The Miracle of Birth

The baby was born yesterday morning, after a very difficult and emotionally and physically draining labor.
I was in the delivery room, and as it was my first time to witness a birth, it was quite a new experience for me. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but even I could tell that things were going wrong.
While holding the mother's hand, hearing her oxygen mask inflate and watching the computer screen like a hawk for any signs that the baby's heart rate was improving, I heard her ask me to pray. I was instantly reminded of the Psalmist's words "You knit me together in my mother's womb, I shall praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" and where he says that it was God who brought him forth from the womb. These words were an encouragement to us, especially since it was a risky delivery. We knew that God was the only one who could bring this child forth at all and definitely the only one who could protect her and keep her healthy. But all we could do was wait, watch and pray.
At at least one point I was completely dumbfounded that women actually go through this. But as I saw the baby enter the world and be placed in her mother's arms, as I held her close to me and kissed her forehead, I couldn't imagine anyone not wanting children.
When the nurse entered the room after they had been monitoring her vital signs, I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving as I heard her say "She's perfectly fine...the most beautiful baby in the nursery."
And yes, I cried.
The scene was amazing when, looking down at her, her father said, "Look at this...fearfully and wonderfully made."
I've always heard that birth is a miracle, but now I know it and believe it with all of my heart.

During the labor, everyone kept looking over to me and saying "How many children did you say you wanted? I bet you don't want any now!" But I'm happy to say, that through it all, it has only reinforced my desire to have many children.
God's power and providence were manifested and his glory magnified. His mercy is truly new every morning, as we discovered anew at 6:28 am yesterday.

In awe of His grace,
~Robin <><