The birth of my daughter was truly the most incredible experience I have ever had. It is hard to put in in words, but here is the run down…

On February 6, a Friday, Jacob decided to stay home from work – just a “feeling” he said. We spent the day chilling out, watching movies and even taking a walk around the neighborhood. A totally relaxed day, as opposed to the labor-inducing efforts we had been toiling over for the past two weeks.

Around 10pm, I started feeling really crampy, and had a stomach ache and some diarrhea.  I was definitely, definitely sure it was the BBQ chips I had after my dinner of Double Stuff Oreo cookies. I mean, that would make anybody feel like crap, right?

I was in and out of the tub for about a couple of hours with this so-called stomach ache – a stomach ache that suspiciously crept up every 2 minutes and lasted for about a minute. After midnight, Jacob finally called our doula Angie to let her know HE thought I was in labor and this was the real thing. When I was unable to complete sentences on the phone, Angie thought so too.

The contractions became increasingly painful and I alternated between the tub and slow-dancing with Jacob. I became increasingly focused and determined to maintain control throughout each and every contraction. Angie arrived around 2:30. Things were in full swing. Lots of painful contractions, vomiting, moaning, groaning, sometimes yelling. I don’t think there is a room in our house in which I did not randomly pee in…

I asked Jacob and Angie if we could go to the hospital around 4… They stalled me as long as possible, knowing that we had discussed a natural labor at home before delivering at the hospital. Finally around 4:30, I had reached my end and needed to go.

We arrived at the hospital a little before 5am. I freaked out everyone in the ER waiting room with my primal yelling. “I have to POOOOOP!” The poor intern that wheeled me up to the birthing floor was so terrified that he must have bumped me into every wall on our way up.

I got checked right away. I was just shy of 10 cm and about ready to push. Oh, the pushing was by far the hardest part. I got too comfortable in a seated/squat position and my progress slowed way down. It took every ounce of prayer and pleading from Jacob and Angie to get me to try pushing on my hands and knees and standing up. It was the most awful feeling – forcing myself to work through painful contractions and pushing. I only swore once.

At 7am the OB broke my water, which helped me feel the baby’s head really well during pushing. In one gigantic, forceful push, Poppy was born at 7:37am on Saturday. It was a breathtaking moment, full of joy and relief. We had done it. We had done it. I had the natural birth I desired so badly. Jacob and I were able to share this most profound moment together in peace and beauty.

Poppy weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs, 6 oz. She was absolutely beautiful. Pink, bright eyed and just gorgeous.

I am still in awe.