Clare, Cameron, + baby Mary's Birth Story

"mary"

quiet beginning

like spring, unfolding

from the cold

some lingering

leftover

pockets of snow

and then came the SUN

so bright,

a fearsome light

frightful at first,

breath-taking,

faith-shaking

at last-

icy walls gave way

to new life

flowing forth

with might

mother in awe-

her transformation,

her creation,

simultaneously.

disbelief

relief

new leaf

new life.

-Maire Richards

1/27–2/1: Prodromal labor

Poor momma. Clare experienced several days of prodromal labor—stop-and-start labor that feels very real for stretches of time, only to fizzle out and return again later. It’s a tough mental game, and I was truly impressed by Clare’s ability to accept this stage, pivot when needed, and trust her body. Cameron, on the other hand, did not enjoy the back-and-forth nearly as much (understandably!). I believe he drove to OSU and back home four times in a 24-hour period. Devoted husband and father right there.

2/2 – 20:37: Early labor

Clare reported early labor with contractions every 8–9 minutes. She labored at home for a while and could tell her body was moving toward active labor. With a long drive ahead of her, she decided to head to OSU to be checked.

In triage, she was happy and chatty—but she was already 4 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and at -1 station. An hour later, contractions were still about 7 minutes apart with no cervical change. I worried this might be discouraging, but once again Clare met it with grace and trust. She had no problem heading back home to rest.

2/3 – Early morning

00:27 — Clare texted that her waters had broken but she was still trying to rest.

01:40 — Another text came through: “We’re going back in. I’m screaming every five minutes lol.”

I love Clare. She made me laugh so much during her labor.

I arrived at the hospital around 02:30 and found Clare very much in active labor. She could still talk between contractions—though much less—and not at all during them, as she was deeply focused and experiencing significant back labor. She requested a cervical check and was 5–6 cm, 100% effaced, -1 station, with baby’s head well engaged. Massage, hands-and-knees, and hip squeezes brought some relief.

Once we were settled into a room and out of triage, Clare began transitioning. Shaking, rising intensity, dozing between contractions, difficulty coping—all the classic signs. There may have been a bit of her New Yorker colorful language sprinkled in, which had us giggling quietly out of sight.

Cameron found it hard to watch his wife endure so much, and I reassured him that everything she was experiencing was normal—and that his presence, prayers, and closeness were incredibly helpful. In fact, Clare asked him for several contractions to come right up to her face, as his presence made her feel safe and grounded.

At the peak of intensity, Clare expressed that she might need an epidural. The anesthesiologist—a tiny, sweet woman—came in. Given Clare’s unique spine and history of failed epidurals, she had hoped to avoid one but remained open if needed. Ultimately, once she learned she was already 9 cm dilated and we suspected it wouldn’t kick in before pushing anyway, Clare made the call to keep going. Once again, she pivoted and persevered like the strong woman she is.

05:40 — Mary’s arrival

Baby Mary arrived at 05:40. Clare’s first words: “No.Way. NO WAY!” She couldn’t believe she did it.

Cameron was bursting with pride after witnessing his wife’s strength, voicing it over and over as he snapped photo after photo. “Little” Mary came in at a solid 8 lbs 7 oz—and I absolutely love a chubby newborn.

Clare soaked in the golden hour, starting to process the whirlwind of the past few hours. Mary was alert and content, taking in the brightness of the outside world—looking at Dad, then Mom—before latching like a pro. Clare and Cameron couldn’t wait to bring Mary home to meet her big sister. 

To Clare and Cameron: Thank you for inviting me into your story. God bless you both as it continues to unfold.

To all readers: stay tuned! I plan to continue sharing stories here.

Maire

the sweetest reward