The Birthing Process A.K.A One of the Coolest Things I Have Witnessed

I am so grateful for the opportunity to witness such an incredible occurrence. While I understand this happens on a daily basis, this is now a treasured experience that I will keep with me throughout my life.

Our gal arrived at 9 PM with her husband, this was supposed to be her third child at the ripe old age of 20. An incredible feat, if you ask me! We sat and waited patiently until "the time came." Around midnight, it was quite apparent that this child was not coming any time soon so Leonie and I decided to retire for an evening of very light sleep. I woke bright and early with the idea that she was just a few short hours away from delivery. Well, we waited and waited and waited some more... By the time 2 PM rolled around we concluded that this was indeed a Peruvian child and was operating on her own time. Eventually, things began to progress and I was assigned the duty of timing contractions and preparing various herbs and teas. The hours rolled on, the sun set and we waited. I marveled at the strength and fortitude of this tiny woman as she paced about the small room in an effort to achieve comfort despite the progressively strengthening contractions. When the time finally came, Leonie sat Sonia down on the birthing chair (it looks like a toilet seat- a backless a chair with a hole where the seat should be) and draped a blanket over her lap. I was immediately struck by the simple beauty of the situation. This was so unlike the images portrayed in movies. There was no screeching woman, splayed open for all to see in the harsh florescent lights of a hospital. This was peaceful, calm and most importantly her dignity was preserved.

It was beautiful to see how husband and wife worked together throughout this endeavor. He stood behind her and offered not only mental support but also physical by holding her as she pushed. The only noise to escape her lips was a gentle whisper of his name in her time of need. I busied myself with this and that assisting Leonie whilst gaping at the miracle I was witnessing. At 11:38 PM with one final push, this teeny woman brought into this world a perfect baby girl. At that moment the room felt so full as it seemed to me that more that one new person had come to occupy the space.

Gently, I wrapped and rocked the babe then handed her to her daddy as mama gave birth to the placenta. The entire process was majestic and peaceful and I was continually impressed with how different it was from the images conveyed through modern media.

Here, it is customary to bestow the honor of naming the child upon the midwife. With graciousness and respect, Leonie accepted and named this little gem, Anabella, a name backed by strength and beauty.

On a totally different note, I feel obligated to expound upon another local custom associated with birth, the tradition of eating the placenta. Yes, you read correctly, EATING! After the birth the thick organ known as the placenta is then taken to the kitchen where the meaty section is diced and fried along with tomatoes, garlic and other local seasonings. It is then consumed by the family in celebration of good health and in honor of their new member! Yum!