Julie - somehow I missed this story back when you originally posted it. Beautiful birth story! Great job! I don't think it's just doulas though, who are observers and participants in their births. When DS was being born, (also at home) and they announced after about 55 min of pushing (for baby #5!) that he was posterior, and DH asked what that meant, I answered, in the midst of pushing and exhaustion, that it meant "the largest diameter of his head was presenting." My midwives got a good laugh about that. Turns out he was a brow presentation, but I managed to push him out about 5 min later, after my midwife suggested a transfer, and that made me mad enough to find that extra little bit of energy and really give it my all and get that baby round the bend and out of there!

Anyways, I hope life with your three big girls and your little man is going well! I'll bet it's a very different experience this time around, with helping hands around the house.