6 years ago today... {overwhelmed!} Feeling a bit undeserving right now; filled with humility really. I usually LOVE the night before one of my children's birthdays... they are filled with these awe-inspiring, precious, joyful memories. Tonight is the first Bday-eve that I've ever felt sad in this way. Remembering the miracle of Jake's birth, and holding the gift of my first-born son is such ...an utter contrast to the way we spent many of our moments over the last year: butting heads. I haven't extended the grace he has deserved. I haven't clearly shown him Christ's love in my actions or words. (I'm fully aware that I'm not extending myself grace either!) Feeling a little inadequate to be raising God's children right about now! Anyways, however undeserving, I am so honored & blessed to be Mommy to my precious Jake Parker. His heart blows me away. I will try to be more gentle with it, and to better live-up to my calling. {Now there's a different version of the "6 years ago today" FB post!} LOL ~a little too real for fb, but it's MN & i don't care~
Showing posts with label birth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birth. Show all posts
7.05.2012
8.01.2009
3am "diary" from the worst 'blogger' in history...
WARNING! RAMBLING about labor, contractions, birth, and such!
Don't I start every post by saying that I haven't been here in a while?
Last night I slept restlessly through contractions that weren't unbearable, but that were intense enough to wake me up a bit each time. They were 7 minutes apart through the night, but not progressing.
Tonight, though, I cannot lie down. I'm a little opposite from many women. When I take a contraction lying down, it becomes almost unbearable. When I am upright they either subside (if it's "practice" labor) or they become much more bearable (in my birthing time).
So I'm sitting here at 3am, trying to figure out if these contractions are going to go away or progress... they're just kinda staying the same, for the last 4 hours. Too strong to sleep through, but not strong enough to 'act upon' (when upright).
Do I begin to bake the cinnamon rolls and cookies I've prepared for the nurses? Or is my body fooling me, and then I'll have a bunch of sweets to eat by myself? And another SLEEPY day. I just want to sleep! OR, even better, have the baby!!
It baffles me how different each pregnancy and labor/birth has been. I did not expect this!
My last birth was so quick and easy, no questions, SROM (Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes), and 3 weeks "early". So I expected a similar type of story from this little guy. But not so!
If this is my early birthing time, then it's beginning in the same way that Jake's did, which lasted 39 hours (as compared to Austin's 9 hours.)
This baby is floating in too much fluid and keeps flipping all about. (Borderline Polyhydramnios and Variable Lie.) Because of this and my anterior placenta (inserted in front), I often don't feel movement for extended periods of time. His head was down (& fairly low) and suture lines palpable (Dr was able to feel scalp bones) 1 1/2 weeks ago, and this last week he was floating high and she was feeling his hands and fingers. So I've been trying to remain active to get him to engage. I don't want ANY other presenting part besides head! But the decreased perception of movement, the excess fluid, and the floating baby all makes for a momma, nurse, & Doctor who want the baby out!
So I can't believe I decided to break the silence here with a rambling 'diary' of my labor-thoughts. Lovely!
But I'm here with these persistent, moderate contractions... (until I lie down, and they rock my world again)...
Praying for either progress or sleep...
And for baby to come, healthily and naturally, and in God's time.
Oh, how I want to sleep!!!!
(P.S. that makes me laugh, knowing the sleep-deprivation that is around the corner for us!)
I would like to say that if you don't hear from me soon, that means I've had the baby. But knowing me, it is very likely that life can go on normally and you still wouldn't hear from me soon!
Like I said, worst 'blogger' in history.
Don't I start every post by saying that I haven't been here in a while?
Last night I slept restlessly through contractions that weren't unbearable, but that were intense enough to wake me up a bit each time. They were 7 minutes apart through the night, but not progressing.
Tonight, though, I cannot lie down. I'm a little opposite from many women. When I take a contraction lying down, it becomes almost unbearable. When I am upright they either subside (if it's "practice" labor) or they become much more bearable (in my birthing time).
So I'm sitting here at 3am, trying to figure out if these contractions are going to go away or progress... they're just kinda staying the same, for the last 4 hours. Too strong to sleep through, but not strong enough to 'act upon' (when upright).
Do I begin to bake the cinnamon rolls and cookies I've prepared for the nurses? Or is my body fooling me, and then I'll have a bunch of sweets to eat by myself? And another SLEEPY day. I just want to sleep! OR, even better, have the baby!!
