40. A Recipe for Attending a Long Labor as a Birthkeeper-Photographer by Brooke Collier
Image Credit :: Brooke Collier of SisterBirth
Guest Post by Brooke Collier of SisterBirth
This moving reflection of my sixth baby’s birth was written by my dear friend, birthkeeper, and sister-in-Christ, Brooke Collier. She held sacred space for us during one of the most tender and powerful moments of our lives. I’m honored to share her perspective with you here.
Ingredients:
a little consecrating of myself to YHWH
a little checking my “baggage” at her door
a little reassuring touch
a little listening to the good shepherd
a little laughing in the living room between contractions
a little making emotive images
a little praying in the spirit
a little frustration and confusion
a little napping on the sofa
a little consulting with fellow birthkeepers
a little spiraling into self-doubt and self-criticism
a little of feeling helpless
a little clip-clop sounds of a tiny heart
a little walking in the dark to get contractions going
a little reminding to take sips of laboraid
a little return to steadfast trust
a little reassuring a witnessing child that all is well
a little of being surprised
a little managing my own fears
a little holding space for tears
a little listening to the changing tone of her vocalizations
a little suggesting of position changes
a little cooking of eggs and toasting of sourdough
a little planning of response to theoretically possible scenarios
a little being present to the journey that is only hers to make
a little of scrambling to set up the video equipment
a little shock that this is happening NOW
a little wonder and admiration at her intuitive motions
a little weeping behind the camera
a little visual assessment of baby’s transition earthside
a little bursting of the heart
a little whispered gratitude to Jesus
a little relief
a little moving around of chux pads
a little gentle wiping away of blood
a little delighting over perfect previously unseen baby features
a little facilitation of weighing, measuring, and cord burning
a little oohing and aahing over the placenta
a little opening of curtains to let in the light
a little tucking of the mama-baby dyad into bed
a little blessing of the newly expanded family
a little satisfying exhaustion
a little reaffirmation of belief in the goodness of autonomous, physiological home birth
a little treating of oneself to a decadent meal after leaving their home
a little trying to stay awake on the road back home
Instructions:
With the exception of the first two ingredients, the rest may be combined in nearly any order. The first two must always proceed the others.
About the Author
Brooke Collier is a birthkeeper, photographer, and the heart behind SisterBirth. With reverence for the sacred feminine and a deep trust in God’s design, Brooke walks alongside women as they navigate the terrain of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. You can find her birth stories, reflections, and offerings at sisterbirth.com or connect with her on Instagram @sisterbirth.
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
Join me over in Fearless Birth Sanctuary!
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Rooted in Christ, Fearless Birth Sanctuary embodies a holistic approach that champions autonomous, physiological birth, creating a secure and sacred space for you to flourish with confidence and joy. This sanctuary invites you to embark on a journey where you can learn, prepare, and fully embrace the profound depths of your own strength and resilience. Here, you are empowered to experience birth as a divine design, rooted in joy, autonomy, and the unwavering support of your faith.
