A year ago, I was blessed to give birth to my fifth child in a small dark quiet corner of my bedroom. It was the most beautifully divine birth experience I ever had. I give thanks to my Beloved for that moment every single day because I have seen how He provides and triumphs through tragedy, but on that day He covered our home in His Divine Glory and allowed us to witness how He loves and cares for us with His Love!
The night before I was a wreck. I was sick and I had the worst heartburn/indigestion I have ever experienced in life! I spent most of the night nauseously running between my bedroom and the bathroom! I was miserable! The next morning was a little better, I stayed in bed for the majority of the day, and took it easy. I started having contractions. I was excited and scared. But, mostly the day progressed with little to no action. My midwife stopped by to check on me, but no real progress happened so she went home. That night as my husband was preparing for work, he assured me that he would keep his phone close by, and instructed my sister to call if anything happened. Two hours later, he was headed home and I was having contractions every 10 mins. I calmly road each wave…things would tighten then gradually relax. As long as I was calm and focused on Him, I was fine.
Shortly after my husband returned home, my midwife and birth assistant followed. Their encouragement and support were amazing. They wanted me to eat and to stay hydrated. When I would have a contraction, I was encouraged to walk, move, dance, or do whatever my body (my Beloved) was instinctively telling me to do. When I was tired, I could lay down. We watched tv, we laughed, we chatted, all while my other 4 precious babies were home, comfortable, and asleep in their own beds!!
I had a moment where I became afraid, the contractions progressed and huge one hit. I tensed up and started to attempt to shield myself from the pain. I started to doubt. My birth assistant immediately stopped me. She told me that I was created for this, and to use the contractions to deliver my precious baby in my arms. Then I gave it all to my Beloved.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Psalm 127:3, NIV.
I remembered starting to feel really tired, and I wanted to go to sleep. I was encouraged to do so. We walked into my bedroom, but I knew the baby was coming. My midwife set up a birthing stool in the corner and turned off all the lights. It was quiet it was calm. I had the urge to push, so I did. I had the urge to push again, so I did. As I did, I remember my midwife saying “dad, let’s catch him” I didn’t realize that my eyes were closed until my husband started crying and asking me to look. He was holding our precious boy. I started crying and reached for him. A little while later, my midwife helped me shower and get dressed. When I returned to my room I remember looking at my son and he had this beautiful glow to him.
At this time, my youngest daughter woke up and she helped her dad clamp the cord, and the midwife weighed and dressed her brother. After a few quick pictures and a round of nursing I was exhausted and fell asleep. I awoke to a spotless home, thanks to my midwife and birth assistant, and my other children running in to see their baby brother for the first time. As we all laid in the bed together I could feel the saturation of His love and presence in our home.
Now a year later, and my son is the happiest child I have ever had. He is so loving and joyful. It doesn’t take much to make him smile or laugh. Now that he is walking, it is such a delight to watch him try to keep up with his older brothers and sisters. I am SO thankful that I have been blessed with this life and being their mom is a joy that only pales with being His Bride!
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” Psalm 127:3-5 NIV