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Giving Birth is Scary—And I Would Do it Over and Over Again

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By Sarah Miller

Newborn baby with mother — Image via Sarah Miller

My mom always said she loved giving birth, and she’d do it over and over again. Each time she said that, I thought she was crazy.

Giving birth is scary. Giving birth is painful. Giving birth is messy.

Eighteen hours of labor, one epidural, two and a half hours of pushing, an episiotomy—that’s what I went through. My husband, nurses, and doctors (yes, doctors because I labored through three shift changes) were wonderful.

RELATED: To the Mom With the Traumatic Birth Experience

One thing was missing, though, my mom. I remember thinking about her the whole time I was pushing and wishing she was with me. I also remember cursing at her in my mind for saying giving birth was an amazing experience and she’d do it over and over again.

I was terrified. I was in pain. I was tired.

And then he was born. My perfect little boy was placed on my chest with the umbilical cord still attached. That moment was surreal. That moment was raw. That moment was perfect. With tears in my eyes, I realized what my mom meant when she said she loved giving birth.

RELATED: So God Made a Newborn

Was it messy? Yes.

Was it scary? Yes.

Was it painful? Yes.

Would I do it over and over again? Absolutely.

The moment you meet your baby is the best moment you’ll ever experience. It’s unexplainable. It’s beautiful. It’s miraculous.

The love you have for this perfect little human at that exact moment in time and every moment from that point on is truly indescribable.

No matter what your birth story is—natural, C-section, adoption, medicated, unmedicated—we can all relate to these feelings.

RELATED: Dear C-Section Mom, You Are a Warrior

Giving birth is honestly an incredible experience that only a mama can understand. I can only hope one day every woman who longs for a child is blessed with a moment like this.

Previously published on the author’s blog

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Sarah Miller

I’m Sarah. My absolute biggest passion in life is being a mom, and I know that was my mom’s passion, as well! My mom passed away when I was 19 and as I get older, I see so many similarities between the two of us. She is my inspiration for all things I do- and I owe everything I am to her. In addition to being a mama to a perfect little man, I am also a wife to the most amazing husband, a dog mom to two cuddly pups, and a special education teacher. I also have a passion for decorating and cooking. I enjoy designing custom chalkboards for both home decorating and for events such as weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, etc. In fact, I have contributed in some way to at least a dozen events and planned/hosted a few events on my own. That’s me in a nutshell!

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Giving Birth is Scary—And I Would Do it Over and Over Again

RELATED: To the Mom With the Traumatic Birth Experience

I was terrified. I was in pain. I was tired.

RELATED: So God Made a Newborn

The love you have for this perfect little human at that exact moment in time and every moment from that point on is truly indescribable.

RELATED: Dear C-Section Mom, You Are a Warrior

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Sarah Miller

To My Angel Babies

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I’d Given Up on Getting Pregnant‚ But Hope Had Other Plans

It’s a Good Day To Celebrate Your Rainbow Baby

What Comes after the NICU? Sometimes It’s the Struggle No One Sees.

Surprise! I’m 42 and Pregnant.

To the Moms of COVID Babies Turning Five

Dear Mama, There’s a Story In Your C-Section Scar

He Was Almost the Boy I Let Get away

Dear C-Section Mom, It’s Natural to Feel Whatever You Do

Get It Now

So God Made a Mother

Giving Birth is Scary—And I Would Do it Over and Over Again

I was terrified. I was in pain. I was tired.

The love you have for this perfect little human at that exact moment in time and every moment from that point on is truly indescribable.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

To My Angel Babies

Having a Holiday Baby Is Extra Special

I’d Given Up on Getting Pregnant‚ But Hope Had Other Plans

It’s a Good Day To Celebrate Your Rainbow Baby

What Comes after the NICU? Sometimes It’s the Struggle No One Sees.

Surprise! I’m 42 and Pregnant.

To the Moms of COVID Babies Turning Five

Dear Mama, There’s a Story In Your C-Section Scar

He Was Almost the Boy I Let Get away

Dear C-Section Mom, It’s Natural to Feel Whatever You Do

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