When I got an email from Mom Bloggers for Social Good asking me to join their campaign with Save the Children to share my birth story I immediately thought OF COURSE!! As an advocate for the Preeclampsia Foundation I am constantly sharing my preeclampsia story in the hopes to raise more awareness. Then I thought a bit more about a story I never share, my first birth. OF COURSE!!! Why not share that……
My first pregnancy was…fine. I was not one of those women that loved being pregnant. I didn’t embrace the weight, I felt like a pig. I overate, I was hot, I had to pee all the time. And I was undoubtably a grumpy pregnant woman.
We didn’t find out the baby’s gender. It was our first baby, we wanted it to be a surprise. Two weeks late, 90 degrees out and finally I was brought in to be induced. Labor…over 20 hours, pushing 3 hours mixed with begging for a c-section, spiking a fever, neonatology called in for when the baby came out and then finally, “It’s a Boy” The most beautiful words I ever heard in my life. As I laid there exhausted and unable to move I watched my husband fumble to find our camera. It was that moment that I saw the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed in my life. I saw the exact moment my husband fell madly in love with our son. I saw the moment his life was forever changed and that the baby would always be the center of his universe.
As I laid there in my postpartum numbness I met Derek John. It felt so surreal, that this baby was mine. I knew right then why I existed. I knew then that my life on earth had a purpose and that was to be this baby’s mother. In one moment I felt so alive, so scared, nervous, anxious, excited, elated, exhausted and loved. It was the absolute best day of my entire life when I went from being me just me to being someone’s mother.
Although I didn’t love the birth experience or the pregnancy thing. I did, do and always will love being a mother. I love the kisses, cuddles, giggles, learning, teaching, trying, hopes, joys and more that come along with watching my children grow and helping guide them through the world.
What a great story for Derek to read someday! 🙂
I appreciate your honesty in this story. I shared many of the same feelings, but watching a father fall in love with his child… is priceless
I love a birth story. So happy for you and your family!
How beautiful, thanks for sharing your story! It’s so cool you got that exact moment with your husband captured on film, beautiful.I loved being pregnant, but I don’t believe anyone who says they loved labor, lol!
Gina,
I loved labor! I really truly did. I felt such a deep connection to myself, more than I’ve ever found before or since. I was so there, so in the moment. It was blissful for me.
And Sarah, I love hearing birth stories, so thanks for sharing yours, it was wonderful!
I think we may be long lost sisters. Pregnancy and labor were not my favorite, but the second – the exact second I gave birth to Bridget it all went away and was replaced with the best feeling I have ever felt. It was like God came down and blessed us himself. Great story, Sarah. xoxo
Beautiful story – thanks for sharing! I, too, remember when my husband first held our first baby and you are right, you can just see the love.
Awww, meeting my boy was amazing and now I cant wait to meet my girl!
Thank you for sharing your story!
Awww! Great story. I remember being preggo in August, it was NOT my favorite!
I just got a few tears as you made me remember meeting my boys for the first time…So sweet!
Wonderful story about those first memories with our little one. What a nice thing to be able to pass onto him! Telling is certainly special, but there is something lovely about reading your birth story:)
I love these stories… it always brings me back to meeting my babies for the first time. I miss those moments but putting them in writing will keep them fresh forever!
It was nice to read the story of you becoming a mother. I liked it because it wasn’t the peaches and cream all was lovely from the start. It seemed real and honest. I liked that.
Sorry, can’t comment now. Have to go get another tissue…. 😉
I love hearing about your personal story. The photo of your son is just adorable.
What a beautiful story!
I didn’t realize until I read your story that I remem ber that exact moment too! Seems like a long time ago. Thanks for the reminder!