Family

Winter had started beautifully with snowstorms at the end of 2022. The whole household was happily preparing to celebrate three events: Christmas, the arrival of the New Year and the birth of my daughter expected in the next few days.

We came back from the hospital on Monday morning for the induction, I was 4 cm dilated. Start of medication in the morning, rupture of membranes around noon, start of contractions afterwards. Around 4 p.m., my contractions were really painful, so I asked for a check to see if it was progressing. I was told that I was still about 4 cm. I was really discouraged because I was really suffering. I was crying and shaking, I knew that the most demanding part was coming so I had the epidural. I was a little disappointed in myself because I thought I could go further, but my partner was quickly able to comfort me.

Doctor Francine, who was assisting me, must have been very patient because she was on call for several days because of my delivery. No doubt preferring the sweetness and peace of January to the excitement of the holidays, the little Princess surprised the whole family with her arrival into the world on the evening of January 10 at 9:40 p.m. A little 7.9 lbs baby in great shape who quickly took to the breast. I was filled with a host of feelings, crazy with joy to finally be a mother after nine months of waiting.

However, the name had caused a stir and discussions. My partner wanted the name Françoise; he said it was the diminutive of his father's first name and he wanted to pay tribute to him, but my family opposed it. In the end, my baby owes her first name to my mother.

In short, becoming a mother is an immense wonder, a lifelong love story, a grace.