“I can do this”

The sun has just risen on a cool winter day in January. The birthing center hasn’t opened yet, but the parking lot is full. I find a spot towards the back and look to see if the horses are out on the neighboring property. As they feed on their fresh bale of hay, the visible steam leaves our mouths. They watch me, as I watch them. There’s a gentle peace in the air this morning…

Walking into her sacred space, the water is filling, and I hear her moans in the bathroom. Her Husband, close beside her. He watches every move. Helping her, one foot after the other into the water. Her contractions are close together. The room around her prepares. We can hear it in her voice. In between it all, she sips water and whispers to herself “I can do this…" his hand caresses her back and he says “yes, you can.”