I can still hear Heather say to me, “This is how it is done.” She was, of course referring to the age-old practice of pushing a tiny infant into this world. The primal sounds I made in these moments were a reminder that, indeed, this was how all of creation signs. I can also hear Kate say to me, “This is your birth dance.” A dance and language all its own, the midwives at Seattle Home Maternity accompanied us on our journey welcoming our first-born son Miguel Nikos into this world.
At 33 weeks we made the decision to transfer our care. Like many women, we were blessed with an uncomplicated pregnancy, suspicious of the hospital, and seeking the environment of “home”…We decided to make this tremendous shift. When we met Heather we instantly connected. She very poignantly had asked what our reservations were for a hospital birth. After sharing these with her, and visiting the birth center room, we were confident in our decision to have a midwifery experience.
The day our child decided to come was one of magic. It was sunny and daylight. When my partner called Heather that morning, she walked us through a series of scenarios—the baby could come sometime today, or with all the signs of labor, he could come later, as we were only at week 38. Calm, in-tune and insightful, she was available to answer our questions and to assure us of all the possibilities.
We labored at home for most of the early morning, until deciding to go to the center. Once at the center, Kate discovered that I had effaced, and shortly after that, Heather asked me if I felt the desire to push. Push I did with all my love and passion, for it felt so right and perfect. I could be in that primal space and have the supportive hands of the midwives, our doula and spouse guide and encourage me. After 45 minutes of soulful pushing, Miguel arrived, covered in his thick coat of vernex.
Heather and Kate moved so quickly during the labor and delivery, they operated so smoothly, communicating with each other, with me and with my spouse. They were present to the very experience and magic we felt. I could only wish other women such a journey into motherhood.
One mother's reflections
