Somewhere between 8 and 9 centimeters I began to lose strength, began to crumble at the weight of each contraction and I reluctantly relented to an epidural...but it was too late. And, there was Marqui, chanting, praying, showing me my own strength, making me feel capable of doing what I didn't think I could and what the doctors assured I couldn't. I tell her this often. She gave me the gift of natural birth by gifting me her energy along the way. I heard her voice beside my partner, heard her voice on the phone with my mother, heard her voice inside of my heart, detailing every moment that surrounded me.

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"I see her head, Shay...you are doing so good...

I'm proud of you...she's coming, she's beautiful...

YOU GOT THIS"!