Timothy, Joshua & Elijah
We have birthed three children with Chris Duffy. Our first, Timothy was born on April 1, 2001 after thirty-two hours of labor. Chris was calm the whole time. I was not. If I had only listened to her, Timothy would have been born early March 31st.
I worked for a hospital in the neo-natal floor. I saw MANY things that appalled me. I knew that if and when I ever had children I wanted something different. I interviewed my OB/GYN and Chris and went with Chris because of her calm manner and Christian values. I am so glad we did. Our first birth would have ended in a section.
Most hospitals and/or doctors will not wait for labor to progress at its own rate. They will speed things up if they can for a number of reasons. This can cause undo emotional stress on the mom. They will also take the baby immediately after birth and measure, weigh, and wipe down the baby. This too causes undo stress for both mom and baby. Studies show that bonding takes place in the first three minutes after birth.
Chris is wonderful about letting mom hold the baby before the chord is even cut. There is nothing as special as holding your infant in the first few minutes after birth. Seeing that little person after all the hard work of labor is indescribable. Labor IS hard work but worth it and if you actually do the things Chris asks you to do prior to birth it is much easier.
Our second child, Joshua, was born May 5, 2004 after only 4 hours of labor. A much shorter and more pleasant (given the situation) labor. This time I did the things that Chris asked of me. We also had a scare with Joshua during my fifth month. The really awesome thing is Chris prayed during the two weeks of rest with our family and that was a great comfort to our family.
Our third child, Elijah, was born October 15, 2006 after only 2 hours of labor. This time labor was fast. Chris spent the night before with us because my contractions were so sporadic. It was less stressful knowing she was in the next room that night! I am so thankful to have found Chris and if God blesses us with more children, I pray that she will be there for every one.