I'm still on a high from Landon's birth. It's just too incredible to get over even almost two months later. And now that I read what I'm about to share with you, I'm back on even more of a high just reliving his birth through another's eyes.
I'd asked our doula, Alyssa, if she'd be interested in writing what Landon's birth was like from her perspective so I could put it in his baby book. I was also super curious as to what it was like to be "on the outside looking in." I know what I was feeling as I was bringing him into this world, but I wondered what everyone else was experiencing too. Having read Alyssa's perspective, I'm now planning on asking my husband and mom to write one too because it's just that beautiful and intriguing to get a glimpse of life through someone else's eyes.
Alyssa wrote this in the form of a letter to Landon. Her words are saturated in warmth and love, which is everything I believe she is as a person in just the short amount of time I've known her. So without me going on and on (because I can and totally would), here are Alyssa's sweet words to our boy...
4/24/23
"I walked into your dimly lit and beautifully cozy corner of the world a little after 1:30am. I get a lot of my calls in the overnight hours and all is usually quite quiet but your home was especially serene that evening, the warmth and love was absolutely palpable. I was greeted by your Mommom and ushered towards the nursery where your Momma was working so gracefully to bring you earthside. The days leading up to your labor were eventful, your family (and especially your momma) waited so patiently as your team gently encouraged you to join us. When the leadup is so gradual it seems to make the actual labor that much more joyous, and your entire family was radiating that joy on the night you were born. Your Momma was most comfortable on her birth ball where she would close her eyes and sway through her waves and then happily rejoin us in between, always with a smile and often with something sweet to say. Your Poppa and I worked to put the birth tub together and began the process of filling it, pausing occasionally to check in on your Momma. She was working through her labor beautifully, there wasn’t much she needed but your Poppa stayed so attentive, always close by and keeping her hydrated and happy. Your midwife arrived within the hour, about when the hot water in the tub reached the half way point between minimum and maximum fill (I have no other gauge for time at that point hehe). She began calmly and quietly setting up her supplies, checking in on you and Momma shortly after. The homebirth midwife always brings with her a sense of relief but your midwife Nikki also brings her special brand of charm. Labor was clearly progressing, your Momma was working a little harder with each wave. She would break from the birth ball and wander into the bathroom every once and a while, your poppa always right by her side. The rest of us could hear from the nursery that contractions were especially intense and even more frequent in the bathroom. You were getting closer! Soon the birth tub was ready and your Momma made her way in, the feelings of relief and comfort were written all over her face as she sunk in. Once Momma was comfortable in the tub I suggested to Mommom that she go get the girls. They had been sleeping in the bedroom just on the other side of the nursery. You were on your way and Momma wanted the entire family present for your arrival. The girls entered your birth space with sleepy eyes but stayed so calm and quiet while your Momma labored on in the tub. For a few minutes Nikki held Autumn in her arms, all of us watching as your Momma continued to labor. This was such a sweet testament to how much our homebirth providers mean to the entire family, as well as to how talented a midwife you had- fetal heart tones and big sister snuggles all at the same time. In pretty quick order we began to hear the shift in your Momma from laboring to pushing. It was hard to catch as she was laboring so gracefully and quietly. I also noticed that she instinctively reached down during these last few surges; I almost asked aloud if she felt anything but the sanctity of those moments was just overwhelming, I couldn’t (and didn’t want to) speak. With the next contraction it was clear that Momma’s water broke and then very quickly after that shift you made your way through. Your Momma caught you, pulling you up to her chest with the hands that, again, waited so patiently for the exact right time to receive you. Your Poppa was right there, watching in awe as your Momma so graciously brought you earthside. Your sisters and Grandmother were right behind your Momma as you were born, three generations of women together welcoming their little boy. Your family had the sweetest 30 minutes or so post birth- you and Momma snuggled up in the tub as the entire household admired you, kissed you, and “petted” you all over (as sister Autumn declared it). Landon Michael, it was an absolute joy and honor to be a part of your birth day. You were welcomed in so much love. I cannot wait to see what fun you and your family have in the years to come!"
Que the tears. I just, mmm. I truly mean it when I say that the people I had surrounding me while I birthed Landon were the most loving, attentive, warm and comforting people. And also, I can't speak highly enough of a homebirth experience. From my words to Alyssa's, it's evident that the Holy Spirit was here and moving.
I'm forever grateful and forever in awe of Gods power and love both seen and unseen.
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