I wish there was a way to harness the power of a woman in labour!

Personally labour, has been the most powerful, awesome, life changing experiences of my life.  Yes, there is pain, there are bodily fluids, there is an incredible feeling of losing control… but there is life!  New life created and a new beginning.

I have been in labour three times and given birth to three beautiful boys.  Our first was born at home at night, half in the water and half on the floor beside our dishwasher.   Our second was born at home in the mid morning, in the water. Our last was born in the evening, at the hospital on all fours with a crowd awaiting his safe arrival.

I am not in labour right now, but I am feeling pain.  A body experiencing numbness and tingling for no apparent reason.  A mind that just won’t settle down.  An inability to just enjoy the little moments.  Our family getting ready to move to a new city.  An extended family strained by one person’s choices. Change is in the air.  BREATHE JOANNA BREATHE.

I was reminded by very wise Ann Voskamp of the importance of breathing through the pains.

 http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/01/how-to-breathe-through-the-hard-times/

Today as I ponder labour, I realized my love of labour involves more than labour itself but the feeling of complete support of the people around me.  Our beautiful midwife, Sylvia, had educated us and guided us through the previous nine month.  My wonderful husband, Sexy Neck, had been present not only all the appointments, but all the changes that pregnancy and parenthood brings.  My parents and sister, helped with the older boys.  And lastly, my group of women who supported me by coming to my “Labour Party”, lit a candle as I went through labour and have stuck through me through the pains of motherhood.

My labour party for baby OC! 

Right now as I “Labour through life”, I need to: embrace the pain (knowing it is just for this time), rely on those people who support me, and get help from some trusted professionals.