A friend recently held a blessingway for her 2nd child and each of us were asked to present a poem or prose or a gift from our hearts. I chose to speak of my own experience - I don't know if I can do it justice as I'm not really a wordsmith but here goes.
Even from the first contraction I felt a sense of being a part of something greater than myself. Participating not just in the birthing of my child but touching that ancient and eternal birthing that is everpresent throughout the universe. Each clutching of muscle a magnificent push with the very hands of the stars guiding its progress. Each breath that of the universe helping, soothing, giving life and giving Life to each moment. Then there was the moment, the minute, second standing in the bedroom next to the birthing pool when I surrendered to the glorious, beautiful actions of my body and I knew the universe watched in excited anticipation, the stars showering me with encouragement and blessings. For every birth is special and worthy of celebration and every tiny particle of the universe rejoices with the mother. Was it hard work? Yes, I'd never worked so hard in my life. Not for nothing is it called labour. Was there pain? No, only great discomfort which I welcomed as a purposeful midwife to the wonder-filled, heart overflowing, brutally gentle, magnificent, triumphant process of birth.
Yes, my son was born at home. I was not offered and did not want drugs of any sort. And minutes after Ancient Tree was born, Mr I asked if I was up for the next 5 children and without hesitation I said YES. Let the bright seraphim.....
