While I lay on the floor, I exhaled and thanked God that I didn't have any clients due, and then thought about how His grace has been sufficient even when I have attended births, especially long ones.
A few minutes later a package arrived from the mail man. I was intrigued because the items I were expecting in the mail where larger than what I received.

This young couple was prepared, made great choices along the way, trusted the process and her body to do what it was designed to do. Their love for each other was so apparent and intense and seeing them work together was beautiful to behold. This mama worked so hard in spite of sleepless nights prior to labor becoming active and welcomed her little girl with such grace and strength.
And as I reflect on their story and read their beautiful words I am encouraged.
I must admit that there are often sleepless nights, replaying birth experiences, trying to see if there was anything I could have done differently or more to support the women who invite me into this sacred space. It is not because the experience is about me. It is because I truly care if I have made some kind of positive difference in their story, if they felt supported, heard, respected and valued.

It is a labor of love. I believe in the women I work with, I believe that they can do all they set out to do and that what lies within them is an inner strength that meets them at the challenge of becoming and transforming. It’s a hard work sometimes, emotionally and physically but it is a beautiful work indeed.