Page 151 of Playing For Keeps
“Dori, I’m going to need you to focus on your breathing. Jami’s here to support you. The team is ready, and as soon as you get the urge to push, we can deliver your baby. I bet you’re excited to learn the sex.” Dr. Maddox glances at the fetal monitor. “The baby’s doing great.”
Jami beams down at me. “Are you ready to meet our little one?”
“Yes, but I don’t want to do this part.”
“I know, but you’re doing such a good job.” He kisses the side of my face.
I want to scream at him and make him feel what I am. If he did, there’s no way he'd say I can do this.
I throw my head back and mash my eyes shut. Never did I expect the birth of my child to go like this.
Nobody islisteningto me. Just as I’m about to beg for the drugs, a different sensation hits me. One that mortifies me.
I pull Jami closer. “I have to go to the bathroom, and I don’t mean pee.”
“That’s the urge to push.” Dr. Maddox sits down and does a quick exam. “You can push whenever you need. Are you ready to meet your baby?”
“Right now?” Jami and I ask at the same time.
Dr. Maddox smiles at us. “Whenever you’re ready, you can push.”
I move up to my elbows and start the delivery process with Jami by my side the entire time. I push for about two hours before Dr. Maddox tells us she can see the head.
“Dad, do you want to take a peek?” She gestures slightly behind her and off to the side. “You can stand here and watch if you want.”
He gazes into my eyes with longing. “Are you okay if I do? I’ll stay right here if you want.”
“You’ve been coaching me this entire time. Go watch, and I’ll let you know if I need you.” I rest back, taking a break. “I’m getting tired.”
“Just a little more, Dori.” Dr. Maddox glances at the monitor. “Get ready. Another one is coming on.”
I use all my strength to bring myself up and push.
Jami gasps and laughs with pride. “Dori, I wish you could see this. The baby has so much hair.”
I grunt and give it all I’ve got.
Dr. Maddox shifts closer. “Dori, you can keep pushing as long as you can. The baby is almost out.”
Thank God!
I hold my legs back and use all my remaining strength. There’s a searing sting as the head pops out. I think that’s it, but Dr. Maddox lets me know that’s not the case.
“Keep going, Dori. The shoulders are almost out.”
I give my last reserves and force the baby out. Instant relief flows over me, and I lie back.
Dr. Maddox notes the time of birth, and the nurse writes it down.
“She’s a girl.” Jami stares in awe at our newborn. His teary gaze comes to mine. “We have a little girl.”
Dr. Maddox clears her nasal passages and places her on my chest as the nurse wipes her off.
An overwhelming wave of love envelops me as I peer down at the little angel, who’s trying to open her eyes and squirming in my arms. “She’s tiny. And look at all her dark hair.”
“Can you believe it? We have a little girl.” Jami kisses me as a few rogue tears trickle down his cheeks. “You did great. I’m so proud of you.”
“Do you want to cut the umbilical cord?” Dr. Maddox asks.
