Birthcoach

I had the pleasure and privilege of being Anna's birthcoach. It was a new experience for me but I loved every minute of it. It was an interesting life lesson to have Matt and Anna believe in me, that I could coach Anna to her goal of a medication-free water birth, when I didn't even have the confidence in myself. Their belief in me, combined with AMAZING training from my mother-in-law who is an incredible doula (certified birthcoach and childbirth educator), and lots of prayer gave me assurance that I could do it.


I prayed for it to be a spiritual experience for all of us and it absolutely was. I know angels were in the room when Malea was born, rejoicing in the birth of this future history maker. I also don't think it was coincidence that I had a word spoken over me just hours before going to the hospital. A friend and mentor had prayed that she saw me coming into my motherhood in the Lord - that I would be a spiritual mother to many out there. I have never thought of myself as a mother; I mean I am a mom to Ruby, but I don't think "mother" when I think of myself. So this word was new to me, but it felt right. I reflected on this on my way to the hospital, where I was about to coach a dear friend through the physical process of becoming a mother herself. I love it when God gives us a tangible example of what He is doing in the spiritual realm.


Anna did an incredible job - she is really a model for labor where you stay in control and relax though the pain. I decided that I'd love to coach another birth at some point in my life (maybe Anna's next baby - ha ha Anna!) but the key to it all was that Anna really listened to me and did what I told her to. When I said relax your legs, she relaxed them, when I said breathe, she did, when I told her to stay in control and not to panic, she focused and let her body do the work to get Malea out. It was beautiful and several times I teared up over what I was witnessing - the sacrifice Anna was going through to let Malea come into this world. Think about it; it's an incredible picture for our lives.


Thank you Anna and Matt for letting me be a part of one of the most precious days of your lives. It has now become one of my most special days and I will treasure it forever.