The Birth of Emerald
It was June 10th- a sunny and beautiful morning but especially beautiful because it was my husband, Michael’s, 35th birthday. He is the morning person in our household so by the time the girls and I woke up, we found him outside doing yard work. We rushed out to greet him with a cup of coffee, morning breath kisses and an off-tune birthday song when I noticed that I was feeling a bit nauseous which was unusual for me. It was mild so I finished my cup of coffee and didn’t think too much of it. The girls and I had convinced Michael to take the day off of work (not an easy task) so that we could celebrate him! And let me say, thank God he agreed to stay home. We had an eventful day planned which involved swim lessons for our two youngest, Vera and Ruth, followed by picking up our oldest, Millie, in between summer camps to then head to lunch with family. That evening we were looking forward to a hot date with just the two of us. We sure had our plans set and they were good but man, the plan that God had in store was more than we could have ever dreamed of. . .
While at swim lessons I noticed that the tightening of my stomach was a bit stronger compared to the usual Braxton Hicks that I had been experiencing. There was no pain present and I thought maybe I just needed to drink more water and kick my feet up. We arrived back home at about 10:45a.m. so that I could hydrate and rest. I began reading a super hero book to Vera and Ruthie and amidst reading I found myself continually pausing every time my uterus contracted. These contractions were noticeably close together so “just for fun” I asked Michael to start timing the contractions even though it was “probably nothing.” He began timing them at 11:10a.m. and about 35 minutes into them being two to three minutes apart, we decided to call Mary, our midwife. I explained how I was feeling with uncertainty that I was actually going into labor. She advised me to get in a warm bath and to pay attention to the intensity of the contractions and my body- if it wasn’t true labor then the warm water could potentially alleviate the contractions. Mary told me to call her back in 30 minutes regardless of what was happening. Well, within 30 minutes they were intensifying so Michael made the phone call to relay the progression and Mary calmly said, “Okay, that’s enough for me. I’m on my way.”
Michael then called our sweet mamas to come over and they didn’t waste anytime getting to our home. This is when a realization came alive for me and I asked myself, “Could this actually be happening!?” Everything I have prepared for over the last 9 months was coming to fruition. The mental preparation, the physical preparation, affirmations, endless prayers, supplies, all of the books I read, the mindset and mamas I have learned from...ALL of it was overflowing my brain and we were quickly approaching the moment we had been waiting for. I was overwhelmed with emotion but so full of faith.
At this time, I made an instinctual phone call to my sister, Maria- my confidant. I was expressing my confusion to her as to whether I was in labor or not along with the accompanied emotions while heading into labor land. She affirmed me, gave me confidence and reminded me of what I already knew, “You’ve done this, mama. You can do it again. Your body and your baby already know what to do.” I hung up the phone with Maria, took a deep breath and turned on my Christian Hypnobirthing app. It was with my whole being that I focused on scripture while surrendering and trusting my body to do the work it was destined to do. I could feel peaceful action taking place around me; prep work being done in my home and in our birthing space and it was so freaking beautiful. I welcomed each contraction with love knowing that with each surge I was one step closer to meeting our love bug. The contractions were picking up yet manageable with breathwork and surrender. It was in this moment that I recall my Mother-in-love, Angela, gently placing her hand on my back and offering words of encouragement while I was working through a contraction. She said, “You are so beautiful, I wish you could see yourself.” As a woman in labor, I allowed these words to sit with me- the art of laboring and bringing a child into this world truly IS beautiful.
Mary arrived at about 12:30p.m. She asked me to lay on the bed to see how far dilated I was. To be honest, my guess would have been 4 or 5cm. so you can imagine the shock value in the room when she said, “You’re a 9!” My jaw dropped and I experienced a jolt of motivation knowing that our sweet girl would be in our arms so soon. This is when it began to get a bit blurry for me. I vaguely remember all hands on deck...quickly filling the birthing tub, changing the sheets, filling up the diffusers, turning on our birth playlist, etc, just prepping our space for our new tiny angel to arrive. Reflecting back on those moments induces major gratitude within- I had servant hands surrounding me and everyone assumed a purposeful role. I got into the birthing tub around 12:45p.m. and let me tell you- the relief that I felt was heaven sent. May all contracting uteruses out there be submerged in warm water! Can I get an Amen!?
It was shortly after I got into the tub that the lovely Carey Lippert showed up to capture the raw beauty of our birth. She had previously heard from me around 12:20p.m. and asked for me to send her my contactraction log and to let her know if things pick up. When I failed to do so she knew it was go-time and took it upon herself to head over; those birth keepers just know.
While laboring in the water, I recall the immense joy of having all three of our girls present for the birth of their baby sister. Ruthie ran in and out of the room as she pleased while verbally affirming me and delivered countless kisses. I specifically remember her telling me I was brave. Vera was my little doula. She did not leave my side and innately served her mama with back rubs, ice packs and love. Millie was the doer. She got the tub filled, grabbed towels among other items that were needed and helped with her little sisters.
My beautiful mama was supportive from the very beginning. She encouraged me with her words. She massaged my back, let me squeeze her hands and with her by my side, I just knew everything would be okay- there is nothing like a mother’s love. My amazing Mother-in-love, Angela was hands on, verbal and was able to beautifully capture pictures and videos that I will cherish forever. Carey was behind the scenes working her magic while throwing me some golden nuggets which were the exact words that I needed to hear in those very moments. Our midwife, Mary, is an angel on earth. She selflessly served and guided the process but ultimately allowed my instincts and desires to take precedence over everything. She gave full autonomy and it was her state of calm that facilitated my state of calm. Under the care of this wonderful woman I felt safe, respected and loved.
Lastly, my loving husband. . . This man sprung into action and made our space everything we imagined. He kept me hydrated and gave me gentle reminders regarding my body positions and relaxation. He gave me so much strength just by simply being and had a quiet confidence that was tangible. His watchful eyes gave me security and his support never wavered.
And there I was, surrounded by my chosen birth team in all of their glory. When I scanned the room of individuals I saw grace, wisdom, love, affirmation, strength, selflessness and endless support. The presence of God enveloped our space and filled my soul.
As labor progressed and new life was on the horizon, I drew near to God, followed my instincts, held onto Michael and listened to what my body was telling me to do. Baby girl signaled that she was ready to make her debut with the gorgeous crown of her head covered in dark black hair. Mary told me to reach down and feel my baby. When I did this, I felt a tiny, soft, and wrinkly head which was a motivating force to breathe this baby down and out. The time was now. It was time to push. There was pain but it was temporary. There was doubt but faith prevailed. The waves were strong but they were embraced. This mama roared her baby earth side surrounded by love and wrapped in God’s glory.
And there she was, our perfect gift from above; Emerald Lynn Phillips joined our family at 1:43p.m. Her most precious cry captured the hearts of all who were present and time stood still as we observed her every detail. We did the dance, baby girl and this mama is blessed by you now and forever.
It was June 10th, a sunny and beautiful afternoon but especially beautiful because not only was it my husband, Michael’s birthday; it was my daughter, Emerald’s, birth day, too.
Carey is a birth photographer, videographer and doula supporting mamas in the Phoenix area including Peoria, Paradise Valley & Scottsdale.
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