The Birth of Baby Lincoln

The first text came in around 6pm that contractions had started coming every 5 minutes apart and lasting about 30 seconds. All day mom was resting and spending time with dad that was supposed to be at work but decided to stay home. Coincidentally enough it was the perfect day to call out of work since it was to be "birth day".. An hour after the first message, contractions where getting stronger and mom had been in her tub trying to relax but it seemed like things where intensifying. We wanted her to eat well so that when it became even stronger she would have her energy and strength for the stronger part of labor. During this time, we where hosting a VBAC workshop to educate mothers on the benefits of having a VBAC and the options they had. It was a great workshop with lots of information, support and empowering words. A few of our wonderful colleagues came out to speak and the room was filled with such positive energy. Just as the workshop wrapped up, it was almost as if it was perfect timing when mom was asking to come in and get checked because her contractions where much stronger longer and definitely more intense. So, once the announcement had been made that a mother was coming in, the group of almost 35 women began to clear out. Mom & Dad arrived within minutes of everyone leaving (literally perfect timing) I could tell she was in labor but was so focused and controlled that it was very hard to gauge what stage. She was smiling an laughing in between and to my surprise and delight was definitely in active labor. She was so relieved to be checked into the birth center because she thought I was going to send her home. By now its about 10pm.. She settled into the water room, hubby put her music on, we dimmed the lights and let her labor on. The in laws arrived as things became more intense. I could here her sounds change to deeper and longer. I could here her breathing become stronger and she definitely wanted to be in the tub. Grandpa set up his professional camera equipment and started capturing every contraction and every move. Little by little, the waves got closer and a little bit more intense then the last. Dad decided to get in the tub with mom to help her get through the contractions. He rubbed her back, kissed her softly and held her hand. A beautiful connection to bring life into the world. We could hear her sounds get louder and could feel the energy intensifying. She wanted to push but wasn't sure if she should. I told her to go with her body and let the pressure build. Once your ready you'll know because your body will tell you. She changed positions and couldn't find the one that felt right. Each contraction was stronger, each sound deeper and full. Dad quiete but in the moment, as if in awe of his wife. Closer and closer, stronger and stronger.. Your almost there.. Your doing amazing.. He'll be in your arms soon.. A few of the encouraging words spoken to mom. Checking to see how much progress she made her water broke and that's when pushing began. Each push filled the room with such a force. She was doing it and he was coming but just a little slower then she thought, and that was OK. A few tough ones and "look your baby has hair"! Slowly his head began to show. She pushed with all her might and yelled out with such power. He was crowning. Again she pushed and out came his head. Before I could tell her one more push she curled down and out came his hand (which he decided to have near his face) shoulder and then body. His dad watching in amazement from in front as mommy put her hands down and reached for her baby to pull him up on to her chest. A little rubbing and out came a strong loud cry! Baby Lincoln had arrived! The emotions, the joy, the amazement filled the room. Mom & Dad where overjoyed and elated with this beautiful moment. Soon mom and baby where resting and nursing while Dad was making his calls to announce the birth of his baby boy. 5/24/17 2:39 am