Today is my son’s 9th birthday. Last year, I decided to copy his birth story from my journal to my (old) blog. You can read it here.
Each year on their birthdays, I reflect upon my children’s births and remember that joy I felt the first time I saw them (this is also a handy trick when I’m near the end of my rope and need to remember that I do, indeed, like them).
I will never forget the feeling of his head as it was coming out of me. It was strange knowing this guy was not fully earthside but yet, there he was. A mass of slippery hair greeted my shaking hand. When he was brought up to my chest, I was overcome with both relief and awe. This beautiful little being was here! And I did it! Without drugs! Without being cut or pushed around or mashed on!
I had felt the euphoria of unconditional babylove before, but the sense of empowerment was completely new. This feeling is still there today, nine years later. I am a birth warrior.
Looking back, I realize that Billy’s birth was the catalyst for my birth work. His sister’s birth prompted me to learn more so I could do differently for myself next time and Billy’s birth prompted me to learn more so ALL women could do differently. I don’t know what’s right or wrong for each woman, as we are all different, but I do know that it made a huge difference in my life and I hate to think anyone is missing out on that.
talkbirth said:
Aww! Happy birthday, Billy!
Emilia said:
First, how on Earth is Billy NINE!?
Secondly, I teared up reading this, having so recently experienced my own incredible, empowering birth – also my second birth, to a SON! 🙂 With Lyra I didn’t have drugs, and in a sense I was allowed to labor as I pleased, but there was so much fear, so many monitors, people I didn’t know, and my baby was whisked away. With Mason it was so, so different. Having my baby with me immediately after birth, feeling present and like my decisions mattered (for instance, ME telling the midwife when I’M ready to push) made for an experience like no other. I’m sure I’ll cherish these memories when he’s nine as well 🙂
I’m so glad you were able to have the birth you did with Billy, and that you’ve been able to use your experiences to help other women achieve incredible memories of their own.
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