and just like that...

I'm not pregnant anymore.

we have a beautiful (as yet to be named because he won't look us in the eye) baby boy.

I've been trying for a day and a half to find the words to accurately describe my birthing experience...and haven't been able to come up with them. it was the singular most amazing event of my life.

my water broke sunday morning at 3:25. wasn't really having contractions (at least no stronger than what I've been having for 4 months)...and thought I would maybe get some sleep til around 8 or so.

nothing doing.

he was born at 7:20.

I called the doulas first and told them, "nah. I don't think I need you yet." then I called the midwife. same deal. "nope. don't come yet." I walked around for an hour or so trying to clean up...then it occurred to me, "oh dear lord. I'm having a baby...like NOW."

the doulas got here just after 5 and i was already laboring in the tub. let me tell anyone who reads this:

HIRE A BIRTH DOULA.

they were absolutely stellar. between oqui, Lasi and Danielle I managed to birth my son with less than 2 1/2 hours of active labor (I'm going with 4 hours total) and five minutes of pushing.

no drugs. no hospital. NO FEAR.

when the midwife got here I was 7cm dilated...less than an hour later, he was born. in the very bed he was conceived in.

all the reading I've done during pregnancy really emphasizes the pain and mental anguish of labor and delivery.

so. not. true.

with the proper support and relaxation, the kind of birthing experience I had IS NORMAL.

the norm. common. typical.

I only wish I had discovered my power and strength with my first child...

then I might not have been too scared for 13 years to try it, again.

the as-of-yet-to-be-named baby is gorgeous, gentle and the sweetest thing I've ever seen.



...I think I'm going to demand a DNA test...just to make sure he's mine.


HIRE A BIRTH DOULA.