another west cork road

I wasn't working today, but stayed in Cork for a meeting at the hospital. Coincidentally I also visited my own ward this morning to see my friend, who had a very natural and wonderful birth in the early hours of this morning.
Twins. 'Phil and Lil' - until permanent names are decided upon! Both 2.2 kg and breast feeding away like a dream. I don't know who is more delighted, mum, dad or me!
The Irish birth system is generally very medicalized, not giving women much choice and limited support if they don't want to get on the conveyer belt of baby production. A natural twin birth without epidural, IV, drugs, stirrups, 'delivery beds' and lots of staff is a rare enough event here. I am delighted as a friend and as midwife for them and for the staff who attended who were experienced enough to stand back and not be needed.
I took a small detour home this afternoon to drive a route that we often cycle. The slopes of Mount Gabriel and the fuscia hedges are glorious in the sunshine.