Isaiah's Birth From the Eyes of Aunty Glory

The early labor pains didn’t start until early Tuesday morning.  I was very excited.  My sister Jewel was going to have her first baby really soon, and I was going to be there when it happened.  This wasn’t going to be a traditional birth. It was going to take place in my sister’s home, carried out by midwives.  Although it may have been controversial, it was exactly what she wanted.

The anticipation grew as we prepared the food and got everything ready for the birth.  It was a good thing we did all the shopping the day before and started preparing while Jewel was still able to.  Turns out we timed it all just right.  Near the end of the day though the contractions weren’t close enough, so we decided to head to bed. 

Mom and I were awakened by my oldest sister and my 21 month old nephew at five that morning.  The family had driven all the way from Florida so they could make it for the birth.  They had been awake the whole way here and needed me and Mom to watch my nephew while they got some rest.  At this point Jewel was out in the living room half-way on the exercise ball and leaning on the couch while she went through the pains and tried to get some sleep when she could.  In the other room I watched cartoons and played with my nephew.

Jewel’s contractions got closer together as the day went on.  Around noon it was time for the midwives to come.  We got all the food laid out.  It looked beautiful, a feast to the eyes as well as the mouth.  As the contractions became more intense, I could tell by her clinched face and her disheartening moans that the time was getting even closer still.  I felt so sad when she was in pain, wishing it didn’t have to hurt so much.  At one point I thought, if only I could carry some of the pain for her... 

During the worst of the contractions, my older sister scolded me and Mom if we were making the slightest amount of noise.  Apparently it bothered Jewel, so I made extra effort to be quiet when Jewel gave the heads up.  It wasn’t until the last stretch of labor that Jewel had her music playing.  She made a special playlist for this very occasion just a few days ahead of time.

Mostly on the ball, then the bed, Jewel did an incredible job dealing with the pain.  It really impressed me.  This was my first birth to witness in it’s entirety.  She didn’t do like most I’ve seen in the movies, screaming, crying uncontrollably, and yelling obscenities to the one who got her pregnant then to the next person that speaks.  No, nothing like that.  It flowed beautifully, even gracefully in a way.  The midwives were there offering guidance as well as comfort and support.  All three of them bearing this motherly and sisterly kindness, something that would be hard to come by in a hospital setting.

I was assigned to be the videographer for the birth.  There was also a professional photographer.  So for around an hour or so before the baby came, I began shooting.  I shot some of Jewel going through her labor pains, and then as it neared the final pushes, I shot long steady clips which will be pieced together at a later date to for, hopefully, a beautiful short video of the birth. 

The birth took place in Jewel’s bedroom.  Marcus (the baby daddy) and Sarah (the Head midwife) were right by Jewel’s side.  Mom and my older sis were on the love-seat.  The other two midwives were here and there taking notes and gathering whatever was needed.  And the photographer and I were in the corner (well she jumped around a lot of course.  But I got to see it all! 

Once the head was coming, I could really feel the excitement in the whole room.  It was thrilling.  Jewel got on her hands and knees so that she could push more easily.  I’d never heard of having a baby that way, but Sarah suggested it.  As soon as she got into that position, it didn’t seem long at all until little Isaiah’s head came into view.  For just a minute or two, there was just his head poking out.  It seemed kinda scary just seeing him like that, with his facial muscles not really moving and him not breathing, but I later  I learned that he was still getting oxygen through the umbilical cord. 

Then all of a sudden, Marcus quickly moved towards the rear, held out his hands, and the baby just slid into his arms.  It was awesome.  And just a few seconds later there was a little cry.  But it wasn’t just baby Isaiah who was crying.  I began to tear up, and I’m sure most of the room did as well.  It was very moving just watching Jewel gaze into her child’s eyes.  It’s so hard to believe that she really did it.  She had a baby!  She gave birth to another life!  Someone who looks like her, has her characteristics, and can offer her love in return.  It’s unbelievable to me.  I’m still coming to this same realization with my other two siblings who have had kids as well.

It was such a wonderful and rewarding experience to be a spectator at such an amazing event.  It literally took my breath away.  I’m still in awe.  Isaiah turned out perfect.  He is so very precious.  And I cannot stress too much how beautiful the whole birth was.  Even though there were some parts that were messy and bloody and unpleasing to the eye, the love that was radiating in that room and the little bundle of joy who finally came into the world captured the attention and clouded out any of those other things.  This was an experience like no other, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As everyone began to turn in for bed at the end of the day and after almost everyone got to cradle the baby and ooh and ahh over him, I finally got to hold him.  With my little nephew in my arms, I kissed him on the cheek and gently rocked him to sleep.  As he slept there in my arms, I thought of how sweet, how tender this moment was.  I’m sure I will probably have many more like this with Isaiah and possibly in the future a precious child of my own.  I will definitely hold onto these memories forever, and I know that this entire day is a day I will never forget.