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An hour has passed since the women arrived, and the pain has intensified.
“That’s it, Ella; breathe through it, my love. You’ve got this,” Lucas says, kissing me on the forehead.
I’m blowing and moaning, moaning and blowing. Lucas reminds me to keep breathing, but honestly, I feel as if I’m about to leap out of this tub and run this little one out.
“Okay. You’re fully dilated, Ella. It’s time to push. Are you ready?”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been ready for two months,” I groan.
“Okay, at the next contraction, I want you to give me a good push. Okay?”
“Uh-huh!”
“Okay, here we go. Push!”
The noises coming out of me take even me by surprise. I guess childbirth isn’t for the fainthearted. Oh, how I wish my mom was here to hold my hand. Lucas is being so sweet, but honestly, the pain is overwhelming right now, and I don’t want to be touched.
I bear down with every ounce of strength I have.
“Good, you’re doing great, Ella. Your baby is crowning.”
“Uhhh!” I moan and take a deep breath until the next contraction.
“Ready for the next one?”
“I guess!”
“Nice big push, Ella.”
I close my eyes and push.
“There you go. The head is out. Just one more push, sweetheart,” Ester encourages me.
“Won’t our baby drown in the water?” Lucas asks, clearly freaking out.
“No, the baby is fine. Don’t worry, Luke. Just hold Ella’s hand and encourage her,” Joanne says gently.
“Okay. If you’re sure,” he says shakily.
“One more, Ella.”
I bite down and give it the old heave ho.
“Ahhhh! Ouch!”
“There you go! Well done, Ella. Sit up and meet your baby.”
“Is it over?” Lucas asks.
“Yes, meet your son.”
“It’s a boy, my love!” Lucas grins from ear to ear. “We have a son!”
“Let me see him,” I cry.
Ester puts our son on my chest. He’s beautiful. He looks just like his daddy.
“Look at all that hair!” Lucas grins. “Oh, darling, he’s exquisite.”