Memory: Change Your Shorts!

Memory: I was in active labor with my second baby. It was hard work and I was relaxing well with and especially between the contractions. Endorphins were surging through me and my thoughts were, well, let’s just say I wasn’t thinking normally. I was deep into Labor Land.

This was late September in Southern California; it was hot. My wise husband changed into some light weight shorts to stay comfortable. When he came back out of our bedroom, I managed to open one eye and this is what I saw: pink and white vertical stripe shorts.

Now, Labor Land is an interesting place. Thoughts and time are warped. The smallest things can be hugely important. When I saw those pink and white vertical stripe shorts (and they were indeed short), I KNEW I was going to be pregnant forever.

This is what went through my labor addled brain: My husband has on pink and white striped shorts. Therefor he is Richard Simmons. It is physically impossible for me to have Richard Simmons’ baby. If I do not have this baby, I will be in labor forever. If I am in labor forever, I will die.

This is what came out of my mouth: CHANGE YOUR SHORTS!

Luckily, my husband immediately and silently did just that. He choose a pair of shorts made from some wonderful, soft, Guatemalan fabric. About an hour later, my beautiful daughter was born into my midwife’s loving hands and I pulled her to my chest, crying “My baby! My baby! My baby!”.

That day gave me so many things that I am thankful for, foremost, my amazing little girl. I also received a more profound and visceral understanding of my own power. Seeing my son welcome his sister into the world was priceless. Somehow, my sister even made it from San Francisco to LA in time for the birth. And last but definitely not least, I am thankful that my wonderful husband changed his shorts.

~Michelle

May all babies be born into loving hands