It baffles me how different each pregnancy and labor/birth has been. I did not expect this!
My last birth was so quick and easy, no questions, SROM (Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes), and 3 weeks "early". So I expected a similar type of story from this little guy. But not so!
If this is my early birthing time, then it's beginning in the same way that Jake's did, which lasted 39 hours (as compared to Austin's 9 hours.)
This baby is floating in too much fluid and keeps flipping all about. (Borderline Polyhydramnios and Variable Lie.) Because of this and my anterior placenta (inserted in front), I often don't feel movement for extended periods of time. His head was down (& fairly low) and suture lines palpable (Dr was able to feel scalp bones) 1 1/2 weeks ago, and this last week he was floating high and she was feeling his hands and fingers. So I've been trying to remain active to get him to engage. I don't want ANY other presenting part besides head! But the decreased perception of movement, the excess fluid, and the floating baby all makes for a momma, nurse, & Doctor who want the baby out!
So I can't believe I decided to break the silence here with a rambling 'diary' of my labor-thoughts. Lovely!
But I'm here with these persistent, moderate contractions... (until I lie down, and they rock my world again)...
Praying for either progress or sleep...
And for baby to come, healthily and naturally, and in God's time.
Oh, how I want to sleep!!!!
(P.S. that makes me laugh, knowing the sleep-deprivation that is around the corner for us!)
I would like to say that if you don't hear from me soon, that means I've had the baby. But knowing me, it is very likely that life can go on normally and you still wouldn't hear from me soon!
Like I said, worst 'blogger' in history.
6.17.2009
A baby will be born...
Look at those chubby little cheeks!!!! So cute, I just wanna kiss them over and over again!!!
If you know me, you know that I think giving birth is one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring experiences ever. Whenever I think about the possibility of this being my last child (which is hardly ever, because I don't want to get sad!), one of the first things I get sentimental about is the idea of this being my last time to give birth!
So today when they told me that baby is in frank breech position, and that there's a very good chance that I will need to have a C-section, I have to admit I was pretty bummed. I allowed myself about ten minutes of being sad, and even cried about the potential C-section and the idea of never having another natural birth again... and then I made myself move on.
On to incredible thankfulness for another healthy pregnancy and baby, for the two beautiful natural births that I have had, and for the time that I have left in this pregnancy (in which I will be doing positioning exercises and praying for a somersault!)
Those of you who have had C-sections, I know how extremely petty I sound! I know it occurs often, and that it is still birth, just by a different method. I know that it is still the most incredible day ever, being the day that you meet and hold your baby for the first time, and I definitely don't want to take anything away from that. I have just been extremely fortunate to to experience and enjoy my two vaginal births, and I had just allowed myself a moment of 'mourning' the idea of not having that chance again.
But the moment is over.
"Be still and know that I am God..."
-Psalm 46:10
I have hope that he may still flip, even though it's late. But mostly, I am resting in the knowledge that whatever happens, it is all part of His perfect plan.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
-Romans 8:28
I know that it's not a big deal either way; all I can ask for is a healthy baby and that will be the greatest blessing ever, regardless of which birthing method brings him into our arms! How reassuring to know that God is in control-- my faith in Him fills me with peace. Not just regarding my pregnancy and birth, but also in my marriage and in raising our children. All the things that sometimes weigh on my heart, they truly have no power when surrendered into His loving & capable hands.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7
I am sooo thankful!!!! He washes away our worries & fear and fills us with peace & joy!
Still... you can know beyond a shadow of doubt that even as I'm in this happily pregnant state, full of acceptance and peace regarding the baby's position and his upcoming birth, I will most definitely be cheering him on under my breath until his birth-day:
"Turn, baby, turn!" "Turn, baby, turn!" :)
A girl can hope!!
So today when they told me that baby is in frank breech position, and that there's a very good chance that I will need to have a C-section, I have to admit I was pretty bummed. I allowed myself about ten minutes of being sad, and even cried about the potential C-section and the idea of never having another natural birth again... and then I made myself move on.
On to incredible thankfulness for another healthy pregnancy and baby, for the two beautiful natural births that I have had, and for the time that I have left in this pregnancy (in which I will be doing positioning exercises and praying for a somersault!)
Those of you who have had C-sections, I know how extremely petty I sound! I know it occurs often, and that it is still birth, just by a different method. I know that it is still the most incredible day ever, being the day that you meet and hold your baby for the first time, and I definitely don't want to take anything away from that. I have just been extremely fortunate to to experience and enjoy my two vaginal births, and I had just allowed myself a moment of 'mourning' the idea of not having that chance again.
