, I was sure I was going to deliver on the floor. Mya Rae was born at 10:16 PM. She was 6 lbs 19 inches and was very beautiful. She now completes our family as she joins my husband and I and her big brother, Luke.

I am so pleased with the care provided by Sue, Gretchen and my midwife Sandy. With the help of all of them and my doula, Jan Mallak, I was able to accomplish by biggest challenge and goal in life without compromise which was to have both my children by natural childbirth. I know that without all their support, guidance and knowledge, I would have been unsuccessful in fulfilling my goals. I am so blessed to have two healthy children and to have had the people in my life I needed to make it happen.

Pam French, Trafford