The Story of Baby Ruth

Written for Cora and Chadwick

Written for Cora and Chadwick

They began work at 2:43 AM 31 May 2012

Ruth was born 5:10 AM 1 June 2012

Alert eyes and bright faces, you’d never guess

In the last 24 hours, they’ve had just 2 hours rest

They get excited by messages that’d make most say “Eeew!”

Like “My discharge was pinkish, with a bunch of gooo!”

They live on the edge, never knowing how long or when

A liquor store birth or 4 hours times ten

Such is the life of a doula, or in our case two

And the birth of Ruth is a story I’d like to share with you

Where to begin is a bit hard to say

On her due date it seemed she’d be here without delay

“You’re dilated 3 cm.” says Dr. Jones

“She’s coming soon.  I can feel it in my bones.”

So we texted Cora and walked that Big Dam Bridge

Ate Eggplant Parmesan and pineapple from the fridge

But the days dragged on and my face grew long

A pep talk from Cora kept me strong

“Your baby will know. Don’t you fret.

No one has ever stayed pregnant…..at least not yet.”

A week went by and I said, “Dear me!

I think it’s time for the downward flow of chi.”

On Thursday we planned to meet at half past three

Now, was that AM or PM I asked at 2:43

AM that is, as contractions were on

They’re coming every 5 and 1 minute long

We met at Birth Works before the dawn

Walked ‘round Cora’s hood, did figure 8s in the lawn

Round about noon a contraction came

To the hospital we go! That one was NOT lame!

We walked the sky bridge to the 2nd floor

Easing along, not sure what was in store

The next 16 hours are a bit of a blur

But we laughed a lot of that I am sure

There was dancing with chairs, horse lips, and my wall

Trips to New Zealand, Dominica, and Nepal*

Through Becky’s stories we traveled the world

And were coated in a rainbow mist she unfurled

“I love oranges! And oranges love me!”

Especially when we’re doing DKC

And of course Summer Sanders, my dear friend

With her labor squats that never would end

To your thighs I am sorry, for you were with me each one

And for calling our families, we thank you a ton

Gentle suggestions, you always met my eyes

Saying I could do it, I’d be surprised

How about the ball, birth bar, or a shower

Now drink this and pee, think about a flower

Things move forward and then back again

Eventually we made it to the magic number ten

Then things went south, but not far enough

See, Ruth wanted to go east, even though it was tough

So east she went, with Dr. Jones’s help

And came into this world with a beautiful yelp

A little girl named Baby Ruth

We couldn’t have done it without you; that’s the truth!

For the strength of two doulas no drug could gain

Thank you Chadwick Kerr and Cora Crain!