Michael’s Birth Story: A Journey of Strength, Faith, and Grace

Bringing Michael into the world was nothing like I had imagined—but it was everything I needed to experience. His arrival was not early, not on time, but six days past his due date. Induced labor, exhaustion, unexpected turns, and unwavering faith marked the beginning of my motherhood journey.

The Long Wait and The Plan That Changed

I had envisioned a natural birth, free from interventions. I was determined, but my OB, with her wisdom, suggested that I not rule out the epidural entirely—just in case. “You might need the rest,” she said. I nodded, but in my heart, I still clung to the hope of enduring labor without it.

Labor, however, had other plans.

A Marathon of Labor

Induction began, and the hours dragged on. My body worked hard, but progress was slow. The contractions intensified, and fatigue took over. I was already nearing 24 hours with no food, no sleep, and every ounce of my energy being poured into something my body had never done before.

When the pain became unbearable, I finally surrendered to the epidural. And I have to thank my OB for her wisdom—because without that rest, I truly don’t think I would have had the strength to push.

Pushing Through the Unexpected

Laboring during the COVID era came with an added challenge: a mask. Imagine trying to bring a baby into the world while wearing a mask and then, on top of that, having to wear an oxygen mask because Michael’s oxygen levels dropped when the Pitocin was increased. It was nauseating, grueling, and overwhelming.

And then, it was time to push.

Except—I didn’t know how. No amount of preparation had truly prepared me for that moment. My amazing nurses guided me, but after what felt like an eternity of pushing with little progress, the words “emergency C-section” loomed over me.

I knew deep down that I wouldn’t be able to handle surgery after everything I had already endured. But God was in the middle of it all.

Strength I Didn’t Know I Had

The epidural was turned off. I slowly regained movement in my legs. The nurses repositioned me, helping me push in different ways until finally, I was in the traditional position. Every fiber of my being was weak, yet somehow, I kept going. Ice chips became my best friend, and I fought the nausea and exhaustion with everything I had left.

Then, one final push.

And just like that—Michael was here.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Exhaustion. Relief. Overwhelming joy. I couldn’t believe this tiny, perfect baby had come out of me. My body bore the evidence of the battle—one of my eye blood vessels had burst, and my face was puffy. But none of that mattered.

Michael was here.

Through it all, my husband never left my side. Through the endless waiting, the pain, the pushing, and even while watching the inauguration during our long hours in the hospital, he was my rock.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was hard, it was exhausting, and it pushed me beyond what I thought I could endure. But through it all, God was there, guiding every moment.

And at the end of it all, I was given the greatest gift—my precious son, Michael.