It was 10:30pm on Tuesday night and I received a text! Amanda, Mama to be for the second time, said contractions were consistent, but not painful. She assured me that she will call when she knows if this is the “real deal”.
Well … one hour later (at 11:37pm), I got the call! This is it! Baby is coming tonight!
I whispered in my husband’s ear, “This is it! Baby is coming tonight. You’re on kid duty until my mom is here at 4am. Love you!” I through myself together, made a sandwich for later, and zoomed out the door.
When I arrived at the Fisher’s home, a sweet aroma of essentials oils was leading me to their front door. When I walked quietly into their home, I heard, “bum bump, bum bump, bum bump…” The sound of baby Joel’s heartbeat on the Doppler. Amanda was smiling and calm, while breathing through contractions. The family room was filled with so much love! Josh (proud Daddy), Amanda, Amanda’s Mom, Josh’s Mom, Amanda’s best friend, big brother Olsen (asleep upstairs), and The Salmonberry Birth Center Team were all there supporting her. The birth tub was up and ready for Amanda. Supplies were laid out and the home was prepped to welcome baby Stellan into the world.
Around 1:00am things slowed down for Amanda… Contractions slowed down a bit, so her body was able to take a break. Quickly though things picked up at 1:30am. That is when things got intense. Amanda was a rock star! She was focused and breathed through each contraction. Dad was asked if he wanted to catch his son. Josh said yes without a blink of an eye and was given instructions from the midwife on how to safely/ gently catch him and what to expect with her guidance/help.
With Amanda’s determination and strength, Stellan Joel came into the world at 2:37am, all while being caught by his Daddy! He weighed 6 lbs 5oz and 19 inches long—exactly the same measurements as his big brother Olsen when he was born.
Births are literally the most amazing thing to be a part of. There is nothing better than witnessing life entering the world! It is always such an honor to be welcomed into the sacred space of a birth.
The love for baby Stellan is immense! Congratulations Fisher Family!