But the moment is over.
"Be still and know that I am God..."
-Psalm 46:10
I have hope that he may still flip, even though it's late. But mostly, I am resting in the knowledge that whatever happens, it is all part of His perfect plan.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
-Romans 8:28
I know that it's not a big deal either way; all I can ask for is a healthy baby and that will be the greatest blessing ever, regardless of which birthing method brings him into our arms! How reassuring to know that God is in control-- my faith in Him fills me with peace. Not just regarding my pregnancy and birth, but also in my marriage and in raising our children. All the things that sometimes weigh on my heart, they truly have no power when surrendered into His loving & capable hands.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7
I am sooo thankful!!!! He washes away our worries & fear and fills us with peace & joy!
Still... you can know beyond a shadow of doubt that even as I'm in this happily pregnant state, full of acceptance and peace regarding the baby's position and his upcoming birth, I will most definitely be cheering him on under my breath until his birth-day:
"Turn, baby, turn!" "Turn, baby, turn!" :)
A girl can hope!!
7.26.2008
7.24.2008
Home Birthing = Child Abuse ???
ETA: LINKS HAVE BEEN FIXED
I have a post that I never finished or proof-read. It's done a whole lot of good in my drafts folder all this time! So I'm not sure what the most recent developments in this issue are, but I figured I might as well just post it AS IS in case anybody is interested. (Far better than not posting it at all!) Okay, here's the MONTH OLD post!
Written 6/25/08: I just got an email from my hypnobabies birth educator yesterday. I'm just going to copy/paste it here. (Because my children only sleep for so long, because she knows more about it than I, and because I have a to-do list that's about a zillion miles long so maybe I'll check something off in the saved time instead of trying to paraphrase what she wrote...)
For the record, here is my opinion on the matter: BIRTH IS NATURAL. It's not a medical procedure. It's not an intervention. Our doctors don't 'deliver' our babies, we birth them (with or without a doctor present). So anyways, even though I chose to give birth at a hospital (for my own reasons), and I LOVE my doctor, I do not support any legislation or movements that will take away our right to choose a home birth or birthing center. Absolutely not!
I have a post that I never finished or proof-read. It's done a whole lot of good in my drafts folder all this time! So I'm not sure what the most recent developments in this issue are, but I figured I might as well just post it AS IS in case anybody is interested. (Far better than not posting it at all!) Okay, here's the MONTH OLD post!
Written 6/25/08: I just got an email from my hypnobabies birth educator yesterday. I'm just going to copy/paste it here. (Because my children only sleep for so long, because she knows more about it than I, and because I have a to-do list that's about a zillion miles long so maybe I'll check something off in the saved time instead of trying to paraphrase what she wrote...)
For the record, here is my opinion on the matter: BIRTH IS NATURAL. It's not a medical procedure. It's not an intervention. Our doctors don't 'deliver' our babies, we birth them (with or without a doctor present). So anyways, even though I chose to give birth at a hospital (for my own reasons), and I LOVE my doctor, I do not support any legislation or movements that will take away our right to choose a home birth or birthing center. Absolutely not!
Here is a link to CABO (Community Alliance for Birth Options.)
Here's a copy of the email she sent. I haven't read the news story that it references, but I did make sure that the link was 'legit'. Hope you find this interesting:
The AMA is actually trying to instigate legislation that would make birthing at home or in birth centers outside of hospitals (parent's choices in childbirth) illegal...tantamount to child abuse. Have an opinion?
The AMA has accepted a resolution to develop model legislation that will name hospitals as the safest place to have a baby (i.e. tantamount to child abuse if a couple chooses to give birth elsewhere...in birth centers, or homes).
Please go to THIS Huffington Post link (address posted below) and click on the article called "Docs to Women", which is an article about ACOG's decision to push for legislation making birthing outside of a hospital a potentially prosecutable offense; this in response to the public's attention paid to Rikki Lake's movie, "The Business of Birth", and recent press coverage of celebrities giving birth outside of hospitals.
Please click or "BUZZ" (vote to put this article on the front page of YAHOO) by hitting the 'buzz' button) on the article, and/or post comments in order to keep up the media attention on ACOG's resolution.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ricki-lake-jennifer-block-and-abby-epstein/docs-to-women-pay-no-atte_b_107845.html
Please pass this on to everyone you know who supports parents' rights to decide what's best for their families!
