The moment I told Josh I wanted a home birth, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. But it was nothing compared to the reaction we got from his mother, Elizabeth. You’d think we’d just handed her the keys to a brand-new car.

“Oh, Nancy! This is wonderful news!” Elizabeth gushed, clasping her hands together. “I simply must be there to support you both. I can help with anything you need!”

I exchanged a glance with Josh, my eyebrows raised. His shrug told me he was leaving this one up to me.

“I don’t know, Elizabeth,” I said, my voice hesitant. “It’s going to be pretty intense.”

She waved off my concerns. “Nonsense! I’ve been through it myself, dear. I know exactly what you’ll need.”

I bit my lip, mulling it over. Maybe an extra pair of hands wouldn’t be so bad, right? And it would mean a lot to Josh if I invited his mother to help me with our home birth.

“Alright,” I finally conceded. “You can be there.”