Around this time two years ago I was facing a situation that is a possibility for many of the women in this WAGS world. DELIVERING A SEASON BABY!
There are challenges that come with all pregnancies, for women in all walks of life, but I feel like one of the most intimidating for many of the new momma’s I’ve been around lately is the idea of delivering a child knowing that your significant other may not be by your side at delivery.
The reality is many of us are away from our home base and families, and most of the time labor is unpredictable. It’s a nice idea to write out a pretty birth plan, but not always easy for that birth plan you made up to line up with God’s plan.
Through talking delivery with the women around me I came to realize pretty quickly that there are two sides. First, we have the bug-eyed/frozen faced “how did you do that alone?” look. Then, the other side of the spectrum is just getting the chance to hear some of the incredible birth stories of the women who have been there.
Now, birth stories aren’t exactly something most ladies feel comfortable to share with our community of wives, especially if you’re new to the team or a new mom-to-be!
So I hope this reaches and eases some of you ladies who may not have anywhere to put your concerns or reminds the many of you who have done it just how strong you are!!
On November 10, 2014, I was gearing up to go watch my husband play the Panthers and had a quick change of plans when what I had originally convinced myself were Braxton-Hicks contractions kicked in to high-gear two weeks early.
I situated my daughter, and let my husband know I was on my way to the hospital with contractions but not to worry, surely I wouldn’t have this baby until past midnight, right? After all, my daughter’s labor was 11 hours! WRONG.
5:30 pm - Arrived at the hospital
6:30 pm - Checked into my room
7:45pm - I was holding our new son, watching my husband run across the screen during pre-game coverage. Whoops.
My husband is my rock, he keeps he sane, calms my nerves, and brings me down to earth. He truly is my other half. I don’t want to downplay a husband’s role in the delivery room by any means. The thought of not having that person around in such an important time in your family’s life is hard to wrap your head around, but not having time to do that actually made me cling to what I know is true, and that’s what I want to share with you.
How did I do it without my rock?
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I clung to the fact that the plan was already made. That is exactly how it was supposed to go. I found strength in that because even when my rock wasn’t there to hold my hand, my God was.
And finally,
Psalm 139:13 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Not only was I created, knit together in my mother’s womb with Christ having known this would be my story… but so was my son. He was knit together, made for this to be his entrance, with THESE doctors at THIS precise time, and I trusted in that.
If you find yourself facing potential delivery, or any obstacle for that matter without your rock, please be encouraged that you were made for this, and if you are scared to lean on yourself, I can wholeheartedly promise you it is safe to lean on the God that created you.
With that, I urge you to share your experiences, WAG or not, because let’s not forget the incredible women standing behind the men of our armed forces faced with this challenge and more every single day.
Each one of us has a story, embrace yours and use it to encourage or empower someone down the line.
*In celebration of my “Season Baby’s” 2nd year, the details of our story will be posted on my personal page toddlersandtouchdowns.com !
I’d love to connect with you if you have a story you’d like to share! *
-Yesenia J
