“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. “~Marie Curie Photography by Apple Blossom Families based out of Vancouver, Canada. You can follow Apple Blossom Families on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Births of 2 Miracle Babies {2 Preemies, 2 NICU stays, 1 Strong Mother}
In 2009, at the age of 18 as a senior in high school, I found out I was pregnant. I remember taking five pregnancy tests in the bathroom of the restaurant I worked in because I couldn’t believe it was true. Over the next few months, we began to prepare for our unexpected bundle of joy. I assure you this was…
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Cesarean Birth Trauma and then VBAC {2 Stories}
My first birth C-section and disrespect. I never doubted my body’s ability to give birth. I guess that is why I didn’t think I needed to research my birth options. My mother gave birth vaginally, her mother, my other grandmother had 10 children vaginally, all the way back to my great great grandmother who had six sets of twins vaginally…
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I Am Strong {Breastfeeding in a Modern World}
I am strong because at 39 weeks and 1 day my son, Brendon was born. I am strong because I endured 24 hours of labor, and only dilated to 5cm and he still hasn’t dropped into the birthing canal. I am strong because after knowing I refused to have a cesarean section, my doctor told me it was the only…
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Healing Home Waterbirth After Traumatic Cesarean and Miscarriage
“This is the story of my Home VBAC Water Birth after a traumatic cesarean birth and a miscarriage. My story really begins with the birth of my first son. It is fairly lengthy, so I didn’t want to repeat the whole thing here. Some of what I will share will make more sense if you do read it. It was written…
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A Cesarean for Breech Baby, Jaundice and PND
At our 19 week scan, the sonographer found that our son, J’s, nuchal fold was more prominent than it should be. She also found the left brain ventricle to be larger than the other. These, we discovered, were soft markers for some chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, and it may have indicated J having fluid on the brain. I…
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Giving Birth is a Journey
Three years ago I had my first baby girl naturally at 35 weeks pregnant, she was breech a week before but due to a small car accident the shock turned her, she was not harmed and neither was I, but apparently she couldn’t wait any longer. During delivery I suffered a 3rd degree tear that needed to be stitched in…
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Maternal Death and the United States {Birth Without Fear}
Maternal Death – the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes. (WHO) This is a subject no one really wants to talk about. Mothers…
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VBAC: What ACOG Really Says {Birth Without Fear}
VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. The term and action is wrought with political and emotional meaning in the birth world. Can you have a VBAC? Does your doctor or hospital “allow” a VBAC? Under what conditions can you have a VBAC? Should it be called a TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean)? What sort of prior birth history is…