Isaac Clive Mason Leonard weighed seven pounds, two ounces when he was born Jan. 31 at 7:16 p.m. in the family’s home on Hoth’s Lane in Port Sydney.

Isaac’s mom started labour Jan. 29, which was her due date, and after 2-1/2 days, ended up giving birth in the couple’s bed.

“We originally planned a home water birth, but circumstances changed throughout the labour and I ended up delivering on our bed,” said mom. “It was an amazing experience. I don’t think we would have wanted it any other way.”

The birth was facilitated by the Midwives of Muskoka, a local midwifery team based in Bracebridge.

Midwives founder Dianne Smith was the chief midwife and Melissa Bevan was the second.

“Both Dianne and Melissa were extremely supportive,” said Veronica. “Dianne was there the entire day of the 31st and she came and assessed me on the 30th. The level of care and professionalism was beyond anything. It was really wonderful.”

Mom actually laboured in a birthing pool on and off throughout delivery day.

“It was a really interesting experience to labour in water,” she said. “The pain of labour decreased slightly, so it was certainly an interesting experience.”

The matrimonial bed, or “dry land” as she now jokes, served well during the birth. Pillows were set up and things were as comfortable as was possible.

“Our big priority was having the birth at home,” she added. “We saw the birth of our child as a wonderful event that really didn’t need hospital care. We view hospitals as places you go when you’re sick. Pregnancy, labour and delivery, we don’t feel is an illness of any kind, so what perfect venue to have it but your home.”

Isaac’s dad was also impressed with the Midwives’ setup and professionalism.

“I felt like we didn’t have to worry about anything that was going on,” he said. “We could just let the midwives take over, basically.”

Should something have become concerning during labour, the midwives had already set wheels in motion to provide a proper response.

Part of this includes calling the ambulance ahead of time with mom’s stats and condition, so they would be aware of the location should they have to attend.

Sometimes, said Bevan, the ambulance will park closer to where home births are occurring, just in case.

Calls also go out to the nearest hospital ahead of time.

“For me to satisfy myself that this was a safe alternative to doing it in the hospital, I think speaks volumes, because it had to be 100 per cent in my mind,” said James.

“The midwives take the time to answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns,” added Veronica. “They welcome any family members who may also want to gain more information on home birth. My in-laws actually attended the information session just to gain some more information.”

Bevan, a clerkship student in her final year in Laurentian University’s midwifery program, was pleased to have taken part.

“It was the first home birth in Muskoka of 2009,” she said proudly.