The contractions started to grow even more intense. Phil held my hand and was encouraging throughout.
"You're doing great, Kristina." Dr. Sheppard told me.
My body was shaking and I couldn't stop shivering between contractions, which were coming every two minutes now. An hour later, the nurse announced that I was fully dilated.
"Okay, Kristina. Listen to me. You're going to feel pressure before you feel the contractions. That's your baby trying to descend down the canal. Bear down for me for a few moments once you feel the pressure. This is going to help her make her way. Don't push hard, just bear down. Do you understand?" Dr. Sheppard instructed.
I nodded and did as I was instructed. Phil was great throughout. He kept his focus and was encouraging. He wiped the sweat off my forehead.
"Now, push. Hard." Dr. Sheppard instructed.
I squeezed Phil's hand and cried out as I pushed.
"Just a few more pushes." She encouraged.
"I…I can't." I said, shaking my head.
"No, don't clinch up. Phil, help her." Dr. Sheppard turned to Phil.
"You can do this. Not that much longer before you get to hold our baby. You can do this, Krissy." Phil said sweetly, squeezing my hand.
I took a deep breath and pushed hard again.
"I can see the head!" I heard Dr. Sheppard exclaimed.
"Sweetheart, I can see the head!" Phil told me.
"There's the shoulders. One more push!" Dr. Sheppard told me.
I felt a release from my body as I pushed hard. My body gave a hard shiver.
"And she's free from you." Dr. Sheppard said.
I held my breath until I heard the baby cry. I began to cry hearing the sound. Phil and I kissed as our daughter was cleaned off. The nurse gently hands her over to Phil who looked abashed in his love.
"Look at her. She's perfect." Phil cooed.
I leaned back into my bed and ready to hold our daughter for the first time.