"Pushing Forward"

As the hours ticked by, Ashley could feel her body growing more and more exhausted. The pain had intensified, and she was getting ready to push. She was dilated to 9 centimeters, but the baby still hadn't moved down the birth canal. The doctor and nurses were doing everything they could to help, but it seemed like nothing was working. Ashley looked up at Avan, her eyes pleading for help. "I don't know if I can do this," she whispered, her voice shaking with fatigue. Avan held her hand tightly, his face etched with concern. "You can do this, Ashley," he said. "You're strong. Just one more push." The doctor came over to examine Ashley again. "You're almost there," she said. "But we need to get the baby into a better position. Can you try to get on your hands and knees?" Ashley nodded, trying to move into position. But as she got onto her hands and knees, she realized that it wasn't going to be easy. Her back was aching, and her body felt like lead. The nurse came over and helped Ashley adjust her position. "Now, I want you to kneel on Avan's back," she said. Ashley's eyes widened in surprise. "On your back?" she repeated. The nurse nodded. "Yes, that will help the baby move down the birth canal. Avan, can you lie down on the bed?" Avan quickly got onto the bed, lying on his stomach. Ashley hesitated for a moment, but then slowly lowered herself onto his back. She felt a surge of embarrassment, but the nurse just smiled reassuringly. "You're doing great," she said. "Now, let's try to get that baby out." Ashley took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the baby pressing down on her. She gritted her teeth and pushed, feeling a wave of pain wash over her. Avan grunted beneath her, his face set in a determined expression. The doctor's voice came from beside her, calm and reassuring. "That's it, Ashley. You're doing great. One more push." Ashley summoned every last bit of energy she had and pushed again, feeling the baby start to move down the birth canal. She could feel it, just a few inches away from being born. The doctor's voice came again, this time more urgent. "Ashley, I can see the baby's head. One more push, and we'll have him out." Ashley gritted her teeth and pushed with all her might, feeling the baby slowly emerge. And then, in an instant, he was out. Ashley felt a wave of relief wash over her as she heard the doctor's voice, triumphant. "It's a boy!"