My Birth Story: Lessons from Birthing Bhadra

It was a Monday afternoon. The room was dimly lit, and I was on the bed, holding my husband's hand, when my midwife told me the baby must come out now, or we'd have to consider a C-section.

My early labor started on a Friday night. By Sunday morning, the pain was stronger, and I thought, 'this is it!' But when I was checked, I was only 2cm dilated. It was a moment of disappointment.

By Sunday evening, I was 8cm dilated. I was so happy, thinking it would be over soon. But my tiredness gave in, and I had to rest. The next morning, we started again with exercises: squatting, lunges, and birth ball rotations.

It felt like forever. I had lost my confidence and trust in my body. I was more tired mentally than physically.

But I wanted to see my baby. My inner voice screamed, 'Push the baby out you woman.' I was ready for the next wave of pain because I knew it would bring me closer to my baby.

My midwife's voice, full of confidence, cheered me on. I felt blessed to have these beautiful women beside me, making me feel empowered, loved, and safe.

I roared like a lioness and felt a tear. It didn't hurt, but it told me I was closer. My midwife said, 'You can see the baby's hair now.' Touching my baby's head for the first time was exhilarating.

And then, it happened. My baby, Bhadra, slid into my midwife's arms and was placed on my chest. It wasn't relief; it was euphoria. A feeling of empowerment.

That golden hour was two hours long. I soaked myself in that moment with my child. After five hours, my husband cut the umbilical cord. I can relive that moment every day.