When A Child Is Born...

Giving birth to your first child is a unique experience that nothing can prepare you for. Marion Clarke shares your memories of when that tiny precious bundle was first wrapped in your arms

Christmas means many different things to people, but a its heart is the birth of a special baby boy. Every mother who has experienced the pain and fear of labour followed by the elation of holding her firstborn in her arms, knows exactly how Mary felt long ago in Bethlehem.

Unlike today’s mums, Mary didn’t have the benefit of modern medicine – no pre-natal classes or scans for her – but as Yours readers know all too well, having your first baby is rarely plain sailing – even if it doesn’t happen in a stable!

It was snowing when Mrs K Medson went into labour at home: “The midwife phoned the doctor who told her he was snowed in and couldn’t get his car out of the garage. She told him, ‘This young woman’s husband will come and meet you in his van and bring you here’. To this day I remember the doctor warming his hands on a convector heater, still wearing his Paisley pyjamas!

“My sister assisted at the birth, doing as the midwife instructed, and Steven was born at ten past five the next morning. When I held him in my arms, I cried with happiness. Words cannot describe the feeling you have when you become a mother and bond with your baby.”