Birthing in Peace

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

BEAUTIFUL VBAC WARRIOR

VBAC WARRIOR

The moment I spoke with Mrs. B I knew This Momma was not having any mess. I remember her voice clear as if she called me today. I want a natural birth. My first birth was nothing like I thought it should be. I want to have a choice this birth. I was in Love with this process. This momma was determined, sure and well researched on her options and hospital procedure. Mrs. B knew that she was having a Midwife at a hospital that would allow her to labour and manage with little disruptions. I wondered, “well who is your Midwife?” I will get right on doing the research about who she is and the hospital numbers. I must have forgotten who I was speaking with for a brief moment because all that had already been done.

“I will have Chanelle as my Midwife she delivers out of Highland Park Hospital”. “Ok!” Is all I can say. This Momma was quiet the short time I had to work with her. It was funny she decided to call me at 36 weeks.

It seemed like time went by so fast. I remember I get a call from Mrs. B, I been having contractions. I head over and her son lingers around with the look of concern. The husband is waiting for the word when to head out. Little did I know quiet and conservative Dad would be in a fast zippy car driving like NASCAR with a Sister driving equally as fast with plenty quick maneuvers for the slow in tow. The ride to the hospital was interesting to say the least. Ha!

We arrived at the hospital after a few hours of labouring at home. Dad was great slow dancing with Mom and rubbing her back. Finally, I remember the face of seriousness. I need to go now. Which is what made us head to the hospital with such haste. As we entered the room I pull out the birth plan and Dad and I go over really quick the details before the staff start to come in and get started. Mom was adamant about a few things. 1. No IV, 2. No mention of epidural 3. No interruptions and 4. No in and out. 5. Squat delivery. Chanelle and I start to get Mom prepared because things were progressing well.

I will never forget this birth. Hip rocks, hip squeezes, slow dances and back massages while moving freely to the beat of her music in a dimly lite room with the most beautiful wilderness music. I remember telling her “Birth is the most primitive thing you will ever encounter. No matter what you want to do relax, take a deep breath and allow your body’s natural rhythm to take over. Your body will naturally birth this baby if you allow it. Oh Boy! My beautiful VBAC Warrior heard me and with little effort squatted in the middle of her delivery room floor between her husband’s legs using him for support as Chanelle kneeling watches her Mrs. B baby Boy slide out. With tears in Mom and Dad’s eyes and the most beautiful warriors cry to do the final push to meet their baby Boy and my heart dropped. She did it. I was so excited that she far surpassed the birth she expected. This was an absolutely beautiful effort from everyone but more important this Mom knew her body could do it and her body responded with matched determination.

My VBAC Warrior made my eyes open more about how beautiful birth can be not just because of the delivery, but the endurance, drive and determination that was women have in us to allow our body to do the most natural thing it can do. BIRTH….

I hope you too will realize that your body can do it no matter what doubt you have because of what you read or heard. There is a difference in being cautious and afraid. Fear is a hindrance unless you have a medical reason to not have a VBAC.

I SUGGEST YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH ON BIRTH BE HONEST ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR ABILITY.

If you are looking to have a VBAC or just have the Best Bold Birth you can possibly have for you and your family go to www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

#peacefulbirth #peacefulbirthingdoula #VBACWARRIORS

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Beautiful Zen Birth

I call this Momma Zen. Ha! "I would like to have contractions called waves or surges please." I remember walking away and I knew that this birth would be calm and beautiful. When I heard they had a Midwife I knew this would be a birth that I would never forget. the provider can really make a difference.

The day has come and I received the call. I arrived and I remember thinking their home reminded me of contemporary country living. I am greeted by the Dad who is nervous and anxious. I ask him how is she doing? He answered concerned but calm "strong". I sneaker. I can see mom laboring strong on the side of the bed with her room set for labouring. I enter her room and immediately drop my bags and get to work. My little Zen momma is determined to meet her little princess Gulianna. She is 5 days before her estimated due date. The soon to be Grand Ma so excited comes to collect the excited pups that has so much excitement because they know something is happening. I have Mom on the yoga ball for pelvic rolls, ice chips soft music and the most beautiful and aromatic lavender. Dad patiently and eagerly awaiting instructions comes over and rubs my back and in a soft voice says "that smells so good. Thanks". I was so pleased to see the look of relief on Moms face after breathing in the lavender. Watching Mom breath and Dad move so quietly around the room as he wait for my next set of instructions was so endearing to observe.

Time was near we had approach 5-1-1. I told Mom to let me know when she was ready. Normally, I would start to head over but this Mom is so confident and in tune with her body. As that final surge passed mom looks at Dad and says I think its time. To see the softest and concerned look in Dads eyes showed excitement but a level of concern. I remember him rubbing her back and saying to her in the sweetest Italian filled accent "Your doing so good babe."

