| Doon was born with the help of our Midwife, Sabine, and a nurse, Maaika. Like 95% of all births in the Netherlands, Doon was born at home. For the next week, Maaika will stay with us for 5 to 8 hours a day to make sure Doon learns to Nurse, that Marth and I learn to change nappies, and to monitor for any medical condition that might need a doctor. The Netherlands has the lowest infant mortality rate in the world, largely as a result of this intensive care. The picture at right is Doon right after birth, with Sabine still working on the afterbirth. |  |
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Marth went through the whole thing without any drugs or painkillers, just plain old Dooner toughness. Having the Babe at home, in our bedroom, was just magic-- completely personal instead of institutional. Brian got to cut the umbilical cord, and at left Sabine makes a quick check of Doon's weight, temperature, and a general exam. |
| Maaika dresses Doon up for the camera. |  |
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And Mom gets her 9-month awaited reward: "No Champagne" she said about a month ago. Just make sure there's a Budweiser on ice. |
| We're not biased. This is categorically the most beautiful baby we've ever seen. |  |
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1, 2, 3, 4, 5! Better check one more time... 1,2,3,4,5! |
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"So that's what that purring sound was that was sleeping on Mom's belly." "So that's what that kicking was when I was sleeping on Mom's belly." |
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