In this post, I want to share some vulnerable and raw moments from my labor journey. It was both challenging and beautiful at the same time. I will never forget the way my family, doula, and midwife team lovingly supported me through the entire journey of bringing new life into the world.
A few days leading up to labor, I had been experiencing contractions throughout the night that would taper off by morning. At the 40-week and two days mark, I had been having contractions all day that lasted all night, so I decided to time my contractions. Finally, on Saturday evening I called my midwife explaining I thought I was in labor. She arrived along with the student midwife around 3:00 a.m. and assisted me with some positions to progress things along. However, by 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning everything had halted. She explained this was completely normal and was nature’s way of not overtaxing the body. My husband and I were able to get some rest that morning until about noon when I got up and started moving around. It wasn’t long before contractions picked back up again. To distract my mind, I went into the kitchen with my three-year-old daughter to back cookies, all while still having contractions! I went outside and did some walking as well. Around 7:00 p.m. I took a bath. We decided soon after that things were intense so we called the midwife again.
By the time she arrived, I was well into active labor so they begin to fill up the birth pool. After I got in, contractions were definitely picking up. That’s when I wanted to give up. The pain seemed too much to bear, and I questioned whether I had the strength to continue. I remember thinking, "I can't do this." I literally said, "I wish there was another way." I was getting tired and nearing the end of labor and exhaustion was starting to kick in. My husband leaned in and started speaking affirming words.
Contractions were becoming more intense and I was starting to transition; there was no turning back. I'm not going to lie, my initial reaction at the crowning phase was to scream. I will never forget the words of my doula at that moment. She leaned in close and said calmly and gently in my ear, "Kendra, center yourself and push." That simple reminder was so powerful and forced me to go within; I found a reservoir of strength I never knew I had. In a matter of seconds (and one push), our son was born!
This was a moment that is almost impossible to describe; there was such a mix of emotions. In an instant, a surge of relief washed over me, mingled with a flood of endorphins that filled the room with joy and gratitude. Tears of happiness began to flow, and the only words I could manage to cry out were, “My baby, my baby!”
To witness this miracle is to experience the purest form of love and the unparalleled strength of the human spirit. This moment is a testament to the beauty of motherhood, a journey that forever changes the lives of those who embark upon it. May we cherish these precious moments and remember the immense power we possess as parents, nurturers, and creators of life.
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