Personal Narrative Essay: Giving Birth to my First Child

I used to think that giving birth was overrated and believed that the emotional rollercoaster leading up the birth was insincere. In my opinion, giving birth had always seemed frightening, long and most of all painful. Surprisingly, my whole outlook on giving birth and its emotional impact changed when I gave birth to my first child, Joy. I remember the day as if it was yesterday, despite the fact that it took place almost nine years ago. It was a rainy Sunday in February when I invited my best friend, Betty over to my house. As we were conversing, the usual pain in my lower back struck me as I tried finding a comfortable position. Betty noted the discomfort on my face and mentioned that we go to the hospital. I gently dismissed her worries …show more content…
I glanced at Betty and I could feel the panic on her face as she tried to help me to my feet. Unbeknownst to me, my water had broken on the way to her car. My heart started racing as I could feel fear seep into my pores and I clutched my stomach harder. The roads were slick and wet as Betty tried to drive as fast as she could without attracting attention from the police. The hospital was fifteen miles away and I closed my eyes to forget about the awfully long time it was taking to get there. Suddenly, tears sprang to my eyes as a searing pain hit me straight in the abdomen. I felt intensely afraid for myself and my unborn child and I briefly wondered if this pain was a fraction of was it felt like to get shot in the stomach. We arrived at the hospital at exactly 5:00 p.m. and I was carried out of the car and placed on a gurney. Nurses tended to me as I was wheeled toward the emergency room. Pain racked my body as I openly cried out in pain, tears running down my cheeks. I was quickly given an intravenous injection and was brought to the delivery …show more content…
Involuntarily, my hands searched for her tiny body and I could not believe I was crying. “Joy,” I whispered. “Your name is Joy.” We were separated and my heart ached once we were not in physical contact. Yet, I could feel her presence within my being. I was brought to a hospital room and soon, my husband followed. I felt intensely happy as I thought of her cute nose and beautiful eyes. Words could not explain how I feeling at that moment. I knew my unexplainable feelings were understood when I shared a knowing look with my husband. I squealed when I saw my tiny bundle of joy. The midwife placed Joy on my chest and I laughed as she latched on to my finger. I could already feel a strong bond between us as she barely opened her eyes and looked at me. Tears continuously rolled down my cheeks as I held Joy and thanked a higher power for blessing me with my child. In essence, giving birth to Joy showed me that the birthing process is emotional and physical and I believe it is one of the most beautiful events in one’s life. Joy’s birth made me realize how important I am to her and her to me. Today, I can say that giving life to a human being is a blessing sent from