I chose Motherland Midwifery because I wanted midwives who would provide guidance and support, but ultimately give me the space to labor and birth in my own way. Mira was my third baby, my second born at home, and I trusted my body to know what to do. I had not anticipated my mind getting in the way.
When labor began early in the morning it was clear to all of us that it would not be long. Everything moved quickly and smoothly until it came time to push. I pushed for what seemed like hours, and Meredith and Christy helped me through so many positions—squatting, standing, sitting on the birthing stool. I pushed for so long with seemingly no progress. I pushed until I thought I couldn’t push anymore.
And as I approached that point of wanting to give up, Christy said to me, “With every contraction, you’re shaking your head No. Whatever you thought this was going to be, let it go. Accept what it is.”
After that there was a kind of release, and I felt my face, my entire body relax. Moments later I was pushing my baby out into the world. I hadn’t realized how tightly I’d been holding on to a certain idea of that labor and birth until Christy helped me see it. I’m so grateful for her wisdom, and for giving me the support I didn’t know I needed.
