35 years ago I was in labor for my first child. At about 5:15pm, after 24 hours labor, she was born into a quiet, lightly lit room in early evening, and then her father gently laid her into a small tub of warm water we called “the Leboyer bath”. We named her Jasmine. It was a natural childbirth and the Leboyer method of labor and childbirth. The doctor believed in it and cooperated. We used only quiet, hushed voices so as not to shock or disturb the child’s entrance into this new world. The labor progressed sometimes slowly all day long, but I did not want any drugs administered. The now ever-present and common “epidural” was NOT common and not used except for extreme circumstances in 1977. I think women are quite capable of birthing without intervention. But it takes preparation, confidence, education, encouragement, and knowing your own body. I feel that today, young women are not educated, are once again complacent in the birthing process, and are taught to believe and accept intervention. It is usually not necessary. We are just led to believe it is needed. Half the time, people schedule their child’s birthday today. You cannot do that without intervention. Only in extreme circumstances is that needed or even wise. In any case, I support women’s choices as long as they are educated about all the possibilities first.
This daughter and all my other children are wonderful gifts, each one different and precious. And now today, 35 years later, I watch her 2 sons, ages 15 and 11, for 2 weeks, 5 states away from her. It was impossible to imagine this 35 years ago.
Today we hung out, went swimming. It was cooler than usual. We waited around for quite awhile before swimming while Leah & Jean took a nap with Naylah. Then I decided to go ahead with Caspian & Zakiah & we got in. I was afraid it was going to rain. The others came later, along with Nick, friend of Caspian. They called another friend & he showed up with his sister, so I had 5 kids in the pool I was responsible for. We only stayed an hour & 1/2, as it clouded over & the sun disappeared for hours. Clouds were barely moving in the sky. The pool had been freshly cleaned so it was COLDER than usual. Naylah floats with a floatee and loves being in the water.
Tonight, we made spaghetti & Mr. Zakiah, nearly age 6, lost a tooth in the front bottom right! It had been loose for weeks. Big moment. Leah & I picked out goggles and sugarless gum to come from the tooth fairy. We rented TOOTH FAIRY the movie, for $1.00 & watched it. Terribly made movie but it got better in the second half. The guys then watched the end of the Celtics game at home where they lost by 19 pts.
Doctor Grandma 
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