I was completely in charge of my pregnancy. Such a wonderfully intimate experience between myself and my baby, God, and our family. Although yes, it was empowering, that is not at all why I do it. I do my pregnancies, and births, and babies this way because this is the choice my husband and I confidently make for our family.…
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That’s Why It’s Called a Birth “Preference” Instead of a “Plan”
I have long-struggled to like myself. I hated my body and lacked self confidence in many areas, so finding out I was pregnant just triggered a heightened sense of anxiety for me. Finding out I was diabetic at my first OB appointment made things even worse. As the doctor rattled off the list of awful things that could result, I…
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With Fresh Adrenaline: A Hospital Birth Story
It’s been 7 weeks since our lives and souls were rocked to the core by the arrival of our first son, Declan Finn. It has honestly taken me this long just to reflect on and process the transformative experience of bringing a brand new human onto this planet enough to put it down on paper. Plus, there’s been a good…
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When Natural Labour Isn’t Ideal
"By writing my story I am not saying that my experience is, or should be, the same experience as anyone else who has been through the same things I have been through. Maybe my experience will help someone, maybe it won’t. At the end of the day, I am recounting things as they’ve happened to me..."
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Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) & My Gentle, Family-Centered Preemie C-section
"I started to research my symptoms and came across something called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP). As I quickly scanned the information, I knew in my heart I had this condition..."
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Our Ray of Sunshine, the Storm and the Rainbow {Trigger Warning}
"To birth without fear again. But how?"
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Snow Moon Baby: A Fabulous Hospital Birth Story
"Both my support women encouraged me that I needed to believe that I could do this, and R.C. told me that I needed to tell myself that, “I can do this,” even if I didn’t believe it. So I did, and gave myself a pep talk. "
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One Mama’s Birth Without Fear Tattoo
"Birth Without Fear continues to inspire me and is a big drive in my life. I can still hear my husband whispering “what do you have tattooed on your ribs?” while I was in labour with my second."
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Cholestasis, a Change of Plans, and a Respectful Induction
"Several months before I had attended a Birth Without Fear Meet Up where January described the birth of 'Beard Baby'. Prior to her birth she had had decreased movement and January described this as feeling that her baby had 'nudged' her. I had a brief moment of peace realizing that my baby was nudging me as well and that this…