A Humbling Experience

A few weeks ago, my friend Sarah and her husband Brian, asked me to be with them when she gave birth to their second child. Sarah and I had been talking during the weeks prior about her desire to have a non-medicated, intervention-free birth (after having a c-section the first time around). She had mentioned about me being with her before, but didn't really think she was serious. So when she asked for real, I was blown away. I have been able to be present at a few births, several when I was a nursing student doing a rotation in the NICU, and once as an NP student. However, I haven't seen a birth since becoming a mother myself. Having Isaac was such a wonderful experience...but having Piper without any hospital intervention and no medication, using the techniques that Eddy and I had learned about, was beyond words. To think that I might be able to help Sarah and Brian have the experience they were wanting, was very exciting!

The two main obstacles to my being there was my work schedule and that they were now living in the Cities. After a few false-starts, Brian called me Wednesday morning, saying he thought this was the real deal. Fortunately I don't work on Wednesdays and Eddy was able to rearrange his work schedule so he could relieve me of kid-duty and bring them to our daycare for the remainder of the day. My drive down to Maplewood was somewhat anxiety-producing. I admit I was driving a little faster than I usually do, but I didn't want to miss this birth!

I got to Sarah's room at 12:45. Baby girl was born at 1:01!! I don't want to share too much, as this is such a sacred experience, but I will say that Sarah and Brian were amazing. I think I was able to help her focus on the techniques she had learned about and wanted to use. Three days later, I am still digesting all that happened. I am so honored and humbled to be present for this little girl's birth; to be with her parents at such an awesome time, is something I will treasure forever. I had a really hard time leaving baby girl (she didn't have a name yet), Sarah, and Brian that evening. Sarah was concerned that I might get tired on the drive home. No way! Too much adrenaline.

Sarah called yesterday to tell me they had decided on a name.

Introducing, Juniper Irene...