LISTEN | Mother’s day stories of strength and cultural reconnection: Unreserved 50:29 Mother’s day stories of strength and cultural reconnection Christine Tootoo had to spend weeks in a hotel, far from home, while she awaited the arrival of her second baby. Tootoo lives in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and since there isn't a birthing centre close by, she had to fly to Winnipeg ahead of her due date earlier this year.  She had researched natural birth, packed calming items such as electric candles and room spray, and imagined creating a peaceful hospital environment. But her labour didn’t follow the plan. One early morning in her hotel room, her contractions came fast and irregular. By the time her partner, Rico Manitok, went to warm up the car, everything changed. “I felt the urge to push,” Tootoo told Unreserved guest host Juanita Taylor. “I checked and I felt her head … I said, ‘She’s coming right now.’” Manitok called 911 at 4:12 a.m.…