The Rest of the Day

After having tea and toast, Nikki discussed discharging us. As over six hours had now passed since the birth, we could discharge ourselves as there were no problems. The alternative was for Michele to stay in overnight during which time she could re-charge her batteries, practise and get advice on breast-feeding, and spend "quality time" with Harry.

Although Michele looked refreshed after her bath and breakfast, she decided to stay in. May as well make the most of the hospitality, eh?

A short while later we found ourselves in a private east-facing room on Level 12, with Harry in a little cot beside the bed. Oh, I forgot to mention, I put Harry's first nappy on him soon after the birth. Nikki gave me a demonstration then I got on with it - we were using disposable ones and it was a piece of cake. I felt a "real Dad" after doing that! I also got to cut the cord again as too much had been left attached to Harry (not my fault). It took a few go's this time...

With Michele settled in, we both gave Nikki a hug and kiss, thanking her for all her hard work and help. It was only then that I realised what a unique job she had - for a short, intense period of time she becomes your best friend, taking you through what might be the most emotional event of a couple's life. And then, just as suddenly, she's gone out of your life. I thought of how she and others like her do this all the time, wondering if they ever got used to the magic of birth - and thinking what a shame it would be if they did.

It was at this time that I started to leave. I say started because it took me a good 30 minutes to get out of the room... I just didn't want to leave my new child or my wife. Eventually, I tore myself away from looking at Harry's angelic little face and kissed Michele goodbye.

Drained, both emotionally and physically, I walked through the hospital in a kind of daze. The world seemed totally different today, to me at least. For everyone else, life went on as usual. I walked to the department where I work and popped in to see who was there. At least half of my workmates were there and we stopped and chatted about the night before, me proudly showing pictures on my digital camera. After wishing me luck, I went to another department where I used to work, and was met by my old boss, who gave me a congratulatory hug.

I was another planet. I was a Dad now, and had the evidence to prove it. As I crossed the road to go home, I saw the husband of a lady who had made friends with Michele during Ante-natal classes. He was carrying a car seat and was striding towards the hospital. Seems I might not be the only new Dad that day!

The flat seemed strange now, full of items and accessories that we now had someone to use them on. Where before it was just another buggy, it was now Harry's buggy. It was now Harry's bath. Harry's little cot.

I collapsed onto the bed and sank into a restful sleep for the rest of the afternoon...

Later on I phoned the ward and spoke to Michele to make sure she was doing ok. She was tired, but happy, and Harry was sleeping soundly.

As for the rest of that day, I honestly can't remember what happened - I think exhaustion finally got the better of me and it was the next day before I was back on the ward with my wife and new child. In the night, Michele had been disturbed by various staff coming in and out to check on things, and to help her breast feed Harry. By the time I saw her the next day she looked shattered. And I had just had my last unbroken night's sleep.

I had put Harry's first nappy on, and another "first" was waiting for me that afternoon - my first nappy change. Michele had changed Harry's nappies throughout the night and had gotten used to it. Me - I'd never changed a nappy in my life!

Grabbing a pair of rubber gloves, I gently placed my son on the bed and went to it...

I'd been told how a baby's first poo is nasty stuff, but I had no idea. It was sticky like tar and smelled noxious. Still, I had the good feeling that I was making my son more comfortable. A few minutes later and he was cosily wrapped up in blankets again.

After being locked out of the ward for a couple of hours (I forgot that no visitors were allowed between 1pm and 3pm) we finally left hospital with Harry in the buggy. We called into my work place to show off our child, but as Michele was tired, we soon made our excuses.

As we slowly walked home, arm in arm, we looked lovingly at the new little life in the buggy and were both lost in our own little worlds. Our lives were changed forever and, from this point, we were different people.

We were parents.