This is a belated announcement on the blog (sorry my dear blog followers!), we had a new addition to our family at the beginning of March: a little baby boy named Téo!
We are so happy and excited to finally meet him, especially Ophelia and Lucien who were very eager to see him after this long 9 months wait...
Téo was born in Amsterdam, not at home which is very common here, but in a very nice birth center, in a room with a large bath. I was able to relax in warm water during the whole labour. It's wonderful how the warmth of the water can ease the pain of contractions. My amazing midwife Paloma who was there Lucien's birth 5 years ago came especially from Paris to Amsterdam for the birth of Téo. This made a huge difference as I was so relaxed to have her with me.
Téo was born at 1am and I was back home in my bed by 4pm. This is the Dutch way! If you have a natural birth (with no epidural, cesarian or any complications) you don't stay in hospital, you go straight home after the birth. I was actually really pleased to go home. I felt good after the birth and I just wanted to go home to sleep in my own bed.
The amazing thing here in the Netherlands is the care after birth. The day after you give birth, a nurse - called a kraamzorg - comes to your house for 8 days to look after you and the baby. She will assist you with breastfeeding, look after the children, make you lunch. She will make sure you get enough rest. You stay in bed with your baby while she looks after the house. I had a lovely lady looking after me.
This was the best recovery I had so far after the birth of my children (Ophelia was born in London and Lucien in Paris).
Téo is doing very well. He is feeding a lot and keeps me awake most nights so far but surprisingly I feel very good! Here are some photos I wanted to share with you...