We arrived at the hospital with birth plan in hand and update staff on terms to use. I set up the room. we start in the shower, guided meditation/visualization, soft music and dark room. I start the lavender and prepare mom to experience every wave. Chanelle her Midwife enters the room and I notice how hands off and caring she was toward the mom and dad. I had a feeling this will not be the typical hospital midwifery delivery.

I hear my favorite words "I feel like I need to push". I notice my friend determination and drive have shown up and I am eager to match them as they arrive. This Mom is pushing with so much drive, determination and resilience. We worked on relaxing and allowing her body do what's natural. momma Zen breathing and focusing on with every breath breathing the princess out. I have her visualize a wave of water washing over her body and as the wave starts to relax and breath. I love it. You can see Dad eyes light up with so much Joy as he realizes he is going to be meeting Gulianna in a few seconds. Being here apart of this family experiencing life, Joy and love all in a split instance is so heart warming and overwhelming.

Being a Doula is such a Blessing and being able to observe and be a part of a family new Journey is a Gift. I Thank each family. Each family push me to be great and be the best doula I can be.

Let's write your birth story.

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

DOULA AND THE MOON

Doula and the Moon

Blood moon, Blue moon, Super moon and Full moon. Whatever the moon I welcome you.

I would love it as every Mom approached her EDD (estimated due date) if I knew there was a full moon or any special lunar event expected I would get excited. I knew something special would happen. Every labour and delivery moment is special how ever when there is a full moon or some special lunar event I just know this labour and delivery experience will be different. I know there will be a story to tell.

I remember my very first super moon baby. Oh! boy this was one for the record books for me in my Doula career. My very first home water birth. I remember when I received the call I headed out. The moment I arrived at the families house and saw the moon, it appeared to be perched so perfectly on the roof of their home as to call all of nature. A beacon it seems to let every animal know to come out and great baby Corbin.

Momma labored beautifully and strong, Hubby was anxious and excited, kids were excited and their dog was on alert and standing guard outside the bed room as to say I know he is coming. Me the Doula of course you know I was ready and excited. I couldn't get over how beautiful everything came together. It was as if the heavens were shining upon a new birth.

After guided meditation, massage and hip rocking on all fours in the pool Momma had been welcomed into labour land. We no longer existed. As morning broke right outside the window humming birds, chipmunks, lizards, geese and rabbit all came out to meet the new addition. I truly felt like I was in Bambi. It was the most beautiful thing. Baby boy was born with a hint of lavender and a lot of love in the air. Oh! how I thank the beautiful super moon for such an experience that it set into motion. That night I realized the science behind the relationship with the human and the moon, nature and the moon and now the Doula and the Moon.

Good night Moon!
I long to see you again.

To learn about me and my service please feel free to review my website. I would love to meet with you and help you have a safe, bold and beautiful birth...

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

Tunisia Macklin, Doula, Massage Therapist and Placenta Encapsulator
www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Fabulous almost 40 and fertile

Fabulous 40 and Fertile

I remember when trying to conceive at 38 years old my O.B. who I must say is the best.

Dr. Beister told me as long as I stay healthy without complications along the way she would support me with my journey for as long as I wanted to try.

I'm pleased to say we conceived when I was 39 years old. My O.B. still support our journey of conception if we would like to continue the journey. I am now 41 years old with a beautiful daughter and would love to continue my journey and I still have the support of my O.B.

My advice will always stay the same find a physician who will be honest, genuine and supportive. You can shop around for the best fit for you. Now, I must say be realistic in your request; conception is serious keep your health, your spouse & family in mind.

I have been there and know what a family can go through. I had an ectopic and my fallopian tube ruptured. Do all the necessary exams to ensure the health of your reproductive organs.

Every O.B. you interview must be on the same page with you for care and labour and delivery. Discuss your idea of labour and delivery. Do the research stand your ground. Also, Know the truth about your request, know the risks and know the hospital procedure for your request.

Everything you think is fantasy or unreal may in fact be a reality for you during this journey.
One thing I advise to families when I meet with them is to sit down and think about the most fanciful labour and delivery they can come up with and then we will discuss how we can make that fantasy a reality using realistic methods. I worked with a family this past January that blessed me so much with being a part of their best and most intimate moment. The Mother at the time of delivery was 49 years old. Yes, you read it right. I said “49 years old”. They had a beautiful baby girl.

Know this your journey doesn’t have to be over. Yes, you may have to have help. Look into your options. There are so many ways you can be helped if natural conceptions isn’t realistic for you. Speak to a fertility Dr. check into IUI and IVF. Believe it or not your medical insurance may cover some or all of the process. We were so blessed you have BCBS and they covered almost the entire IVF process.

If you haven’t read my Blog, it takes a village I suggest you do. It will give a little direction on who you should look into as your team to prepare you for this journey.

A Doula is a great way to start with building your team.
Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079