Page 40 of Before the Storm
“Good.”
Phoenix came rushing through the doors. “We’ve got a situation,” he said, wiping his brow. “Samatha’s water just broke and I guess her contractions are right on top of each other. I called an ambulance, but she’s in distress.”
Janelle jumped to her feet. “I’m no midwife, but I have helped deliver at least fifteen babies.”
“I can’t say I’ve delivered any.” Phoenix let out a long breath. “I’ve done and seen a lot of things, but childbirth isn’t one of them.”
“I was there my for kid’s birth.” Foster stood. “But Sam’s six weeks early. And she’s addicted to drugs. This might not go well.”
“Where is she?” Janelle asked.
“In the main room. We have her over in the corner, but she’s freaking out.” Phoenix held the door open.
Janelle raced through the doors, dodging between people. She didn’t have a clue about drugs. Or addiction. But she understood the fear of early labor, the feeling of being alone. She’d met Sam for a few moments. She was a single mother who had left her boyfriend, who was also her sex trafficker, a term that was new to Janelle, but it hadn’t taken long for it to sink in what it meant.
She found Sam lying on a cot. Another one of the volunteers sat with her, holding her hand while she screamed out in pain.
“I feel it coming,” Sam managed.
“The ambulance is ten minutes away,” Phoenix said.
“Samatha, are you okay if I take a look and see what’s going on?” Janelle asked.
Sam nodded.
As quickly as she could, Janelle examined Sam. The baby’s head was right there. Janelle didn’t have to do anything but peer under the sheet.
“Okay. I need some clean towels. Sterilized scissors. And everyone but Phoenix and Foster to go away.”
“You want me here for this?” Phoenix asked with wide eyes.
She glared.
“Okay. You’re the boss.” He let out a long breath.
“Sam. Look at me.” Janelle climbed onto the small cot. “Whether you’re ready or not, this baby is. The next time you feel a contraction, I want you to push. Got it?”
Sam nodded.
“Foster. Your job is to sit by her head and encourage her. Phoenix, you’re down here with me. Just do what I tell you to.”
One of the volunteers handed her what she’d asked for.
“Oh God. Here we go.” Sam gripped Foster’s hand.
“Hold back her knees,” Janelle said. “Bear down and push.” She focused on the head, but it didn’t move. She reached forward, pressing her hand on Sam’s belly. “Come on, Sam. You’ve got this.”
She groaned but stopped pushing and the head disappeared back in the birth canal.
“Next contraction, you need to push harder. I need you to give it all your might,” Janelle said. “Foster, count to twenty with her, okay?”
“Got it,” Foster said.
“If you can, get behind her and help pull her knees closer to her chest. This baby keeps going back inside.” Janelle had seen that a few times before. It wasn’t uncommon. But it could be for other reasons, and that’s what worried Janelle.
Sam’s face turned red.
“Okay, here we go,” Janelle said. The head appeared, coming out a little farther. This time, she saw the cord wrapped around the neck. “See that?” She glanced toward Phoenix.
