Written by EJ (Dad) and shared with permission from Rachel (Mom)
"When I tell you this boy gave me the test of a lifetime, best believe I mean it. But before I get into this story, let me help set the stage. We were planning on doing a home birth with our amazing midwife who we were so fortunate to find. Had all of the supplies (birthing tub, a kit with a bunch of needs for birth, lights, etc.) at Rachels parents house (where we planned on having the birth) for when it was actually “go time”.
Last night around 9:30, Rachel’s contractions were getting extremely consistent and painful. Tossing and turning in the bed until eventually her water broke! I then called our midwife who instantly sprung into action and began in the road for her 20 minute drive. After that, what I thought was a trip to the porcelain throne was much more than I could have ever bargained for. She made her way to the bathroom, on and off the toilet back to the floor. She then proceeded to tell me, “I think he’s coming out” all while moaning and groaning in what I can only imagine was excruciating pain. I thought to myself, “no way, there’s nobody here yet! I can’t do this on my own.” Turns out, Roman knew I could.
Not more than 5-10 min after her water broke, Roman started his journey out. I saw his head pop out and immediately went into what I believe was “dad mode”, preparing for the rest of him to come out. As I waited (the whole 10 seconds it took) for the rest of his body to come out, it hit me that it was only me doing this. No guidance, no training, just me and what I knew about what I thought was going to be a step by step labor with all the supplies and a team of midwives present.
As the rest of him came out, I realized my hands were not quite placed in the right spot when he shot out almost past both of my arms, slipping out and possibly onto the floor. Luckily, I was able to readjust and safely catch him in my arms supporting his fragile head. That’s when the fear started to flow. As I held my newborn son, I grabbed my phone and promptly called 911. As the phone was ringing, I grabbed Rachel’s phone to inform the midwife that she would need to reroute and come straight to our house, as the baby had already been delivered. After giving the Operator my number and address and explaining that I had a new born baby just plop into my arms and that I needed help, I hung up the phone to inform Both my and Rachel’s families (who were planning on being there for the birth) that it had just happened out of nowhere and to come to our house instead of meeting at her parents.
Within 2-3 minutes, 2 officers were in the house and upstairs talking to us while we waited for our midwife or the EMT to arrive. Once they were all there and the baby and Rachel were being taken care of/cleaned up, I was able to sit back, take a breath, and realize what we had just successfully accomplished. I can say without a doubt that this was the craziest, most stressful, and most fulfilling night of my entire life and that Rachel is the bravest, strongest, and most amazing woman I know!
Welcome to the world Roman Aidan Brooks. You are unconditionally, endlessly loved. <3"