Homebirth facts

Many beautiful Mommies ask me my opinion on whether they should have a homebirth or not. I am all for a beautiful birth. I do believe you should consider everything to make sure the decision your making is what is best and safe for you and baby. Here are my thoughts on Homebirth with some facts that can be helpful.

Bringing a new life into the world is an awe-inspiring experience. For many mothers, the idea of giving birth at home is an attractive option. Homebirth is a safe and natural alternative to a hospital birth. It provides expectant mothers with a comfortable, familiar environment to give birth in. Let's take a look at some facts about homebirth.

Firstly, it is important to note that homebirth is not for everyone. Women with high-risk pregnancies should give birth in a hospital, where they can receive the appropriate level of care. However, studies have shown that for low-risk pregnancies, homebirth can be just as safe as a hospital birth. In fact, homebirth may even be safer for some women, as there is less risk of infection and unnecessary medical interventions.

Another great benefit of homebirth is the level of control it gives the mother. In a hospital setting, the mother may feel like a passive observer in her own birth experience. At home, the mother can decide who will be present, what kind of atmosphere she wants, and what kind of pain relief she prefers. This level of control can help the mother feel more relaxed and confident during the birth process.

Finally, homebirth can be a much more cost-effective option than a hospital birth. Hospital births can be expensive, and even with insurance, the costs can quickly add up. Homebirth, on the other hand, is often much more affordable. Additionally, many midwives who provide homebirth services offer payment plans and other options to make the process more accessible for all families.

In conclusion, homebirth can be a safe, empowering, and cost-effective option for low-risk pregnancies. If you are considering homebirth, it is important to do your research and find a qualified midwife who can provide you with the care and support you need. With the right preparation and support, a homebirth can be a beautiful and memorable experience for both mother and child.

If you are looking to hire a doula you can visit our website.

Peaceful Birthing Doula

(630)635-2189

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

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Rejoice a Child is Born

Today I am fresh off of a very special birth. I love every birth experience. This Momma I supported I have known her for 10 years she started out as my massage client. I remember meeting her for the first time. She wanted a massage but was nervous about undressing. It took a while and finally I gained her trust. We began to grow a friendship and now here we are September 23, 2018 at 9:39am I supported and witnessed my friend and client at her strongest time of her life. She would speak to me about her ideas of having a different birth from her first. She desired to be more confident, more in control and more aware of what was happening.

After speaking to me and asking questions to educate herself she decided she would like me to be apart of her 2nd birth. I was so honored. I know this was a huge decision for her and her Husband. I was ready to take on the task of supporting my friend as she persued Birthing her way. I assured her that she was fit and her days at curves workout center would be very helpful to her.

I spoke with them Friday about the plans as to how they wanted to labor. We discussed what room will be more comfortable, what was her vision of the labor and birth. Both her and her Husband were confident about one thing not experience birth the same as her first birth.  We discussed being patient, relaxing and communicating with me as labor progress.

I received a call about possible leaking amnio fluid. I wasn't convinced and believed it was urine. We laughed about the urine. I hear stories of the acupuncture session. I then receive a message at 11:30pm giving me a heads up on contractions and mucus plug coming out. After a shower and some rest our morning started at 7am. This Momma was up and laboring strong. I hear concern in her Husband voice and receive a message as I arrive to their house of leaving to go to hospital. I get in there and I see a momma who is laboring strong. I also notice this momma is pushing I learned from a midwife friend to check birth line and I could really see in the lighting so I start hip squeezes. I get her to calm down and a HUGE contraction that changed the course of her labor. I call for her Husband start the car we need to go. As her father comes in and her Princess is hanging around to see if her Momma was ok. They assured her everything was okay and she was ready to hear if she had a Little Brother or Sister.

