Banyan's Groovy Birth

 

My Sunshine

During the twilight hours on April 20^th 2011 I was awoken from sleep with mild contractions, sensations, as I like to think of them. I knew. My partner told me it was probably something I ate, and I went back to sleep. But I knew. I had read very few books to prepare for my labor. I read Ina May Gaskin’s Spiritual Midwifery twice. A collection of beautiful birth stories describing labor as “trippy” and “groovy” sounded like a model I wanted to follow. I ate well, I did yoga, and I trusted my body. I felt grounded and primal. I trusted my midwife. Regardless of our common interest or the connection we made, I trusted her to know what to do when I questioned myself or I needed more medical support.

By 6am-ish the sensations were more intense … I knew. I took a nice shower and spoke to my son. “Welcome sweet boy, let’s make this easy on one another. I love you so much.” My partner rushed around, dropping the kids at school, collecting the birthing tub supplies. He called my mom who told him she had really short labor with her kids, like really short. Pam and Muraiha were on their way as the sun rose providing me with the warm sunny labor I had hoped for. I had no fear, and gently moaned and road the waves. 

From this point it is both hard to remember, while also deeply seeded in my memory. Hours passed and I let my mind wander. I’m not sure where, and I remember everything, but I wasn’t focused on the physical, my body took over and my mind felt somewhat separate. I knew there was no stopping it, and the reward would be more than worth the work. I spent my entire labor on all fours, sipping water and eating when I was hungry.

Pam sat and relaxed, trusting me and allowing my body to do its job. Muraiha lounged on the bed with me, using her hands and knowledge to help me through my labor and delivery. My partner stayed with me at eye level, providing comfort, and my mother was there for me as she has always been, proud and grateful. My big sister was on the phone, listening to me labor while at work! They all gave me love and encouragement, and my midwives assured me when I doubted and answered any questions.

My expressive little baby was born at 11:37am to a room filled with love, celebration, and sunshine. I was peaceful and joyous. Ready to visit with loved ones and snuggle and love my beautiful healthy baby.