"Just breathe. Breathe." Toni rubbed Janet's shoulders as she felt another contraction. "You got this baby." The birthing pool was now set up and Janet was sitting in it. It had soothed a good amount of her pain, but she was still hurting pretty bad.
"Just focus on your breathing." the midwife spoke in a calm voice. The lights in the room were still dim. They wanted Janet to be in a relaxing mood. Katherine and Evelyn quietly moved around the room as they got things together. The doctor had come and was ready to jump in when it was his time. They had gathered up all of the tools they'd need as well as the baby's soap and clothes. Since Janet was almost fully dilated, it was just a matter of time before she started to push and all hands would have to be on deck.
"Mmmmm." Another contraction hit Janet and she tried to breathe through it. Toni kneeled next to the pool, behind her and continued to comfort her. She rubbed a cool towel on Janet's forehead.
"You're almost there." The contraction subsided and she released her breath.
"Ooooohhh."
"Good job." The midwife looked at Janet. "Janet, it's time to start pushing."
"Wait...I want my dad." Janet looked at her mother. "Can you got get them?"
"Sure." Katherine rushed out of the room. Joseph and Mike Sr. were pacing the floor.
"Hey." They looked at her.
"Is the baby here?"
"Not yet. She wants you guys to come in." They followed behind Katherine without asking any questions. Entering the room, they saw Janet taking deep breaths and Toni getting in the pool behind her. She looked up and saw them.
"Dad." Janet held her hand out. Joseph kneeled next to the pool and grabbed her hand.
"What you need, sweetie?"
"Can you just hold my hand, please?"
"Of course." Joseph kissed the back of her hand and smiled.
"Okay, Janet. Are you ready?" The midwife and doctor were both in their positions. Janet nodded.
"I'm ready."
"Okay." Toni held her from behind and kissed her shoulder.
"You got this, baby."
"Alright, as soon as your next contraction happens, you'll push. Okay?"
"Okay." Everyone waited and as soon as her contraction hit, Janet started to cry.
"Push, Janet." She tried her best and pushed. Toni held her other hand as she squeezed. "Okay, stop." Janet stopped pushing and laid back.
"Oh, my god."
"Okay, you're doing good." Joseph rubbed the back of Janet's hand. "We're gonna go again soon, okay." Janet nodded and caught her breath.
"Ooohhh.." Another contraction hit her.
"Push." She pushed. "You need to push a little harder." Janet pushed harder for a few more seconds before she stopped. "You're doing beautifully, but you need to push a little harder."
"I'm tired...I'm..."She closed her eyes as her tears fell.
"Baby, you can do this. You're strong." said Toni.
"Toni."
"Yes, baby."
"Shut up."
"Okay." Katherine and Evelyn held back their laughter. Toni stayed silent and just tried to comfort Janet. Joseph continued to hold onto Janet's hand as he felt her tremble in pain. Seeing her in pain wasn't something he wanted, but he knew the beautiful outcome.
