Almost three years ago, I was blessed to witness the birth of my first nephew. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. In fact, it was a life altering, earth shaking, can’t-close-my-eyes-to sleep-at-night impact that has forever changed my thoughts and views on childbirth.

Towards the end of my sister’s pregnancy, I’d snicker to myself watching her overdue and swollen body try to master everyday tasks. Getting off the sofa proved harder than the day before, and public restroom stalls seemed to be getting smaller and smaller. Never once did it cross my mind that the round little body I found so amusing would perform the most impossible and incredible feat of turning one body into two.

But then I saw it happen…And it was amazing.

The air was thick with confidence and support. Five women surrounded my baby sister whispering encouragement, stroking her hair and arms, holding our breaths and gazing in awe of her primal womanly power.

Quietly and instinctively, she breathed through each contraction, wrapped in the arms of the women who love her. Our mother suffered her pain, the nurses consoled, and I, giddy with anticipation, prematurely declared,

“Here he is! He’s here!!

Oh…wait…never mind…

his head is here!

Keep pushing!”

 As I watched my sister and her baby labor together, working towards this final goal, I felt elated. I was truly in the midst of a miracle.

After being in that room with her, after striving to imagine every feeling she felt, my life was changed. The fire was lit in that moment, and that is why I chose to be a doula.

Birth is amazing. It is powerful and transforming, intimate and passionate, and always, always, an absolute miracle.