Heavenly and Holy-Spirit Filled: Tarryn's Birth Center Birth of Divine Mercy Baby Jaedalia

 Our daughter, Jaedalia Anne Estrada, entered the world on a Friday night at 9:53 p.m., in the most holy and peaceful way. She was born at a beautiful birthing center in Connecticut, but her journey began much earlier that day. Weeks before her arrival, I was having prodromal labor. I even thought my water had broken weeks prior, but it was just a bit of fluid. That whole previous experience was like a preparation, looking back, for the final moment, as things happened pretty similarly.  

It was around 1 p.m. when my water did actually break. We knew it was time to go to the birthing center, so I called my husband, Israel, who was at work. He drove us there, with my mother and our son accompanying us. My bag was already packed, and I just grabbed the snacks and toiletries together. As we drove, we began praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet together, and just around 3 p.m., I started having contractions. I was officially in labor.  

In the midst of all this, my dear friend, Yolanda, called to pray with me over the phone, and she played the song "Holy Forever." She asked me what I wanted this experience to be like, and without hesitation, I said, “heavenly and Holy-Spirit-filled.” Just after I said that, something incredible happened - our 2.5 year old son began praying the Hail Mary three times, then exclaimed, “Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Mary!” We were all stunned, as he had never done anything like that before! It felt like a sign from God that He was present and guiding us.  

Jaedalia’s name means “God is my refuge,” which felt especially meaningful that day, as it was clear that God was our refuge and strength through everything. Our older son’s name, Giano, means “God is gracious,” and having him brought me closer to my faith. Having our daughter has been a journey of total surrender, each moment with her feeling like a divine gift.  

God had already worked a miracle in our family. When we had our son, we had hoped for a birthing center birth, but it turned into a hospital experience after a near life-threatening situation. God saved him then, and it brought us closer to Him. Having our son with us during this birth was a powerful reminder of how far we had come, and the miracle we had already witnessed.  

As the labor continued, I felt calm and prepared, especially since my body had been having contractions for weeks leading up to the big day, so I was excited it was finally happening.  

God had been preparing me. I also had a birth plan from "Made for This”, read the book while pregnant, and a collection of prayers that I kept close in my bag. 

When we first arrived at the birthing center, I was about 2-3 cm, and they hooked me up to the monitors and confirmed that my water had broken by doing a test. It was around 4:48 p.m., and they suggested I come back after some time and call to let them know how things were progressing. I went to a nearby mall to grab something to eat and walk around. My husband made sure I ate, and I'm so grateful he did. After that, my water continued leaking to the point where I had to buy a new pair of pants and use a towel!

As time passed, things started to pick up. I found a room designated for nursing mothers, where I labored and played gospel music. One of the contractions took me to my knees, and I knew it was time to go back to the birthing center. When they checked me, I was already at 6 cm, and from there, things moved even faster.  

Israel asked if we should get the birthing ball, but I knew it was time. I said, “Get my mom. This baby is coming. Let’s set everything up!” They filled the tub with warm water, and we set up the space just how I wanted it. I had my playlist, the Bible, holy water, and a crucifix nearby. My mom read from the Scriptures and from the birth quotes in the Made for This Birth app. Israel reminded me of Jesus on the Cross, and I just continued to surrender myself to Him.  

The words I kept thinking were: “Open, release, surrender.” I repeated them like a prayer, feeling the surrender in my heart. The warm water brought peace, and I felt God's presence with me in every moment. The experience was intense, but I could feel Jesus with me, strengthening me through each wave of labor. His Presence was undeniable, and in that intensity, I found peace and strength.  

After just over an hour of arriving at the birthing center, Jaedalia was born. The pushing was a huge relief, though we did need to try a different position as she got a little stuck. But, in just 8 minutes of pushing, and with no tears therefore no stitches needed, I heard the most beautiful sound - the sound of her first cry. Our little girl was born. And with her first moments, she was already aware - one of her eyes was open, taking in the world around her.  

It was a “Jesus did it” moment for me, as I knew it was all by His grace. My son, who had been waiting to be picked up, ended up being in the other room with my mother-in-law during the birth, while my mom stayed by my side, praying and supporting me. She cried with joy, placed a cold towel on my hand, and reminded me that God had been with us through it all. Israel was in the tub with me, offering constant support. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.  

Before the birth, there had been some uncertainty as to whether I’d be able to birth naturally due to various circumstances. But just days before the birth, I saw a white butterfly at the entrance of the birthing center. I knew it was a sign from heaven that I was meant to be there and that everything would work out. White butterflies have always been God’s way of communicating new life to me. Before I found out I was pregnant, white butterflies would come to my tummy, and it felt like a divine message of love and hope.  

As I held Jaedalia in my arms for the first time, I felt an immense sense of gratitude and peace. It was that heavenly, Spirit-filled moment and birth - a true miracle.  

And now, as I write this, I’m pregnant with our third child, who is expected to arrive in the same month as Jaedalia. They will be just a year apart. Jaedalia has been such a joyful baby, filling our hearts with laughter and love every single day. I feel incredibly blessed, and I know that God’s perfect timing will continue to unfold in beautiful ways as we prepare for the arrival of our next.

Tarryn is a Catholic mom and former personal trainer, who now stays at home with her children and is pregnant with her 3rd baby. She and her husband live in New York and have been married for seven years this August. They are open to God’s Will in their lives and want to spread the love and light of Jesus.