"Delivery Day"

By Dr. Shefaali Sharma

OB/GYN, Physician Partner

Associated Physicians, LLP

Madison, WI

"I still remember my first delivery. Hand-over-hand with the attending physician in the early morning hours, we guided a beautiful baby into the world and placed them gingerly on their mother’s chest as they wailed, kicking their tiny feet. I was smitten. At that moment, I knew that this was what I was meant to do. And there was no place I’d rather be at 2 AM if I couldn’t be in my own bed! 

The birthing day was by far the most important day. I was enthralled by the wonder and beauty of the day and the miracle of it happening each and every time. Even today, after 10 years in practice, it never grows boring, and it amazes me each time that tiny life arrives into our world and takes that first cry. 

Sometimes I reflect on my own deliveries and I realize that none of them were really as I hoped and imagined. They were scary, challenging and far from a “fairytale” birth! I realized that at the end of the day, I left the hospital, safe and healthy, with a healthy baby - three times! But, especially after my first two deliveries (a cesarean after pushing and a vacuum assisted vaginal birth after cesarean), I spent time feeling two things - sad for the challenges (to put it mildly) of the deliveries but beyond grateful for the health and safety of us. 

As I have evolved and grown through my motherhood journey, I have realized that while the birthing day is indeed one of the most startlingly beautiful and key moments, it is only the beginning of their life. And while as an OB/GYN, the birthing day is particularly special, I recognize the beauty in the parenthood journey really comes down to being present in their everyday lives and experiencing all of their firsts and their lasts, all their musings and laughter, their tears and cuts, sticky kisses and warm snuggles. Holding their hand as they cross the street, hugging them tight after their first harsh life moment,  helping them navigate lost teeth, scraped knees, riding a bike, learning the piano, counting to 100, reading their first book, their first day of school…oh the list goes on and on. With each of these moments, my heart cracks open, grows 2 sizes and makes room for more of these core memories. 

The birthing day, the delivery day,  is one of the most wondrous experiences. But it is not the only wondrous experience of parenthood. Our babies and our parenthood will not be defined by that one day; but instead by the millions of moments after. So feel two things, and know you are a mother, no matter how that journey began."

This story is brought to you by our new series "Beyond the Chart", where our OB/GYNs share what experience has taught them.

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