I grew up in a big family. It was normal about every other year for my mom to announce that we’re having another baby! I could feel it in the air before she’d say anything and when she would call us all together I knew what it would be about. Having another baby in the house was like Christmas! We were always so excited!

I was 10 when she was pregnant with her 6th baby, my third brother. She had always planned on having her babies at my grandma’s house even though it was out of town so that she could see the midwife she liked. However, this baby decided to come early. 

One morning, I woke up at about 6:30 to a baby crying. I went upstairs to see what was going on. My brother had just been born! My dad had called the midwife but she was still on her way so he was taking care of my mom and baby. She was still in the tub so he brought my little brother into her room and laid him on the bed. 

I’ll never forget how incredible the moment was just after he was born. My dad had him wrapped in a towel and showed me how to keep his arms and legs tucked in to make him feel safe and warm. He was wide awake and looked around. I liked to think that he was curious about this world and excited to explore it. It was only later that I learned that he couldn’t see very well yet. The midwife showed up soon after and took things from there. 

It was this moment that triggered my interest in birth and the whole process. There was something special about that moment my brother came into the world with those big innocent, curious, trusting eyes. As I began to gain experience in these special moments and study the science of how they come to be, I am convinced that the events and emotions present during the birthing process affects their perception of this world. I would even go as far as to say that the events and emotions that take place during conception and through the whole pregnancy affect their perception of life.