Carole
Yours in gentle, natural birthings...
494 sweet babies and counting (at least half of those in couples' homes or birth centers)
4.10.2008
Solvang, part II
Here are a few more pics from Solvang from my mom.
Austin's first time in the spa. He *loved* it!
Meeting Great-Grandpa
P.S. April is National Cesarean Awareness Month
Austin's first time in the spa. He *loved* it!
Meeting Great-Grandpa
P.S. April is National Cesarean Awareness Month
1.27.2008
A Birth Tragedy, and Malpracticing Doctor
THIS is absolutely shocking. Very sad. (P.S. underlined words are the links to the articles...) This (above-mentioned) blog describes the original story found in LA Times, and has some quoted excerpts. The link at the bottom of her post doesn't work, so I was unable to read the actual news article.
It's so shocking, though, that I did a google search on it to see if it's really true. Here are a few things that I came across.
Article from Daily Herald
A Doctor's Recollection about Dr Safari, and his criticisms of Kaiser Permanente
Article from LA Times (almost the same as Daily Herald one)
I believe that vacuum extraction may have it's place (in a very emergent situation, and I mean emergent as in life or death emergency!) It should be used gently and with limits (we have a 2-3 pull maximum at our hospital I think.) The things that went on in this case are wrong on so many levels. The two biggest and most obvious are that, number one, it was TOTALLY unnecessary to even consider vacuum! (No distress, healthy mom & baby.) And second, he used great force, and pulled numerous times. This is all "alleged", but Kaiser's response (permanently restricting his practice) tells me that there's something to it. It's just so horrible and tragic.
I want to encourage people to research interventions and demand true "informed" consent before agreeing to their use. (And, being that I work in a hospital setting, I want to also warn that from my observation, most doctors will brush over *some* of the cons and accentuate the pros. They will hardly ever tell you all of the potential complications. I really appreciate those doctors who do, and they are the ones who are prepared with true statistics instead of just saying "oh, it's extremely rare...") Medicine is very much a business these days, and we, the 'consumers', need to take control and be informed.
I am NOT placing even an OUNCE of blame on the parents... not at all, never! We should be able to trust judgement of our doctors! But I am saying we need to take this as a que to educate ourselves and make informed decisions about our health, regardless of what others (doctors, nurses, hospitals, protocols) say we need to do. Sometimes they are right, but sometimes, as in this case, they are very, very wrong. So, so heartbreaking.
It's so shocking, though, that I did a google search on it to see if it's really true. Here are a few things that I came across.
Article from Daily Herald
A Doctor's Recollection about Dr Safari, and his criticisms of Kaiser Permanente
Article from LA Times (almost the same as Daily Herald one)
I believe that vacuum extraction may have it's place (in a very emergent situation, and I mean emergent as in life or death emergency!) It should be used gently and with limits (we have a 2-3 pull maximum at our hospital I think.) The things that went on in this case are wrong on so many levels. The two biggest and most obvious are that, number one, it was TOTALLY unnecessary to even consider vacuum! (No distress, healthy mom & baby.) And second, he used great force, and pulled numerous times. This is all "alleged", but Kaiser's response (permanently restricting his practice) tells me that there's something to it. It's just so horrible and tragic.
I want to encourage people to research interventions and demand true "informed" consent before agreeing to their use. (And, being that I work in a hospital setting, I want to also warn that from my observation, most doctors will brush over *some* of the cons and accentuate the pros. They will hardly ever tell you all of the potential complications. I really appreciate those doctors who do, and they are the ones who are prepared with true statistics instead of just saying "oh, it's extremely rare...") Medicine is very much a business these days, and we, the 'consumers', need to take control and be informed.
I am NOT placing even an OUNCE of blame on the parents... not at all, never! We should be able to trust judgement of our doctors! But I am saying we need to take this as a que to educate ourselves and make informed decisions about our health, regardless of what others (doctors, nurses, hospitals, protocols) say we need to do. Sometimes they are right, but sometimes, as in this case, they are very, very wrong. So, so heartbreaking.
11.05.2007
*~*~Hearts Full and Overflowing~*~* 
Look at us... our hands are full, our house is messy, and you can see a bit of sleepiness in all of our eyes... but we truely couldn't be happier. I feel so undeserving of the abundant blessings we've been given. I know it's a silly statement-- the idea of "deserving" anything, especially knowing that we've been given nothing based on merit, {but I believe, by grace}-- but still, I find myself sometimes thinking 'What did I do to deserve this, How could I possibly have come into such a precious circumstance/life?"
