Strong As a Mother
Welcome Calan Michael!
When — October 1, 2022
Where — Beaverton, Oregon
As Shannon cradled baby Calan to her chest, Joshua exclaimed proudly, with tears in his eyes, “My wife is a badass!”
On Saturday afternoon, I got a call from Shannon, “My water just broke!” she said excitedly. “I’m not really having any contractions yet, but I wanted to call and let you know things may pick up soon.” This was somewhat new territory for Shannon since she had a very fast labor with her older son and was not aware of when her water broke that time.
“I’ll head home and be ready to go when labor picks up!” I responded. A few hours later, I got a text that Shannon’s contractions were consistent- lasting longer than a minute and coming in 5-minute intervals. I made my way to Shannon’s home in Beaverton and arrived just before 8 p.m.
I was greeted in the driveway by Shannon’s older son dressed as Spiderman and his Oma (Shannon’s mom). When I walked in the house, Shannon, her husband, Joshua, and Desi, her midwife, were filling the birth pool in the bedroom and Shannon was preparing her son for bed. There was a lot of excitement in the air and it seemed that labor had slowed a little. Shannon was in “mom-mode”- taking care of her older son and making sure her birth space was ready to go.
Birth affirmations and notes of positivity were sprinkled on the walls of her space. A vibrant painting of her family with an infant William hung on the wall just above the birthing tub. Twinkling lights graced the window with additional words of encouragement. It was clear that Shannon was prepared to bring baby into her home full of love, comfort, and strength.
As the night continued, older brother was restless- everyone was anxious to meet baby. The family of three snuggled on the bed while Shannon read, “Baby, Come Out!” to William.
After family story time, Oma snuggled William in his room next door. Shannon settled into the tub and contractions picked up. Shannon focused on her breathing and began to cover her eyes- it’s almost time!
William is excited by the tub and decides swimming with mom sounds more fun than going to bed. Shannon keeps her focus during her contractions while the birth team waits nearby.
The midwives, Desi and Brooke, regularly montior baby’s heartrate and ensure the tub is a safe temperature for Shannon and baby.
Around 10 pm, the midwives and I are sitting in the living room when we hear Shannon’s breaths deepen. It is clear she is transitioning. Shannon keeps calm and uses her breathing to steady herself through her contractions which are now more painful. She adjusts her position in the tub while Joshua and Desi offer counterpressure. Shannon cries out and exudes strength as she works with her body to bring her baby into the loving birth space she’s created.
William looks at his mother with curiosity and concern. Desi and Brooke encourage Shannon. Joshua supports Shannon as she moves throughout labor.
It is almost time.
While Shannon pushes, Desi uses a mirror to check baby’s progress and she notices something white. It is baby’s foot. Everyone is surprised when Desi calmly states, “It looks like baby has decided to come breech.”
“Oh shit!” Shannon says as she pushes and baby’s feet are born.
Desi and Brooke help Shannon stand as baby’s bum is born. It’s a boy! Desi holds baby boy as Joshua and Brooke guide Shannon to the bed. On all fours, Shannon uses another contraction to bring baby’s arms and shoulders into the world.
Shannon then moves onto her back at the other side of the bed. Desi and Brooke encourage Shannon to continue to push to get baby boy’s head out.
Shannon digs deep and pushes with all her strength. She was made for this. She is strong, courageous, and she has what it takes to bring her baby safely Earth side. In those seconds, which felt like hours, her baby boy is born and brought to her abdomen.
Due to the surprise breech delivery, baby boy needed some extra support before he let out his first cry. Everyone was in tears when he cried.
Shannon holds her son to her chest as Joshua embraces them. William is thrilled to have a baby brother and climbs onto the bed to meet him.
As Joshua dries his eyes, he exclaims, “my wife is a badass!” Shannon takes deep breaths and holds both of her sons close.
Each member of the family takes a moment to meet baby boy as Desi and Brooke clean up and prepare for the newborn exam.
Shannon recognizes that baby boy is hungry- he had quite an entrance into the world! She offers her breast and works to get baby to latch. Though natural, breastfeeding doesn’t come easily and Desi and Brooke take turns guiding baby to latch.
After a couple hours of baby snuggles, the newborn exam, small feedings, and diapering, the family is ready for bed. Desi and Brooke help them settle in for the night.
As I bid my goodbyes, I express my gratitude and give my love to the new family of four. This birth was something special and words will never be enough to describe it.
You were amazing, Shannon! You did not have an easy delivery, but you did an incredible job creating a safe birth space and surrounding yourself in love. I will forever be grateful for my small part in capturing this big moment in your life.
All My Love,
Karina