Lisa Kristina Waters

"The angels dance each time a child is born."
Father Bill Haymaker, ProjectNewLife

This little angel was born on a lovely sunny day on November, 3rd at St Mary's hospital, which is one of the best for mothers and children in Manchester, UK. She was very eager to see the light of this world and to see her mum and daddy. She arrived 3 weeks earlier, then we expected. My labour was fast: It all started on Thursday Nov 12th: I was having pains in my back the day before and the pains became more regular and then on that fateful evening my waters broke,i was having contractions. When my husband came home from the office i told him what happend. He was very cool about everything, he telephoned the hospital and they told that i had to go in straight away. He packed a bag for me and then we went outside and he flagged a Black cab down, it was my first time in one. They Examined me and they told us that the birth would not be for atleast 24 hours, they took me down to a ward and they sent my husband home. I did not sleep a wink that night as my contractions was coming every half hour, i was in a lot of pain. At 9am my labour started, i quickly phoned my husband ( who had gone work) and told him to come quick as they were taking me up to the delivery suit. My husband cycled like the wind and was by my side in half hour, i was now lying with in my legs apart fealing very high from the gas and air, oh did i need the gas and air. My Krissy was with me through the labour, supporting and encouraging me, the midwives was fantastic too, they were nice and professional, i really felt i was in safe hands, little baba was a little reluntant to come out, even with all my heroic pushing, then at 11.15am i gave one almighty push and out poped little Lisa who was crying loudly, they put her on my chest, i felt so relieved, tired, emotional but very happy. I find out later that my Krissy's legs wobbled a bit and he had tears in his eyes. After they cleaned the baby up and wrapped her, they left us alone to drink some tea and eat toast and marvel at our little angel.

I decided to breastfeed her but she didn't feed properly in the first days after birth she lost about 200 grams in the hospital. The nurses wanted to make sure we were both well and so they kept us in the hospital for about 7 days. Kris took 2 weeks leave from his job and visited me every day keeping me company and giving me lots of love and support. The nurses very helpful, they helped me to establish the brestfeeding, they showed us how to bath her and were available at any time of the day and night if i needed anything or was worried about anything. The food was free and excellent and it helped me very much having meals cooked, and served on time, bed linens changed upon the request and have advice and support from the great nursing staff..

Eventually Lisa started feeding good,and they let us go home, The Hospital was good but it was nice to be back in our nice cozy flat. Kris has been doing his best, he's been shopping, cooking and feeding me, bringin me tea, etc, while I am feeding the baby, changing her nappies and having rest. The community midwives, health visitor, the GP were visiting us every second-third day to weigh Lisa and for a general check, answering our questions and concerns.

Lisa is now feeding very well and gaining weigh. She doesn't sleep through the night causing her mummy and daddy restless nights. But all these are forgotten when you look at this little angel, sleeping on my or Kris's arms quite and peaceful.

More photos of Lisa and her delighted parents

Breastfeeding	Crying for her food and nappy change	She sleeps very sweet after her feed
Happy daddy with Lisa in the hospital	Mama Marisha on a walk	Kris pushing buggy on a walk