Glory Births #4: The Other End of the Hall

Angela Jenks
1 day ago
2 min read

She was settled into the birth center tucked at the far end of the hospital’s labor and delivery.

It began with a quiet phone call just after 2 a.m. A soft, uncertain voice on the other end asked, “Could this be labor?” As a first-time mom, everything felt new—every twinge, every tightening, every wave of emotion. She wasn’t sure if this was it, but something told her to reach out. The timing was perfect.

Soon, labor found its rhythm.

By sunrise, she was settled into the birth center tucked at the far end of the hospital’s labor and delivery floor. It was calm, almost sacred—like the space had been waiting just for her. For the next eight hours, she labored with quiet determination, supported every step of the way.

Her husband was unwavering, offering his full presence with each surge. He whispered encouragement, held her hand, and stood strong as her anchor. Her doula moved gently through the room, adjusting lighting, offering water, and guiding her through purposeful positions designed to bring progress.

There were moments when labor slowed or shifted, and that’s when the doula stepped in with intention. Using the sidelying release, she helped create more space in the pelvis. Later, the knee-chest position brought renewed intensity, nudging baby into an ideal position and helping things move along. These subtle, powerful movements helped labor flow forward when it might have stalled.

Eventually, she entered the tub—warm, comforting, and just what her body needed. The water offered relief, and her body responded with deep, primal wisdom. Things moved quickly from there.

So quickly, in fact, that baby nearly made a surprise entrance in the water. Her husband and doula were right there, steady and focused, catching the baby’s head just moments before the midwife arrived to guide the rest of the birth.

And then—life. That sacred moment when the veil feels thinnest. As the baby let out a strong, beautiful cry, the entire room shifted. Tears filled the eyes of those present. Joy burst forth like a rushing wind, filling every corner of the room. Laughter, relief, awe.

But even more than that—the Holy Spirit was there.

It was tangible. Thick with peace. Electric with joy. A sacred stillness and a holy fire all at once. The presence of God wrapped around the new family like a warm, radiant blanket. Heaven and earth kissed in that room.

She held her baby close, eyes wide with wonder. Her husband hovered nearby, tears falling freely. The doula stood nearby, hands folded, heart full. The midwife smiled quietly, letting the moment breathe.

It was an uneventful birth in the very best way. No rush, no chaos. Just a mother stepping fully into her strength, surrounded by love, covered in grace, and delivering her baby with the glorious, Spirit-filled power of her own body.

A first-time birth story that began with uncertainty… and ended in joy, in beauty, and in glory—at the other end of the hall.