As a 4th time mom, I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to labor and birth. Each time I have been humbled in my expectations, so I set the goal in my 4th unmedicated labor to accept each part of labor as it comes. I surrendered my desire for control and was present in the moments of labor.
Starting at home overnight, I was able to rest, sleep and eat during early and early active labor to conserve energy for what was to come. After speaking with my provider, we decided to travel to the birth center and upon arrival I was 6 cm. This was the first labor that did not start with my water breaking spontaneously, so I felt a little unsure of how labor was progressing but it was the perfect opportunity to be in the moment. After a few hours, I decided to have the midwife break my water. Instantly, contractions became constant and intense. I recognized the familiarity of transition but couldn't believe that I was already there. The nurse knew I had wanted the tub and had it prepared and ready for me. I got in and shortly felt the sensation to push. 5 minutes and 3 pushes later, baby came swimming into my arms!
The beauty of birth photography is that it allows me to revisit each of the stages of labor and birth that I was so present in. I am able to recall the power and strength I felt during the intense moments and the overwhelming joy when baby came earth side. The photographs serve as tangible memories to such an transformation life event that I treasure during the postpartum period and for years to come.
