There now, breathe, I know it hurts (giant waves of pain). The pain won’t last long, just a little while longer. I can see the crown! A few more pushes should do it (I dig my nails into the hand holding mine)! Yes, go ahead and scream. Have to make a cut here to keep you from tearing.
It’s called an “episiotomy” (Curiously, I don’t feel a thing). Oh, this is a big baby (8 pounds, 14 0z.). One shoulder seems to be stuck (dislocated it pulling the baby out). Come on, PUSH! PUSH (clenching my teeth, turning shades of purple)! I know you’re tired, can’t stop now (12 hrs of labor flat on my back with an internal and external monitor). ONE MORE BIG PUSH (Don’t know if I can)! COME ON, YOU CAN DO IT! PUSH!… PUSH!… PUSH! YOU DID IT! IT’S A GIRL!


There now, it’s all right
The birthing has begun
The pains will continue
for awhile longer
And maybe you’ll think,
“I can’t stand this”
But you will
Just breathe
and find your center
There is major change
& chaos in store
What emerges is new life
A new paradigm
No, not the end of the world
But the end of the world
as we know it
And to my thinking
That would be a positive thing








L.G. Figgins © 2009