Andrew and the mothers told me after the delivery that I had been pushing for 3 hours or so and I am grateful I didn't know this during delivery.  I guess you just concentrate so hard on the task at hand that you forget all about the time, who is in the room and it just doesn't matter any more who sees your bottom.  All I wanted was to get her out, especially when they threatened to perform a Cesarean if I didn't get it on the last couple of pushes.  Thank goodness for some help of 3 wonderful people guiding me the whole way.  Dr. Rapp applied suction to Miriam's head while Midwife, Angie Stikeleather, and Nurse, Rachel, braced my legs on their thighs, grabbed my hands and pulled against my depleted strength as I pulled against them.

As soon as Dr. Rapp had dislodged her head from behind my pelvis, out she came and quickly too.  However, I had to stop mid-push because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and needed to be cut.  (Andrew did get to make the final cut to the umbilical cord.)  Next thing I know, one more push and they have her laying on my chest with me in total shock.  Did this just happen?  Uh...yeah it did!!  My shock soon gave way to pain as I was told that the pain was from me tearing on my last push and that I needed stitches.  I am thankful for Dr. Rapp’s excellent patience and skill as we waited for anesthesia to begin repairing the tear and the care she took in stitching me to make sure I would heal well.

After the delivery and repair, I was wheeled to my postpartum room to recover for 2 days.  I had some wonderful nurses that I couldn't have recovered as well as I did without them.  Credit is also due to family and friends whose strength, service and support are beyond words.  Thank you to all who have also been praying for Andrew, Miriam and I!