Babies, Babies, Everywhere!
It has been an exciting couple of weeks. Three of my students gave birth in one week around the beginning of the month. Two of them called me for support during labor, and all of them had the births they wanted. I am so proud of them, and it helps me realize that I’m not doing a horrible job teaching, or they are just good students. ;)
Then my dear friend Erin gave birth a few days later to a beautiful girl.
In the middle of all that, I attended the labor of a sweet friend having her third baby and first homebirth. The labor didn’t end in a birth, but that came about several days later. I was invited to attend once again, but this time as the midwife’s assistant since her assistant was serving on jury duty in Houston that day. It was a wonderful experience and one of the best gifts a friend has given me. I learned so much that day, and I know it will make me a better teacher.
Witnessing a birth is very different that having a baby yourself. When you are the one doing it (I speak in terms of unmedicated births since that is what I know), time goes by so quickly and you are completely focused inward. Afterward, you say that it was hard work and perhaps the hardest thing you have ever done and that you aren’t excited to ever do it again. A few days/weeks/months later, you say that it was a wonderful experience and that you can’t wait to do it again. You forget the crazy parts, or they just seem less intense. Watching it is different. You really feel the intensity in a different, helpless way, and the minutes are long. Anyway, that might not make sense to anyone who hasn’t witnessed a natural birth…. bear with me, I am still processing.
My sweet friend labored beautifully. Her husband did not leave her side and whispered encouraging, loving words in her ear the whole time. It was intense and amazing. Her labor was hard but fast. After the birth, things did not go as planned (all are well), but I will let them share their story. I have not been so shaken in a long time. The Lord was near and comforting. I was reminded that life is fleeting, we are not promised tomorrow for us or our loved ones. Love them well.
wow rachel. erin’s experience…that poor thing. if you go out of the norm and not EVERY little thing go right, you are blasted. i feel for them having to defend their choice. so happy that carlee is doing well though!
i understand your thoughts on being present at a birth. it is really an amazing experience and such a blessing to be asked.
what an amazing story!!