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Happy New Year, Baby!

Daughters, Moms and Midwives Share Holiday Birth Stories

By Teri Brown

Pages: 1 2 3

"I was born at 1:11 p.m. on Jan. 1, 1970," says Kristen Stewart of Plainsboro, N.J. "Guess the number one should be my lucky number, huh?"

Being a New Year's baby was always special for Stewart. "I find it gives my New Year's resolutions a greater meaning," she says. "It's not just the start of a new calendar year, but also a new year of my life."

Her holiday birth was not without controversy, however. Even though her parents knew that having a New Year's baby would be special, Stewart's mother was really hoping her daughter wouldn't be the first baby of the New Year. "Apparently, the local newspaper always did a story about the first baby born with an interview and picture of the mother," says Stewart. "The 'winner' received various baby gifts, which my parents certainly could have used, but I think my mom valued their privacy more."

Stewart's mother experienced a typical 1970s birth, anesthetized for the delivery while her husband was in the waiting room. It was a very different scenario from the births that Laura Erickson, certified professional midwife, presides over now. "It is thrilling to watch women give birth in strong ways, without drugs and medical intervention," says Erickson. "They are usually so proud of themselves, and this confidence carries over to parenting and family life."

Erickson, like other medical professionals who deliver babies, receives a lot of night and holiday calls. "Since I have been 'on call' for so many years, it feels normal to have a full tank of gas, packed birthing bags and contingency plans in place for my family," says Erickson. "My husband's support has allowed me to leave my family spontaneously and without guilt. Missing holidays can be tough, but once I'm at a birthing, I leave my sadness at the door. What could be more holy than witnessing a birth? Each birth is a holiday! It is a gift to be included in such a blessed event in a family's life."

Pages: 1 2 3

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