the birth story of valentina lavender

“Every midwife knows
that not until a mother’s womb
softens from the pain of labor
will a way unfold
and the infant find that opening to be born. 
Oh friend!
There is treasure in your heart,
it is heavy with child.
Listen.
All the awakened ones,
like trusted midwives are saying,
‘welcome this pain.
It opens the dark passage of Grace.”
~Rumi

Lauren is a mother who welcomed labor. After her fast and furious, less-than-three-hour first labor, we – her OB, her doula, her husband, and me – were all a little afraid of missing this one. Thankfully we had a little warning when her waters started leaking so we all met at the hospital where she started on a little bit of pitocin and her doctor released the rest of her waters. It didn’t take long before things were in full swing, but without looking at the monitor it was hard to tell. Lauren was grace, and laughter, and smiles all the way until the end. It wasn’t that her labor was easy – it was that she was fierce. I love seeing the power of women in this way – it inspires me to be a better human, to meet the challenges of life head on and without flinching.

I was lucky to be at this birth with the incomparable Ursula Sukinik of Birth You Desire – every birth with her is such a pleasure and an honor! Lauren’s wonderful OB was Richard Beckerman of Foxhall OBGYN – I loved how positive he was throughout the whole process. Birth is always best when you are surrounded by a supportive and skilled team, and Lauren definitely was.

Here are a few of my favorite moments from her birth – scroll down for the full slideshow!

the birth of valentina lavender from Heidi Daniels on Vimeo.