I could feel my wife’s heart beating against my chest and, as I drifted in and out of consciousness, I started to lightly stroke her hair. Maggie stirred and sleepily said, “Jimmy, I think we should have Layla at home. I want to have Layla at home right here in this bed with you next to me, just like you are now. Mama can be our midwife. She’s delivered hundreds of babies at home.”

A bit startled, I said, “Don’t you have to be licensed or something to do that?” And feeling a little apprehensive, I continued, “If we do, I’m sure she is. You said she’s been a midwife in New Orleans for 40 years or something and you said home birthing is very common here, right?”

Now fully awake and sitting up in bed, I was beginning to feel protective of Maggie and Layla. I didn’t really know Mama that well but I trusted Maggie’s view on this, so I said,
“Why don’t we go see your obstetrician and ask him? I mean as long as you do all your prenatal care with an MD and everything is normal, I don’t see why not, and if the doctor is standing by that would be amazing to have Layla here.”