I am strong because I started developing an unexplainable pain in my legs when I was only six weeks pregnant with my first child. I am strong because I had to go through two doctors, two chiropractors, and twelve weeks of increasing pain before a chiropractor identified the area causing problems (my pubic symphysis) and I found the actual diagnosis online…
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I Am Strong Because I Am FREE!!
I am strong because three months after my husband and I got married, we found out we were pregnant, and at 12 weeks, we lost the baby. I am strong because after three months of waiting to try again, we found out we were pregnant for the second time, but at six weeks, I miscarried again. I am strong because…
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Ladies & Gentlemen, Husbands & Wives, Mothers & Fathers: We Are Strong
I am Strong because I waited until the age of 32 to have my first child. I am Strong because I saw our would-be son one day looking up at me holding onto the knee of the man who became the love of my life at the age of 28. Dream became Reality. I am Strong because as the youngest…
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From the Grocery Story to Unassisted Home Birth in 15 Minutes
My daughter, Aisha Skye, was born on the 19th of February 2013 weighing in at 8 lbs 11 oz, after an unexpected homebirth. I had my first daughter, Avalon, two years previously at our local hospital. She was born naturally after a few complications and six hours of active labour and pushing. I was expecting a similar delivery as my first…
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Photo of Laboring Mother Touching Her Arriving Baby’s Head
“When I was pregnant and thought about labour, I hoped for the opportunity to touch my baby’s head if the moment arose, but didn’t realize the challenge of doing so until it was time. I remember seeing his head in the mirror that the doula was holding and thinking this is it, now or never, and I forced myself to lean…
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There We Were… A Family – The Birth of Sequoia
Heidi’s water broke Thursday at 12:30am. She woke me up saying “Uh baby, my water broke.” I sat up and said, “Tell me more about that,” and looked over to see the soaked sheet on her side of the bed. We did a few things to get ready for labor while having everyone in our house. Then we tried to…
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One Woman’s Successful Frank Breech Vaginal Hospital Birth
Let me rewind a little bit…At 37 weeks, we found out via ultrasound that Everett was frank breech. We tried everything we could to turn him. Everything was totally unsuccessful in turning him. He was stubborn and comfortable in his breech position. Typically, a breech baby these days means a c-section. But I was being told by my midwives that I…
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When Breast ISN’T Best – One Mom’s Challenge with Breastfeeding
When people started finding out my husband and I were expecting, one of the first questions people asked was if I planned to breastfeed. Of course I did! It’s what is best for baby! It’s natural! It’s free! It helps with bonding! Little did I know that none of those things were true…at least for my family. I never got…
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A Decision to Birth Unassisted
When I first planned my birth, I wanted an empowered homebirth. With my doula, my midwife, a student midwife, my birth photographer and my husband and children present. I wanted a party! I wanted a shot of jacks after birth to celebrate. (I know kinda crazy but I can dream, can’t I?) That all changed at 36 weeks. My whole…