Birth Story from IFs Point of View

This was written on 12/28 -- just over a week after Teacup was born while everyone was still here local to me.  <3

There's 3,662 miles and five time zones between London and The East Coast of The United States. On May 12th, earlier this year, that distance evaporated instantly when Melanie told us that her doctor had confirmed first heartbeat. From then on a day hasn't gone by when we haven't thought of her, and the baby she was carrying. Our baby. Teacup.

Two weeks ago L and I were in London. Teacup was due to arrive at the end of December. We were due to fly just before Christmas, and all seemed well. Then, on Thursday 10th it became clear that Teacup was getting impatient, and so, on Melanie's counsel, we dropped everything and by Sunday evening were in DC. 

Monday was quiet. Tuesday too. Then, at 8pm, a sprint to the Hospital, only for Melanie to be sent home at midnight. Back to the hospital at 8am for more tests, at which point Melanie's Doctor made the call to induce, and just like that, she was admitted, and we were on. A fortnight earlier than planned, but when it's time, it's time. Especially when it comes to babies.

Melanie's previous deliveries have been relatively straightforward. But Teacup - to borrow a phrase - was made in The U.S. from British parts, so nobody knew what would happen next.

Melanie was ready, the Hospital Team were ready, The Crying Doula and The Photographer were ready. But Teacup wasn't ready. Time went on. Afternoon became evening. Light became dark. The night shift took over from the day shift. Teacup still wasn't ready. In fact she was so not ready that her heart rate was never any higher than normal for the entire sixteen hours of Melanie's labour.

Credit for this calm goes to Melanie herself, obviously, and the FBCH Nursing Staff, but also to Melissa, our amazing - occasionally tearful - Doula, and Julie, our photographer - initially - turned assistant birthing coach by mid afternoon. These two were there for Melanie - and Teacup - all the way. Gentle, loving, experienced, and wise, they gave everything, selflessly, and L and I are truly grateful.

Then, at 4.00am, something changed. Maybe Melanie's willpower finally woke Teacup up. Maybe she decided that it was time to come out and find out out what all the fuss was about. Maybe she just wanted a cup of tea. And by 4.30 she was here. Suddenly. Not without drama. But ultimately healthy and well. Which was all that everybody in the room wanted. And all that L and I have ever wanted.

From Melanie they took Teacup directly to L. Skin on skin. Mother and daughter. Nothing more natural. Nothing more miraculous. For a split second she was the youngest person on the planet. For us she will always be the most important person in the world.

And now it's our job to take care of her. Melanie and Team Teamcup could not have been more professional, could not have shown more love. Melanie and her family could not have been more welcoming and warm. Melanie - Super Melanie as she will always be to us - could not have done something more miraculous. Now it's up to L and I to carry on the story and make all y'all proud.