My beautiful grandson Ashar was born on June 18, 2015. When my daughter Mandy got pregnant she was just shy of her 39th birthday. She was a very healthy, active, and energetic woman. She enjoyed life and all it had to offer. She and her husband Mike were minimalists and very into a healthy, natural lifestyle. So when they got pregnant, they wanted to ensure that this baby came into the world in the most natural way possible - midwives, doula, home birth, no drugs. I admire that about these two. All through her pregnancy, they researched everything, from the best foods to eat while pregnant (even though she soon discovered that nausea keeps her from even feeling like eating, but she persevered and did what was good for the baby), to things like ultra sounds, breast feeding, co-sleeping and vaccinations; to mention a few.
At 10 days past her due date, she visited the midwife's office for her weekly visit. The midwife suggested that she visit the hospital for an ultra sound. I prayed at that time, that Mandy would be able to do the home birth, but also asked that he direct her to whatever is safe for the baby. Things seemed fine, but she invited her back two days later. She sent her back to the hospital and this time, the doctor suggested inducing. Her amniotic fluid was low. Mandy was hurt and upset, because this was not the way she wanted to deliver her baby into the world. But that worry soon turned to concern for the baby and realized she had to do what was best for the baby. Soon after the inducing started Mandy went into hard labor. It was relentless and very tough on her for 4 hours. There was very little break in between the contractions. It was hard for me to watch my daughter go through so much pain, even though I knew this is normal. I wanted so badly to take the pain away from her. I kept praying to God that he would relieve her, but keep the baby safe. After the 4 hours were up, the nurses encouraged Mandy to have an epidural to relieve the pain. She wouldn't be able to push that baby out at this point, because she was so exhausted. She consented. They had a heart monitor on the baby and a blood pressure monitor on her and kept watch on her for another 20 hours. All along they kept saying the baby was fine and "happy", but as time went on they wondered why he wasn't coming out. I kept praying and praying for God to cradle the baby in His hands and keep him safe. (We didn't know it was a boy) One doctor came in and did an exam and said she could feel something on the baby's head and thought it was the cord. But quickly recanted, ( I think, when they saw the worried look on Mandy and Mike's faces) and said maybe it was the baby's hair or possibly a large vein. I remember taking my Bible and going down to the cafeteria, and just sat there and prayed and prayed and cried out to God for at least 2 hours. I prayed that He had this little baby in the palm of His hands, safe and secure.
Finally after 24 hours of labor, the doctor came in and said there was no progress and the next step is cesarean. Again, Mandy cried as this was now so far from a natural birth than ever. But for the safety of the baby, they very quickly consented. About 45 minutes later, my little grandson arrived in this world, safe and sound as if nothing had happened. He seemed so content and "happy" just like the nurses had said. And there was no cord wrapped around him or on his head! It was right where it was supposed to be. The reason that she couldn't deliver is because her pelvis wouldn't open.
I cried when the midwife came and told us who were waiting patiently that the baby was born. I cried and thanked God for taking care of my little girl and her baby boy. I know in my heart that He was there all along. And that He was holding him so he was happy and safe.
I have never prayed so much in my life. But for over 25 hours I did, and I needed Him more than ever. I am so grateful for all He does in my life and in my kids lives. I pray for them each and every day, that they are safe in the arms of God. Safe in the arms of Love. Because I can't be everywhere my kids are or where my grandchild is, it gives me peace to know that God is. I believe in the Power of Prayer.
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Psalm 4:1
Answer me when I call to you,
Oh my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
At 10 days past her due date, she visited the midwife's office for her weekly visit. The midwife suggested that she visit the hospital for an ultra sound. I prayed at that time, that Mandy would be able to do the home birth, but also asked that he direct her to whatever is safe for the baby. Things seemed fine, but she invited her back two days later. She sent her back to the hospital and this time, the doctor suggested inducing. Her amniotic fluid was low. Mandy was hurt and upset, because this was not the way she wanted to deliver her baby into the world. But that worry soon turned to concern for the baby and realized she had to do what was best for the baby. Soon after the inducing started Mandy went into hard labor. It was relentless and very tough on her for 4 hours. There was very little break in between the contractions. It was hard for me to watch my daughter go through so much pain, even though I knew this is normal. I wanted so badly to take the pain away from her. I kept praying to God that he would relieve her, but keep the baby safe. After the 4 hours were up, the nurses encouraged Mandy to have an epidural to relieve the pain. She wouldn't be able to push that baby out at this point, because she was so exhausted. She consented. They had a heart monitor on the baby and a blood pressure monitor on her and kept watch on her for another 20 hours. All along they kept saying the baby was fine and "happy", but as time went on they wondered why he wasn't coming out. I kept praying and praying for God to cradle the baby in His hands and keep him safe. (We didn't know it was a boy) One doctor came in and did an exam and said she could feel something on the baby's head and thought it was the cord. But quickly recanted, ( I think, when they saw the worried look on Mandy and Mike's faces) and said maybe it was the baby's hair or possibly a large vein. I remember taking my Bible and going down to the cafeteria, and just sat there and prayed and prayed and cried out to God for at least 2 hours. I prayed that He had this little baby in the palm of His hands, safe and secure.
Finally after 24 hours of labor, the doctor came in and said there was no progress and the next step is cesarean. Again, Mandy cried as this was now so far from a natural birth than ever. But for the safety of the baby, they very quickly consented. About 45 minutes later, my little grandson arrived in this world, safe and sound as if nothing had happened. He seemed so content and "happy" just like the nurses had said. And there was no cord wrapped around him or on his head! It was right where it was supposed to be. The reason that she couldn't deliver is because her pelvis wouldn't open.
I cried when the midwife came and told us who were waiting patiently that the baby was born. I cried and thanked God for taking care of my little girl and her baby boy. I know in my heart that He was there all along. And that He was holding him so he was happy and safe.
I have never prayed so much in my life. But for over 25 hours I did, and I needed Him more than ever. I am so grateful for all He does in my life and in my kids lives. I pray for them each and every day, that they are safe in the arms of God. Safe in the arms of Love. Because I can't be everywhere my kids are or where my grandchild is, it gives me peace to know that God is. I believe in the Power of Prayer.
My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Psalm 4:1
Answer me when I call to you,
Oh my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
be merciful to me and hear my prayer.