After (Five Minute Friday)

There is a moment, an “after” moment, which is indescribable.

It is kind of a between moment — between pain — no, after pain, and before the rest of life.

After the pain of labor and dilation and pushing and breathing.  After the crowning, the bowling ball passes through a space far too small for it.  After the slippery rest of the delivery, shoulders followed by squirmy little body.  After all that happens, in a rush, in a time-standing-still kind of moment, the nurse places on my belly a little person.

I love that after moment — the squirming no longer inside me, but outside with a face and hands and feet that I can see.

I love when they place a warmed blanket over the both of us, and I feel so secure, with this baby resting on my breast, and my husband’s face next to mine, breath on my cheek, warmth all around.

After the birth there is a special moment that I treasure.

After the after, the nurse does her business.

Five Minute Friday is the brainchild of Lisa-Jo Baker.  The idea to write for five minute on a given prompt — this week was the word “AFTER”. Check it out at: