IT'S A BOY!!!

Alistair was born at 5 minutes to 2 this afternoon at home weighing 8lb 2oz. 

The birth was more dramatic than the last one but just as fast.

It all happened fairly quickly, my wife rung me to tell me she was feeling rubbish just before 1, so I came home from work (I was going to price a job on the way back but she said best not to). A friend from the village then came and picked the girls up, whilst I moved cars about to give the ambulance and midwife somewhere to park. 

By this time my wife was in the bathroom not feeling great and having some pretty big contractions, I rushed about putting down plastic, warming up towels and getting the birthing kit they supply you with ready. 

The next twenty minutes went by like a blur. The midwife was on her way but coming from Hereford (a good half hour away) so the hospital also sent an ambulance as they were slightly nearer. I think I knew straight away that we were going to do this on our own as I could tell she was too far gone. The midwife then stayed on the phone with us the whole time and talked us through it and to be fair she was great and gave some great reassurances.  

To say it was an intense experience is an understatement but what a way to bring our son in to the world! 

Just the two of us, in our home.  

My wife was amazing through the whole thing, hardly making a fuss and it was an incredible experience to share and tie us together forever. I was glad that neither of us panicked and although it was stressful, it did feel like the most natural thing in the world. 

Would I recommend a homebirth to anyone else though? No chance! Far too stressful! 

The girls were so excited to meet him when I picked them up a couple of hours later, so gentle and they kept kissing him over and over! I think he's got some good big sisters to look after him.

My son will now continue the family name!