Anyways, my house full of my boys, it makes me smile! So that's it for reflections. I was prepared for chaos, and we haven't really had more than a couple brief <-fleeting-> moments of chaos. Our home has actually been very PEACEFUL, and what an amazing surprise and blessing that has been!
I had to include a picture of Austin in one of his homemade diapers, since I was so super excited to "test-out" my handiwork. This is the blue "camo" one I made at my mom's house. It did *everything* it was supposed to do! Contained big breastfed-baby messes, which is all I could ask for. (Besides the super-softness of cotton against my sweet baby's skin!) I was so excited to take him home and start using my new baby stash!
For the record... {since I tend to update my babybooks months later based on blog entries & notes written in margins of calendars}
And LAST... the birth everyone keeps asking about! Promise I won't write a lot... trying to tame my rambling! Let me just say it was SOOO much faster than I had expected!!! And of course beautiful, awe-inspiring, powerful, you know how I feel about birth, there are no words!!
Look at us... our hands are full, our house is messy, and you can see a bit of sleepiness in all of our eyes... but we truely couldn't be happier. I feel so undeserving of the abundant blessings we've been given. I know it's a silly statement-- the idea of "deserving" anything, especially knowing that we've been given nothing based on merit, {but I believe, by grace}-- but still, I find myself sometimes thinking 'What did I do to deserve this, How could I possibly have come into such a precious circumstance/life?" Anyways, my house full of my boys, it makes me smile! So that's it for reflections. I was prepared for chaos, and we haven't really had more than a couple brief <-fleeting-> moments of chaos. Our home has actually been very PEACEFUL, and what an amazing surprise and blessing that has been!
I had to include a picture of Austin in one of his homemade diapers, since I was so super excited to "test-out" my handiwork. This is the blue "camo" one I made at my mom's house. It did *everything* it was supposed to do! Contained big breastfed-baby messes, which is all I could ask for. (Besides the super-softness of cotton against my sweet baby's skin!) I was so excited to take him home and start using my new baby stash!For the record... {since I tend to update my babybooks months later based on blog entries & notes written in margins of calendars}
Austin's birthweight (at 1503 on 11/2) 7-6
Weight at discharge (at 2430 on 11/4) 6-15
Today's weight, at his 1st Dr appt. (at 1130 on 11/5) 7-4
Healthy checkup, Bilirubin (jaundice) has come down, milk is in, & he's perfect!
And LAST... the birth everyone keeps asking about! Promise I won't write a lot... trying to tame my rambling! Let me just say it was SOOO much faster than I had expected!!! And of course beautiful, awe-inspiring, powerful, you know how I feel about birth, there are no words!!
My water broke at 0600 and he was born at 1503-
9 hours total, when compared with Jake's 39 hours!
This time I pushed (gently) TWO times, and with Jake I pushed (hard!) for TWO hours!
No tears (or episiotomy) either time, & both babies were essentially the same size. Jake was 39 3/7 wk and Austin was 37 2/7 wk.
Oh, this is the greatest part... I went from 5cm to 10cm in 45 minutes!!!! Isn't that amazing!?! I was just discussing with the nurse how my back was super uncomfortable & I couldn't find a relaxing position, so I was asking for a hot compress for my back- and she said "I think you're complete!" I told her that would be great, but there was no way, because I was just 5cm less than an hour ago. She said NO, you are ready! And I was! Amazing! I gently "breathed" him out in-between birthing waves (contractions), and I was in such a comfortable position that I was able to see everything- I watched him come into this world and greeted him right on my tummy. I couldn't have asked for a better birth. And it couldn't have been more different than my last one (which I also LOVED.)
PS jake doing great w/ bro... nsg now & then bedtime- thnx for all the congrats!
11.04.2007
9.29.2007
Parenting book recommendations?
