ESSENTIALLY Erin

"One thing I have witnessed and have always loved about birth, is that birth will take you to your limits and then take you over them. When a birthing mother is nearing 7/8 centimeter, characteristically known as "transition," she will undoubtedly say, think, or feel, "I can't do this anymore."  Oftentimes this feeling will manifest itself in those words, a moment of crying, a feeling of wanting to flee, or a frantic look.  It's when she begins to feel the birth has become stronger than her.  When you feel like you can't take anymore there is not much more to take.  However, it is at this moment that something magical happens.  The woman *is* the birth, and at this moment she digs down deep and finds strength she never knew she had.  There is a surge of hormones that cascade through her body spontaneously begins pushing and she finished the work that is needed to bring her baby.  She has just proven herself, to herself.  Often times the expression is "I did it!" Or, "I can't believe I just did that!" Yes you did it mama, that strength and power was you.  What you have now is an empowered mother, ready to meet the demands of motherhood.  From that a first gaze to the weeks and years that will follow, you did it, and you've got this.  You are an amazing woman."