“Your baby has a strong heartbeat. That’s good. It looks like you have a bit to go for dilation but unfortunately you’re too far along in active labor for us to give you anything.” Nurse Rose takes off her gloves and makes a note on a clipboard. “Who’s your regular OB?”
I try to fill her in as much as possible while Whiskey works through a contraction. The nurse tells me that they’ll take good care of her and will make the necessary phone call to the OB.
Once we’re alone, I pull a chair as close to the edge of the bed as I can get it. “Hey.”
“Hey,” she says, looking at me.
“You’re going to have a baby today.” I think I’m funny, but sometimes she doesn’t, and this might be one of those times. Whiskey starts crying and, in an instant, I’m right next to her, trying to console her.
“He’s early, Ajay. My mom and Dhara were supposed to be here.” Another contraction hits and this time I can practically feel the pain she’s in. “He’s coming, Ajay. I can feel him.”
“The nurse said—”
“I don’t care what she said. He’s either coming now or something is wrong.”
I don’t hesitate to push the button that’s on the wall. Nurse Rose is back asking if everything’s okay.
“No,” I tell her. “Our son is coming now.”
She shakes her head and looks under the sheet covering Whiskey’s legs. As quickly as she came in, she’s back out and barking orders to the staff on the other side of the door. Everything happens quickly. Whiskey’s bed is raised and she’s now sitting up. A mobile cradle is brought in and more nurses enter the room.
Nurse Rose sits between Whiskey’s legs, her hand disappearing under the sheet. “Okay, Mom, I want you to push through the next contraction, and Dad, I want you to hold her hand and encourage her. This won’t be easy for either of you.”
We do as Rose says. Both Whiskey and I scream out. Her from the pain she’s in and me from the vice grip she has on my hand. Who knew my wife was this strong?
“Where’s the doctor?”
“She’s on her way, she’s just finishing up another delivery.”
“Oh.”
“Yep, full moon will do that to you.”
“What?” I ask, feeling slightly stupid.
From behind me, another answers. “It’s a full moon.”
“It’s daytime,” I point out.
“Moon is still full; you just can’t see it until the sun goes down.”
Well thanks for making me feel stupid.
The door swings open and woman wearing scrubs walks in. Right off, the staff is covering her in a gown and helping her put gloves on. “Such a beautiful day to have a baby. I’m Dr. Rosenbloom.”
I must b
e in the twilight zone.
“Anyone else named Rose in the room?” I ask. Two other nurses’ hands go up. “Freaky.”
“Hi Jamie, sorry we’re meeting like this,” the doctor says.
“Uh huh,” Whiskey mutters between pants.
“On your next contraction, I want you to bear down and push.”
Whiskey does and when she’s asked again, she gives it everything she can. Dr. Rosenbloom encourages my wife through every push. “Dad, you want to watch?”