Highlight of my Week

A dear friend of mine got pregnant last fall. Throughout her 9 months, we often chatted about natural birthing strategies, how to deal with pain, etc. I knew learning about the birthing process was a passion of mine ever since we took a 10 week birthing course (Bradley Method) before Josiah was born. During that class, I was fascinated with the entire process as well as all the helpful tips that had been long forgotten or brushed aside. I was reminded that our bodies were created to go through this process, and yes, insane pain was also promised. (Thanks a lot, Eve!)

When I had Malachi in a giant blow-up tub in my midwife's basement, I realized I much more enjoyed a comfortable place to birth over the bright lights and disruptive nurses and annoying beeping machines. It was a beautiful process that I'm still thankful I was able to experience.

My friend would have loved to have had a home birth, but it's just not possible in this country at this point. So, she picked the best hospital in our city and trusted the Father to figure out the details.

I was able to be with her for 2 days while she labored. I loved being by her side, encouraging her, massaging when the pain increased, and reminding her that she is strong. At one point she yelled, "I can't do this!" For anyone that knows the birthing process, this is called the transition stage. I had to stifle a chuckle because I clearly remember saying the same thing during my labor experiences. I encouraged her by telling her she truly was in transition, which meant she was nearing the end.

Her labor was hard and intense for over 3 hours. Her husband and I used all our strength to push on her hips as she, with every breath, whispered, "You've gotta push harder, guys; you've gotta push harder!"

As soon as she said she felt like she needed to push, she was whisked away to the birthing room, where I wasn't allowed in. Only 1 person could go in with her. Of course, her husband went. I was hoping they could bend the rules for me, but I soon realized they were already bending the rules for her hubby to go in. I sat down in the waiting room next to a nervous-looking man. After striking up a conversation with him, I realized he was an anxious new Daddy, waiting to hear when his wife, alone with the docs and nurses, had given birth to his new little bundle. He, too, wondered why the foreign guy got to go in with his wife and he couldn't. I then swallowed my annoyance, realizing he was probably more frustrated than me. That's just the way it is here.

When I got to meet baby Pilgrim, I was elated. I was beyond blessed to be a part of the process to help him come into this big, new world. Even better was to watch him and his Momma and Daddy bond after a long 2 days of waiting and hard work. Even as I type, my eyes swell with tears, amazed, again, at the beautiful process the Father has created.

If I was in the States, I would probably look into becoming a certified doula. I would love to help other Mommas through this painful, but oh so amazing process of birthing. But, since I'm not, I'll help as many Mommas as I can that live close to me and that desire such help.

*Of course, I realize that everyone has an opinion on the birthing process. Some choose other methods, and that is completely fine! Other Mommas want to have a natural birth, but something comes up and can't. I'm just a proponent of the parents educating themselves on this difficult and intricate process of bringing a baby into the world. :)