The strength of a women

I had a doula with my first child.

Since then I have always flirted with the idea of someday becoming a doula myself. I got a little bit of a taste of what it would be like today.

VERY early this morning, 3 am to be exact, I received my third call since 1 AM from my cousin's husband. This time informing me, Sarah, was now dilated to a 6. I rolled out of bed, almost literally,threw on some clothes, and headed off to the hospital.

Upon arriving I found Sarah worn and tired from already laboring for nearly 23 hours with the last 7 being very intense. She was surrounded by her husband, Kyle, and the mid-wife and I could see she was in very good hands. Sarah had asked me to film the birth and I was thrilled to oblige. I'd never seen a birth. I've GIVEN birth but haven't cared to watch as I have labored
Au natural and am usually extremely focused on the task at hand.

I entered the labor room just before 4 am. They checked her again and announced she was now a 7. The contractions started coming quicker and with more intensity. Sarah had chosen to try for a natural birth and as she focused and relaxed through each contraction I was awed by the strength she found within her tired body to continue the journey. I found myself transported back to my own recent labor. I started having to do the breathing exercises as well to calm my anxiety. I felt for her and I swear I was having phantom pangs of labor every time she had real ones. Yet, she remained steady and consistent. Challenging and overpowering the overwhelming urge to give into the pain. The raw power was intoxicating.

There were only 3 contraction towards the end in which she declared her dislike for contractions. But she was doing it!

At 4:53 AM they checked her and discovered she was complete.

3 minutes and 3 pushes later at 4:56 AM I had the unmatched privilege of watching their second child, Henry Norman Brown, a mere 7 lbs 7 oz, enter this world. The beauty of it made it impossible to stop the tears from coming. Sarah was amazing with Kyle by her side supporting her effort.

The strength emanating from a women conquering and surviving the pain was humbling and captivating. A strength that comes from a power all our own. A power that is intrinsically women's. Heavenly Father MUST love us to give us such a gift as helping a new soul enter this world and the strength to accomplish such a daunting responsibility.

Thank you for the experience, Sarah. Way to go!!