86 of 220

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

know why, but I instinctively grabbed my stomach and lifted it up. As soon as I did the pain stopped and my water broke. Suddenly all of the building labor became very real to me. I rushed to wake my boyfriend and to call the midwife and let her know we were on our way.

Unfortunately midwives are rare in this area, so we had to drive an hour away to get to the nearest one. It took my boyfriend an hour to shower and dress, all the while I was growing more and more nervous and scared. When we finally left the house the contractions were coming one right after another and were excruciatingly painful. We drove as fast as we could, yet the car ride seemed to take forever. The roads were rough to drive over and I could not find comfort sitting in the seat of the car.

As soon as we arrived at the midwife's clinic I nearly jumped out of the car. The pain dropped back down as I was able to relax and calm down. I was checked over then led to the wonderful whirlpool tub waiting in the back room. As soon as I stepped in comfort washed over me.

Within a few minutes I was ready to begin pushing. My midwife led me to the bed, not comfortable with me having a waterbirth because of my son's still uncertain health concerns. The bed was huge and comfortable, with a green leaves pattern on the blankets. My boyfriend crawled into the bed next to me. He held my hand, gave me water to drink, and kept a cool washcloth on my head and neck.

At 6:15 PM my son was born. He was pink and alert and perfect. He had the deepest eyes I had ever seen, and he looked at everything taking in the world. He never let out a cry, just a slight gurgle sound. The midwife placed him on my stomach and we stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity.

"He's perfect" were the first words I said.

We stayed at the clinic for a few hours, so that I could rest and feel comfortable getting up. Once I was on my feet and showered I was ready to go home and enjoy my new baby. The drive home was a completely different one. Where as driving there my boyfriend sped as fast as he could, going home he barely kept to the minimum speed. The slow drive home was peaceful and full of thoughts on my new life.

Learn more about this author, Summer Minor.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Memoirs: Birth stories?
We want to hear your view. Write now!