Labour

Four times I had been to this part of the hospital.  Four times, and yet it wasn’t all that familiar.  My memories where blurred with the nervous energy of a mother in pain; a mother in labour.  This time I took in it all, all but the pain.  My memories of this birth will forever be sharper then the birth of my very own babies.

I was present as a support, as a birthing couch if you will, for my sister.   Her husband and she were preparing to meet their second child.  We all knew it was a matter of time once the water broke early morning.  It was absolutely incredible to be involved, knowing enough to sympathize and imagine the mothers pain, but being on the other side of it all I realised only SHE knows exactly how hard the job of birthing is!

I can assume, based on this experience, that you never stop being immensely proud of the women you watch bring a child into the world.  No matter how many births one sees, how can one not be so very awed by the mothers strength and ability to make it through!?

The similarities to my own labour and deliveries gave me an idea of how I had appeared to those helping me through it, my amazing husband specifically!   The expression on her face when baby was in her arms for the first time was particularly intense to see.  You hear people try to describe it,  but seeing that look between a mother and brand new child was indeed intense to behold.  There was a bliss in her eyes and glow to her brow that could only be part of finishing one of the most taxing experiences in the world.  The child is here, the child is well…the mother and father are all to aware of what a gift they have received twice over, and babies arrival was delightfully timely… only the day before mother’s birthday!

I am forever thankful to this awesome couple, who trusted enough in me to let me be part of this momentous occasion!  I am indeed a blessed auntie!

Always Lady Mac an Rothaich

TTFN