You hear it all the time. Mothers and fathers saying they fell in love with their baby from the minute, the very second he was born. I expected that. I planned for it and I was excited to experience the immediate high and the rush of joy and love that happens when you see your baby for the first time.…
-
-
CBAC: The Birth of Ingrid Alexandra
In the “birthy world”, CBAC or “Cesarean Birth After Cesarean” refers to a belly birth that was initially planned to be a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). In cases like this, sometimes simply saying “repeat cesarean” negates the significance of the decision to birth again via cesarean. As someone who has personally travelled this road, I share the story of…
-
27 ways to Support Pregnant, Laboring, and/or Postpartum Mama
There are so many different ways for a partner to support mama. Some are obvious, some are not. Read on for some ideas on what to ask for from your partner. If you are the partner, here are some examples for you take note of. “Because he is interested in knowing my birth plan, my wishes and needs, and willing…
-
Embracing the Unexpected: Akash’s Birth Story
Life has a funny way of taking what we plan and completely turning it on its head. Akash’s birth was no exception to this rule. Throughout 2016, William and I had taken several leaps of faith. However, even in the midst of moving hectically four times, navigating an unexpected job change for William, and rolling with life’s other twists and…
-
All’s Well That Ends Well: A Surprise Breech Birth
After a smooth and complication-free pregnancy, I expected my birth to be no different. I had chosen a free-standing birth center and a team of midwives for my care providers, took Bradley Method classes, and felt ready to have a pretty run of the mill, unmedicated, intervention-free birth. Little did we know what was in store for us… I went…
-
Proud of My Scar
When I posted this picture last week, I had no idea that it would have had the impact it has. I never thought I would share the picture but something made me post it. Little did I know that one picture on my Instagram (with only 200 or so followers may I add) would have been liked and shared thousands…
-
Oh, That Smile – From Preeclampsia to Emergency C-Section to NICU
It’s that feeling you get as a pregnant woman. The one that’s like, “Holy crap, this is finally happening. I’m finally going to have this baby.” However, for me, I experienced those feelings more than once with my first daughter. I was starting to show signs of preeclampsia in the 28th week of my pregnancy. My feet and ankles started…
-
Post-Birth Probiotics Crucial for Activating Child’s Immune Response
(Editor’s note: This is a portion of an article found on NaturalNews.com.) According to a recent study by New York University, babies born by C-section should be swabbed with their mother’s germs; doctors think this procedure can replace “missing” bacteria that babies are normally exposed to during vaginal birth. Sharing bacteria during surgery is normally something doctors would actively try…
-
Shedding a Stupid Stigma: VBAC Warrior in Shock!
These pictures are fuzzy and blurry but this is my VBAC. This is, “I can’t believe I just did that!” My sister sobbing on my knee and my husband reeling in this moment of “heroism” as he would call it. My childhood dream was being a mommy. That included dreaming of a natural birth. My mom and sister did it.…