Birthing A Baby

Sera

Olivia gripped Penelope’s hand and whispered assurances into her ear. I stood at the foot of the bed, trying not to shake. Joyce stood on one side of me, and Fiona on the other, the two of them holding Penelope’s legs as her son came into the world.

The scene felt like something out of a movie, except I wasn’t cozy on a couch eating popcorn and delighting in the drama. I had Penelope’s life in my hands—and the life of her son.

I’d never experienced anything like this, but I was doing it. Time stood still and the room blurred as I coached Penelope through contraction after contraction.

“You’re doing it, Pen,” I said, my voice cracking. I reached down, feeling the baby’s head in my hands. I could see the crown and knew it wouldn’t be much longer before she had him out. With every push, he became a bit more visible.

Without letting go of Penelope’s leg, Joyce leaned down to have a look as well. She sighed in relief and said, “That’s the right presentation. She’s doing fine. You’re