a birth experience

Any day now, my future sister in law will get to hold the precious little Baby Girl she has been carrying for nine months. 

We talked together last night about how exciting and special the end of a pregnancy is for a woman.  

After all those months of waiting,anticipating and watching our body change...

it is so wonderful when the time to hold that babe tightly in our arms is just around the corner. 

But it can be a waiting game... an exciting one to me!

You may feel ready, but those pains haven't started.

When will this body of mine go into labor?  This is what she was wondering last night!

She is so ready. She says she can barely sleep at night. But still only 1 cm, nothing is progressing.

Every woman is different...some tend to go early, some don't ever go into labor and have to be induced.  

Seven months ago, I was in her position. I was full of excitement, so ready to see my baby and also so ready to conquer my labor pains, as I was determine to experience labor naturally. 

I did a ton of reading 

and watched a really inspiring documentary 

that sealed the whole natural birth experience deal for me.

I truly ( I know this may sound crazy to others) wanted to take in every pain and allow my baby to make a peaceful and stress free journey to my arms and Kyle's. I looked at it like she was making a trip to me, so I was going to go on my own little journey, too.

A journey in which I would discover how powerful and strong I really am.

This simple quote helped me is more ways than I expected.

"Women do not need to be rescued. It's a time for her to face her darkest moment, so she can lay claim to her victory". -The Business of Being Born

 I was able to do it. I labored in a hospital overnight for 14 hours and was in and out of the shower. My lovely boyfriend did a wonderful job of spraying my back in areas that hurt, getting me ice and popsicles when I asked for them, and just overall being a calm presence. 

I realized that I didn't need him in ways that I predicted. 

Him just being by my side was all I needed.

He couldn't take away the pain I was feeling,

nor understand the sharp sensations I was experiencing every two minutes.

I had to depend totally on myself, physically and mentally.

When Sage finally arrived, no words can describe the amount of love and joy that filled up in my body.

Her cry was so beautiful...and those eyes! I will never forget those eyes looking up at me.

I remember saying..."Oh she is so cute! and so tiny!"

And just thanking (over and over and over again) the midwife and nurse that shared that special and life changing moment with Kyle and I.

They saw me at my worst. Yet, also my best.

The whole experience was definitely a challenging one, 

but oh so empowering. 

I find I reminisce about this day a lot...sometimes I think it's a bit unhealthy. But, I decided to write about it today because Sam is interested in trying to give birth this way,too. She has a wonderful mindset right now, and is patiently waiting for her labor pains to kick in without fear.

I remind her all the time I believe in her and that she is strong enough, but also to not feel ashamed if she decides to get medicine to bring relief. I would never look down upon a woman for choosing to go that route. The experience of bringing a baby into the world is suppose to be a special one, and the only right way to go about doing it is in a way that is most comfortable to the woman... a way that will bring the most joy to her heart.

 No doubt, giving birth is one hell of an adventure. Especially when your going through the process for the first time. But, I feel it's important to highlight those weeks and days before we know what monumental event is going to take place. These days are thrilling in their own right.

Sam is currently living through hers. 

Patiently waiting, and taking it all in.

 I wish her so well.