The Twins Arrive At Last

Becoming a grandmother for the second and third time in one day is pretty exhausting - though of course nowhere near as exhausting as it's been for my daughter and her partner. It's been fascinating as well though. 30+ years ago we did what we were told. When I questioned why my husband had to be told to leave the room when I had a vaginal examination, I was accused of being a bit kinky to want him to be there while someone else put their hand - er - up there. When I had a miscarriage at 23 weeks I was scolded for making a fuss, and forbidden to see the foetus, which I was told was dead, though I knew he was alive when born. Yes, that was University College Hospital in 1972, thank you guys, hope I can track you all down one day and give you each a big fat knuckle sandwich. Today's birth of Alfred and Constance at the Homerton couldn't have been more different. Through yesterday's long wait for induced labour to start (it didn't) and today's Caesarian, all was kindness, careful explanation, considerateness, respect and lots of laughs: Angela the midwife was there all the time and was an absolute star. The babies are sleepy but they're snuggled up together in a cradle right next to their mother's bed (none of that "they're tired and you can't see them yet"). And if there are any American readers out there, please note that this was ALL FREE ON THE NHS.