I went to Borders to browse today but Jake wasn't cooperating so I didn't have time to see what's out there. I've been wanting to get one for a while now, because if you know me, you know that I "research" everything! I can't enter the next phase (toddlerhood) without reading about it first! I want to learn about discipline, but gentle. Any books related to parenting, discipline, Christian home, etc. I feel like reading! I did get a few other books today. One my friend & co-worker recommended: "Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten" by David Perlmutter. I also got two books I have NO idea about- "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd and "It's Not About Me" by Max Lucado. I just grabbed them in between my last ditch attempts to appease Jake before leaving the store. (It was past naptime.) You know, I have a few other books/devotionals by Max Lucado and I wasn't too impressed by either of them. I felt like his writing style was too simple and the content lacked depth. I only read half of the first chapter of this one today and I'm starting to feel the same way. Maybe he's just not for me! But I'll give it a chance & keep reading. P.S. I read a beautiful post on Ashleigh's blog, which is one of my favorite blogs to visit! It was right in the midst of my parenting/discipline thoughts and really touched me. A reminder that we have a perfect example of loving parenting in our Heavenly Father!
Anyways, if you have any book recomendations, let me know!
(Oh! Also any natural birth books... I was looking for Spiritual Midwifery and Birthing from Within... I've just heard about those and wanted to flip through and see what they were about, but couldn't find them.)
I went to Borders to browse today but Jake wasn't cooperating so I didn't have time to see what's out there. I've been wanting to get one for a while now, because if you know me, you know that I "research" everything! I can't enter the next phase (toddlerhood) without reading about it first! I want to learn about discipline, but gentle. Any books related to parenting, discipline, Christian home, etc. I feel like reading! I did get a few other books today. One my friend & co-worker recommended: "Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten" by David Perlmutter. I also got two books I have NO idea about- "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd and "It's Not About Me" by Max Lucado. I just grabbed them in between my last ditch attempts to appease Jake before leaving the store. (It was past naptime.) You know, I have a few other books/devotionals by Max Lucado and I wasn't too impressed by either of them. I felt like his writing style was too simple and the content lacked depth. I only read half of the first chapter of this one today and I'm starting to feel the same way. Maybe he's just not for me! But I'll give it a chance & keep reading. P.S. I read a beautiful post on Ashleigh's blog, which is one of my favorite blogs to visit! It was right in the midst of my parenting/discipline thoughts and really touched me. A reminder that we have a perfect example of loving parenting in our Heavenly Father!
Anyways, if you have any book recomendations, let me know!
(Oh! Also any natural birth books... I was looking for Spiritual Midwifery and Birthing from Within... I've just heard about those and wanted to flip through and see what they were about, but couldn't find them.)
9.15.2007
Quote-
The beauty of my body is not measured by the size of the clothes it can fit into, but by the stories that it tells.
I have a belly and hips that say, "We grew a child in here,"
and breasts that say, "We nourished life."
My hands, with bitten nails and a writer's callus, say, "We create amazing things."
-Sarah, from I Am Beautiful: A Celebration of Women in Their Own Words
In my web/blog browsing, here are a few interesting things I ran across. As if I have nothing better to do with my time! LOL Those with common interests might enjoy visiting these places though. (P.S. underlined/yellow words are links)
Bellies and Babies - check out the 9/4 entry, about rights to breastfeed anywhere. My sis got harrassed for breastfeeding at a museum. She & baby were totally covered up & we were strolling through the Van Gough displays when she was approached and asked to retreat to the 'mommy's room'. She kindly said she was comfortable where she was, but the employee said she couldn't breastfeed there. My sis requested the manager, who was also insistent, but when she mentioned laws, lawyers, and rights, she backed down. yes, she.
C-section rates in LA county hospitals... it's ridiculous!
And could they be under-reported? Apparently, the fine prints indicates so.
Trust Birth Conference - Redondo Beach March 2008
The beauty of my body is not measured by the size of the clothes it can fit into, but by the stories that it tells.
I have a belly and hips that say, "We grew a child in here,"
and breasts that say, "We nourished life."
My hands, with bitten nails and a writer's callus, say, "We create amazing things."
-Sarah, from I Am Beautiful: A Celebration of Women in Their Own Words
In my web/blog browsing, here are a few interesting things I ran across. As if I have nothing better to do with my time! LOL Those with common interests might enjoy visiting these places though. (P.S. underlined/yellow words are links)
Bellies and Babies - check out the 9/4 entry, about rights to breastfeed anywhere. My sis got harrassed for breastfeeding at a museum. She & baby were totally covered up & we were strolling through the Van Gough displays when she was approached and asked to retreat to the 'mommy's room'. She kindly said she was comfortable where she was, but the employee said she couldn't breastfeed there. My sis requested the manager, who was also insistent, but when she mentioned laws, lawyers, and rights, she backed down. yes, she.
