It was 11pm on Sunday, I was 5 days past my due date, exhausted by the waiting game, and like a sharp bolt of lightening, it hit me. The first contraction. It was unmistakable. From there, they came on fast and intensely, a deep rhythm building heavier and heavier like pounding waves on the shore during a strong moody storm. The hot shower was the only place I found solace, so it was there where I labored; lights dim, music low. As the contractions grew closer, Darin called my doula who came quickly, along with his brother who was staying with Leo. Two hours of active labor later and it was clear that this baby, and my body, were ready.

We moved to the hospital, driving by the buzzing nightclubs on Santa Monica Blvd. I couldn’t help but to think, ‘am I dreaming?’ as we drove past people dancing in the street while I was experiencing the most intense contraction of them all. We arrived at 1:45am and woke up a sleepy hospital by almost having the baby in the elevator. Turns out, I was 9cm dilated. A surprise to everyone, the most of whom was the nurse who checked. A team rushed around getting a delivery room in order. “I NEED to push! NOW!” My doctor walked in just in that moment, and at 2:06am, I unleashed a loud primal roar. A scream so deep from within, I could feel it rip through my body and soul. It was as though that roar were a broom sweeping through my system collecting every bit of strength and energy I’ve ever banked for the final push. Time stopped and all I could feel was warmth. There she was, our second child lying on my chest, skin to skin. Her naked body on mine was a feeling that could only be described as pure ecstasy.

This drug-free birth was a transformative, powerful experience in every sense. Then at 5pm that evening, we left the hospital and drove home so Leo could meet her sister before bedtime. October 21, 2019, forever one of the greatest days of my life.