From our midwife to the team of midwives at the remarkable Warkworth Birthing Centre (those roast meals!), these ladies went out of their way to offer knowledge and support. That kind of wraparound service – where the mother gets three free nights with all meals and 24hr how-to-mum coaching sessions also included at no additional cost – is such a dream way to ease into the enormity of parenthood. There was plenty of how-to-dad coaching going on too.
Speaking of the dads, partners generally get one free night out of three at birthing centres, after which most either commute or book nearby accommodation. Showers and meals also aren't always provided for the support partners but luckily I had good friends in Matakana who put me up, so I was very thrilled to jump under some hot water and get clean. Which brings me to the travel bugs part of this "Travel Bugs" column.
That's right. This isn't just an ode to fatherhood that accidentally made its way into the Travel section. Though who am I kidding? That is unashamedly mostly what this week's entry is. But the small part that isn't was triggered by the reaction of a friend of mine when I told him I hadn't been able to shower for a couple of days:
"Brilliant! If only you could stay for the full week at the birthing centre and not shower once, that would be like being on holiday!" He was serious.
As in, his idea of a blissful holiday involves days on end without bathing. He's far from alone. An unnamed (and much loved, I must add) member of my wife's family is known to enjoy extended summer camping trips sans shower, while another friend remains under the impression it's not really a vacation if you're showering every day.
How did this anti-shower-on-holiday malarkey begin? For a start, I genuinely love a shower. Being clean and smelling good has never struck me as a chore. It's therapeutic too. It helps me sleep. It tames my wild hair. It makes my tired eyes look less so. What's the issue?
It's malarkey, I tell you.
• Tim Roxborogh hosts Newstalk ZB's Weekend Collective and blogs at RoxboroghReport.com