The Birth of a Walsh Princess (Number 2)

Yesterday, the 7th of February 2013, was such a very special day! My cousin, Ryan Walsh, and his most beautiful wife, Nicole, had their second little princess, Emma Fay Walsh. 

Nix went into labour at 2am yesterday morning, woke my cousin, and calmly they called their Doula. The Doula, Liza Harkess, advised Nicky to get into the bath, and that she would be there shortly. She did as she was told, and as promised Liza arrived soon thereafter. Now in my mind when I imagine one going into labour, what I picture is that there would be tears, panic, and organised CHAOS! But  there was in fact none of that frantic drama that you see on TV or picture in your over-active imaginations! What followed was a very calm and relaxed couple of hours of bathing and drinking... tea! 

After a couple cups of tea and top-ups of the bath, and once Liza was happy that Nicky was 4cm dilated she advised they make their way to the hospital. Liza and another Doula-in-training followed Ryan and Nicky to Alberlito Hospital here in Ballito, North KZN.

Nicky describes the hours that followed as "totally manageable". 
{You as the reader must be advised at this point, that Nicky had experienced a very unfortunate labour with her first gorgeous daughter, and my God-daughter, Caysey Leanne Walsh! In brief, she was induced, and what followed the induction was a series of insanely hectic, extremely painful contractions. She called for an Epidural for pain relief. It failed. They attempted another, and that too FAILED! This left Nicky in an absolute state of fear and in an enormous amount of pain - so much so that she at one point was heard screaming "I WANT TO DIE!!" }
And so now that you are aware of Nicky's previous experience, you will appreciate slightly more her bravery, as she valiantly declined an Epidural when she was offered one during the birth of Emma. This was an incredible miracle in fact because as it turned out, Emma was in the posterior position and was very high up, and had Nicky had the Epidural she would not have been able to move around and get Emma down, and it was there was a high chance that she would have needed an emergency C/section (!!) Amazing! 

Nicky refers to most of the birthing process as manageable and actually was quoted saying it was 'almost a piece of cake' :) 
The last hour was the hardest as she pushed the not-so-little (3,5kg) Emma out, but she did it! 
She is the bravest and strongest woman I know and I am inexplicably proud of her! Added to Nicky's bravery I just have to honour my cousin. He really and truly was Nicky's rock throughout both Caysey and Emma's births, and I believe he played a crucial role in getting her through both experiences... Well done my cuzzy you truly are an amazing man, husband and father xxx


This is my absolute most favourite picture of all time! the first picture of little Emma and her most beautiful mommy, with absolute relief, joy and exhaustion on her face:

This is another beautiful pic of the proud Mommy, Daddy, and baby Emma:

Here is a close up of the beautiful princess Emma: 

And lastly, here is one SUPER proud Aunty Shanny: