
I watched your grace. Taking the steps of your labor in stride, trusting your body, and yielding to its wisdom.
I watched your love between you and your husband. How he held your hand and rubbed your back from the moment I first walked in, to the final push which brought your baby into this world. Your love for him, and his for you, was an inspiration and an honor to be in the presence of.
When I first met you at home, there was classic rock playing, and the mood was joyful and light. During contractions, you would tune into yourself, focusing on your breathing, and allowing yourself to be fully present and yielding to the sensations of your body and baby working together. You tried out multiple positions-sitting, lying down, and standing leaning against your love.
Your contractions were regular, strong but not overwhelming, and it was peaceful.
All of a sudden, that changed. The contractions started to be much more drawn out, lasting a lot longer, with barely a break in between. Your sounds changed, but despite the challenge, you stayed relaxed and present. Your baby and body were getting ready!
You felt a 'pop' as your water broke, and the contractions kept coming on stronger and stronger. Your love, so wise, looked at me and said we should go to the hospital. The freight train of your labor was not going to be stopped. Your sounds started to change again before you made it to the car. Your baby must have been so low, so ready, and putting so much pressure on you. Your response to this pressure was the most natural and right thing in the world to do. We could all audibly hear the first almost undetectable sounds of your body making you push. Your baby was on the edge of being inside you and looking into your eyes. It wouldn't be long now.
The car ride was a wild one. As I followed you to the hospital, I wished and prayed that we would make it on time. But I had a smile on my face as I drove-I knew that if your baby was ready to be born, she would be, and there was nothing we could do to stop it. Your body was like a perfect symphony, all the pieces working perfectly in sync.
When we finally arrived at the hospital, it was a relief. You were still pushing, letting the wisdom of your body tell you when and how much. Your love parked the car, while your doulas helped you integrate what you were feeling. What bliss!
The inevitable silly paperwork and questions at the front desk of the hospital had to be dealt with. You were even able to answer some of the questions in between urges. You were amazing!
Once you were finally back in your room, everything was set. It was then that you finally let the urge to push overtake you fully. Giving it every single ounce that you had, you pushed your daughter out into the world with all the strength of the ocean, the grace of the moon, and the love of a mother.