They call it "labor" for a reason, you know...

Yes, I know.

One week removed, it's still a bit difficult for me to process what it took to get Hank into this world. Adam and I have been talking about it bit by bit, and certain parts are coming into focus while others have already begun to fade away. Last week at this time we had checked into the hospital, excited that I had progressed to 7 cm with relatively little discomfort, thinking we'd have a baby in our arms before we knew it. But it would be twelve long hours before we got to meet the little guy, and I'm not sure either of us had any idea what was coming.

Birth fulfilled many of the stereotypes - it was amazing, and difficult, and life-changing, and all of that. It was the birth I wanted, and that I had hoped for without knowing if I could hack it. We did it - Adam and I did it, because I could not have done it without him - without interventions or drugs. Many factors worked in our favor, and some worked against me. My labor progressed naturally (though much more slowly than I might have liked) and the midwives attending the birth never imposed any time limits or deadlines on the process. No one ever told me there was a problem or suggested that there wasn't satisfactory progress, and I was constantly encouraged by everyone in the room. Also, Henry held up incredibly through days of contractions and four hours (!) of pushing, his heart rate staying strong and never giving anyone reason to worry. He was posterior presenting, however, which accounts for the long labor and pushing and the back pain I experienced. Still, I don't feel like I did something extraordinary... things just progressed and happened, and I got through them one step at a time, and then suddenly he was here, screaming and eyes open and none of that mattered any longer. Looking at the photographs now, I'm amazed by the look of happiness and energy on my face after the birth. Overall I'm incredibly grateful for the experience, even if it had its ugly moments. And besides, the outcome is so very cute and snuggly, it's hard to hold a grudge.

Tina, the midwife who delivered Henry.

- Val