Fifth Birth, First Son! Birth Story from Our Circle
I’m sitting here holding my fifth baby in my arms as he sleeps soundly. I’ve had many births where I was still reeling after several months trying to cope with the trauma that came from the birth of my baby. But this one…I stare at him and just cry tears of joy. His birth was everything I needed and didn’t think would ever be possible. After being told that I have a lazy uterus…After being told that I had to have cervical checks…After not being allowed to catch my other babies myself…After being told that I could not have a home birth because I lived too far from the hospital. My beautiful son was born into MY arms while my amazing midwife stood a few feet away in my bedroom.
After hours of breathing through each contraction and taking a break to sleep and work internally through my own fears, I got off the bed when I heard the thunder roar outside and got on my knees on the floor next to the bed…and I did my favorite part of birth…I pushed. Next thing I know, he’s in my hands, and I find that we have our first son. My supportive husband held me like he always does even though he had fears and trauma from the past. My oldest daughter stood nearby after holding my hands or filling my water cup all through the labor. And we all cried together.
Estee was there! Her support was palpable! After having doctors and even past midwives DO things to my body that I didn’t want, ask for, or give consent, Estee didn’t even blink an eye when I didn’t want her to touch me without asking. She walked me through how to break my water when I said I wanted to. She validated my feelings and honored my wishes in every way! I could feel the confidence she had in me. Saying I’m thankful doesn’t express my true feelings.
-Dawn A., Orlando, FL
Note from Estee: Every woman has their own birth goals, visions and desires. It is my job as a midwife, to show up in support of what she has shared with me during our time together prenatally. I am grateful for this mamas vulnerability and clarity in what she wanted from this birth. She owned her birth experience, and I was honored to sit back in awe and witness her in her power.