C-section rates in LA county hospitals... it's ridiculous!
And could they be under-reported? Apparently, the fine prints indicates so.
Trust Birth Conference - Redondo Beach March 2008
9.14.2007
Spinning Babies!
My little guy is head down, but posterior. (Posterior means sunny-side-up, facing forward, aka 'back labor'.) I can tell he's been like this for a long time- by the movement I've been feeling and the funny indented belly!
For any fellow preggos out there, this is a really cool website. Especially the part about Belly Mapping ( <-- click that link!) Wanted to pass it along.
If this applies to you, I also read a book last pregnancy called "Back Labor No More!" which was good for those who discover a posterior baby when they're already in their birthing time. Describes a maneuver called the 'belly lift'.
That's not my belly... I can't figure out how to draw mine, being posterior! Hopefully in a week or two he'll have moved-- I'm doing exercises every night & started some prenatal yoga to help loosen and relax some of those muscles to encourage movement. (In addition to my daily hypnobabies relaxation cd's, it's so nice!) Anyways, wanted to pass along this cool website- the spinning babies one! Belly mapping is fun!
My little guy is head down, but posterior. (Posterior means sunny-side-up, facing forward, aka 'back labor'.) I can tell he's been like this for a long time- by the movement I've been feeling and the funny indented belly!
For any fellow preggos out there, this is a really cool website. Especially the part about Belly Mapping ( <-- click that link!) Wanted to pass it along.
If this applies to you, I also read a book last pregnancy called "Back Labor No More!" which was good for those who discover a posterior baby when they're already in their birthing time. Describes a maneuver called the 'belly lift'.
That's not my belly... I can't figure out how to draw mine, being posterior! Hopefully in a week or two he'll have moved-- I'm doing exercises every night & started some prenatal yoga to help loosen and relax some of those muscles to encourage movement. (In addition to my daily hypnobabies relaxation cd's, it's so nice!) Anyways, wanted to pass along this cool website- the spinning babies one! Belly mapping is fun!
9.08.2007
What if...
(This excerpt was taken from my HypnoBabies coursebook, and I LOVE it! I've read it so many times over the last 2 years, and it always makes me teary! It is originally by Leilah McCracken, on www.birthlove.com, and was written about VBAC but has been edited a bit to apply more broadly to birth in general. P.S. the pics aren't mine either.)
Shifting the paradigm of "what if??!!"
We need to shift the paradigm. Instead of thinking- 'what if?!' in fearful ways (before birth)- 'what if my pain is so terrible? what if my baby can't come down? what if there are complications?' -and so on.
Why not think 'what if!?' in powerful ways- 'What if I have the most beautiful experience of my life? What if I could actually feel a wet, mewing baby on my belly- just after birth- and fall in love with that feeling forever? What if I give birth and feel pure ecstasy? What will happen in my life if I give birth as a powerful, free woman - What will happen in my life if I claim my right to give birth as my biological destiny impels me to? What if I emerge victorious, free, sentient, powerful? What if - what if my baby never feels anything in his first moments other than my body, and my love? What if I push my baby out into my own hands- and pull him up- and kiss his wet head- and cry and moan and weep my joy in privacy, darkness and love- What if... what if my birth is the most loving, sweet and gentle moment of my life, what if...'
What will happen if we stop asking the medical profession (family, friends, horrid TV shows, and others) to feed us fear about our births? We will finally become as powerful and wise as we are intended to be. We will finally stop rushing to be rescued, induced, and C-sectioned. We will change the way the world spins...
What if - what if the women reading this think what I'm saying is radical and strange? What if... what if they understand that birth can be the most fantastic catalyst of love in the universe- what if they give the births of their dreams- and feel raw beauty, love and power...
What if... the very future rests on our blissful... empowered... "what if's."
I don't need to write anything after this... but isn't it beautiful? Giving birth was the most powerful and awe-inspiring experience of my life... Even when I was feeling a little shocked about being pregnant again, I was excited about the prospect of being able to experience birth again! And people said I was crazy, but I find it a bit sad that I only *get* to experience this a handfull of times in my life! Just wanted to share that!
Shifting the paradigm of "what if??!!"
We need to shift the paradigm. Instead of thinking- 'what if?!' in fearful ways (before birth)- 'what if my pain is so terrible? what if my baby can't come down? what if there are complications?' -and so on.
