We had a beautiful nurse at the birth yesterday.

Pauline, originally from Togo, is a mother of five, and a grandmother of two. Her last child was born on her own bed, birthed into her own hands. She birthed her baby on her own, with joy.

Our time with Pauline was magical. She spoke to us like she was taking us on a spiritual journey. She spoke low and slow, rolling her R's. Her words were like poetry...or a prayer...

As she was speaking, I copied her words onto paper. Hear her...

The woman's body is so unique
It is well made.

Birth
the body knows this story
I don't write this story

That is how it is.

I will hold you in my heart all the time
I speak to your baby in my tongue
Your baby speaks my language

That's how it is.

Baby Zoe came into this world with grace, full of life. That's how it is.