Sometimes life takes you by surprise with the uniqueness and yet universality of our experience. Recently I was privileged to take a journey with a couple in the birth of their first child. Catherine was well-prepared physically and mentally. She had outstanding support from her husband and good friend (also a doula). Their room was well-equipped, and I was immediately struck by the care they had taken to create a blessed environment in which to bring their daughter. They had packed lots of stuff for this trip – flameless candles, “shot blocks” for energy, an inspiring picture of an African woman carrying not only her infant on her back but supporting a huge bundle of wood on her head, and focus cards with beautiful words and pictures about defeating fear and trusting in the sacredness of birth. While I have certainly seen lots of props and tools for labor, the attention and intention left me awestruck.  
The labor embarked from the early morning hours after a day full of contractions and excitement. When admitted, Catherine was still early in the process, but the energy was high. We rolled forward with every wave – baby was stubborn, we were patient. Waiting. Anticipating. Like rowing a small fishing boat in the vast ocean, the shore appeared deceptively close and yet consistently out of reach. Catherine's athleticism was amazing, as she rocked and moved with each building contraction, trying to encourage her baby into good position. Music embraced us and nothing seemed so fitting as Sam Bush's words (above). Water gave some peace, but progress was slow. Doubt slipped in like a riptide, amidst the exhaustion and the turbulence, but the resolve of everyone present prevailed. After sunshine, then snow, day giving rise to night, then day, then night again, Grace came. She slid into her father's hands and onto her mother with decisiveness. We had reached solid earth after what seemed to be days at sea, the time warp of labor striking yet again.  How thankful we were and how perfect she was. The journey wasn't exactly what was expected, but the arrival of Grace was when and how it needed to be.  
Looking to this New Year, I cannot think of a better way to gain inspiration.  Remember, stuff is stuff. You can pack all that you think you will need to get through, to get to a certain destination, but in the end, you've got to roll with the tide and trust in the fact that Grace will in fact arrive without any knowledge of regret or defeat. What a blessing that is!
If you have comments or questions about this article, please feel free to contact Heather Jordan, Certified Nurse-Midwife, at the office of Charles E. Baker, MD at 828-737-7711 x253 or e-mail her at landh@localnet.com.