Why not think 'what if!?' in powerful ways- 'What if I have the most beautiful experience of my life? What if I could actually feel a wet, mewing baby on my belly- just after birth- and fall in love with that feeling forever? What if I give birth and feel pure ecstasy? What will happen in my life if I give birth as a powerful, free woman - What will happen in my life if I claim my right to give birth as my biological destiny impels me to? What if I emerge victorious, free, sentient, powerful? What if - what if my baby never feels anything in his first moments other than my body, and my love? What if I push my baby out into my own hands- and pull him up- and kiss his wet head- and cry and moan and weep my joy in privacy, darkness and love- What if... what if my birth is the most loving, sweet and gentle moment of my life, what if...'
What will happen if we stop asking the medical profession (family, friends, horrid TV shows, and others) to feed us fear about our births? We will finally become as powerful and wise as we are intended to be. We will finally stop rushing to be rescued, induced, and C-sectioned. We will change the way the world spins...
What if - what if the women reading this think what I'm saying is radical and strange? What if... what if they understand that birth can be the most fantastic catalyst of love in the universe- what if they give the births of their dreams- and feel raw beauty, love and power...
What if... the very future rests on our blissful... empowered... "what if's."
I don't need to write anything after this... but isn't it beautiful? Giving birth was the most powerful and awe-inspiring experience of my life... Even when I was feeling a little shocked about being pregnant again, I was excited about the prospect of being able to experience birth again! And people said I was crazy, but I find it a bit sad that I only *get* to experience this a handfull of times in my life! Just wanted to share that!
9.04.2007
TENTH TOOTH!!
I found another tooth today! Jake's top molar has popped through, and I didn't even know it was coming! That makes ten... crazy!
Christine, Jarlath & baby Finn are home today and doing great! What an amazing feeling that was, bringing baby home for the first time! It was actually fun leaving our home for the hospital... as we stepped out, Kevin and I shared a little moment of reflection-- that the next time we came home, we would have our baby in our arms! And that it was the last time it would be 'just us'. That was a fun moment! Ahhh, they all are!
I found another tooth today! Jake's top molar has popped through, and I didn't even know it was coming! That makes ten... crazy!
Christine, Jarlath & baby Finn are home today and doing great! What an amazing feeling that was, bringing baby home for the first time! It was actually fun leaving our home for the hospital... as we stepped out, Kevin and I shared a little moment of reflection-- that the next time we came home, we would have our baby in our arms! And that it was the last time it would be 'just us'. That was a fun moment! Ahhh, they all are!
9.02.2007
My nephew is here!
Welcome Baby Finn Agustus!!!!!!!
My new nephew is perfect! Both mommy & baby are healthy and doing well. He was born this morning, 9/2/07 at 0513. 9 pounds even, 22 inches long, and as cute as a *button*!
Here are a few pictures from our annual river trip. We went to Parker, AZ and spent some time camping by the river. The highlight for me was visiting with Kevin's grandparents. It was also so much fun bringing Jake in the water- he *loved* the boats!! The weather was pretty nuts, 112-117! I think if I could have just stayed in the river 24/7, I would have lasted a bit longer!
P.S. Kevin and I celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary over the weekend! Woo Hoo!!! In the first 5 years of our marriage we have lived in two different cities, rented an apartment for a year & then bought our first home, started & maintained jobs in our careers of choice, got a dog, and grown from a family of two to an (almost) family of four! What an amazing time we've had together! We can't wait to live more moments & years together and see what is in store for us in the future... it's fun to imagine!
My new nephew is perfect! Both mommy & baby are healthy and doing well. He was born this morning, 9/2/07 at 0513. 9 pounds even, 22 inches long, and as cute as a *button*!
Here are a few pictures from our annual river trip. We went to Parker, AZ and spent some time camping by the river. The highlight for me was visiting with Kevin's grandparents. It was also so much fun bringing Jake in the water- he *loved* the boats!! The weather was pretty nuts, 112-117! I think if I could have just stayed in the river 24/7, I would have lasted a bit longer!
P.S. Kevin and I celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary over the weekend! Woo Hoo!!! In the first 5 years of our marriage we have lived in two different cities, rented an apartment for a year & then bought our first home, started & maintained jobs in our careers of choice, got a dog, and grown from a family of two to an (almost) family of four! What an amazing time we've had together! We can't wait to live more moments & years together and see what is in store for us in the future... it's fun to imagine!
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