We arrived at Hinsdale Hospital at 8:52am. I park their vehicle and head in to the room.I walk in the room and find Mom hands and knees and groaning in labor. the Midwife has her change position and we start the pushing 40 minutes of strong pushing and determination Baby Jordan was born 9/23 yes 23 like Michael Jordan. There was a room full of Joy and peace as Dad announced the sex and cute the cord. Observing him hug Momma and reassure her that she was beautiful, strong and he was so proud of her.

Baby Jordan was eager to start feeding. He had a strong suck and made Momma proud. though you really can not plan a births outcome you can do everything possible to ensure few to no issues. This family stayed positive and confident during the entire experience.

I Loved supporting this family and look forward to watching this family grow.

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

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From Plate to Palate; A Fertility Journey Part 2

From Plate to palate; A fertility journey Part 2

Do you ever get those days where you think ‘why is this happening’? I get those now and then about my fertility journey – sometimes, that negative energy gets to me, and I start wondering if I really want to get pregnant. Or, if it's just the thought of wanting a family is what I'd LIKE, but maybe not what's best for me. I get to thinking about what the reasons are that my husband and I haven't been able to conceive up to this point. And, then my thoughts just go all over the place. Should I just be focusing on my healing process? My husband? Just be happy that I am a fortunate Auntie to 5 beautiful nieces? My business? Supporting others on their healing journeys? Then, the thoughts go further into space…maybe the Lord has a different path for me, and maybe I'm not capable of rearing my own children, and I have a different purpose in life? Overthinker? Yeah, probably.

When that happens, I just try my best to give it to God because I'm not running this show. I know that. But, those feelings are L-O-U-D! Then there is a stronger feeling deep in my heart where I can see myself and my husband having a family, and those thoughts of what I am supposed to be focusing become clearer – focusing on my healing and growth process is where I am supposed to be at. So, right where I am at right now. I feel that many of the things I am doing are working to get us closer to starting a family of our own. But, not just that...it’s working to help me heal and grow spiritually and emotionally for my soul. I can’t truly explain how, but I just feel it in my heart.

I've decided to turn up the heat on the natural healing techniques, and try additional avenues to really open up the energy centers and blocked energy in my body. The more I learn about them, the more I know in my heart that I have so much healing to do. But, then again, don’t we all? And, won’t we always have more healing to do? Yes, it’s a never-ending process. However, if we don’t work on that as much as possible, how much will we actually have built up inside of us, and how is it manifesting in our bodies? Yikes!

So, what natural healing techniques have I found to be helping? Prayer: I just love the all of the feelings that I get when I pray: a sense of relaxation, healing, calm, protection, optimism. And, those are just to name a few. Meditation: I haven't been as consistent with meditation as I'd like within the past few years, but I’ve been trying more recently over the past few months to take more time for myself a few times a week and get meditation in, even if it’s for 5-10 minutes. It’s so soothing, and really helps calm my mind and body. I’ve even started doing more new moon and full moon meditations (I can explain this, more in depth, another time) – they’re amazing.

Something else that I have opened my mind up more to over the past few years that has yielded some amazing personal growth opportunities is paying attention to things around me like numerology and other small signs that signify that we aren’t ever alone on our journeys, regardless of how much we can feel alone in these types of situations. I feel that there are always spirit guides and angels waiting to help us, comfort us, say hello, etc. Why, even as I am writing this, I stopped to look at the clock, and it said 3:33! I have been getting that sequence often lately…or 11:11, or just any same-number sequence. And, so I have to share about the meaning behind it: “The number 333 has a lot of significance. If you’re seeing this number often, the universe is sending energy your way. Or, 333 can also represent the essence of the Trinity of mind, body and spirit.” While this thought process can seem a little out there, it’s so far from that. We are taught that it’s a little out there…a little woo-woo, but it’s really not. It’s part of how we are all SO connected to each other and this universe if we just paid attention a little more!

A few other things that I have been exploring are breath transformation, Mayan abdominal massage, reflexology, cupping, acupuncture, reiki, and moon cycles. I am loving all of it! Stay tuned for more information on them, and how they are helping on my fertility journey (and, just life in general). Be blessed!

Thanks

Annette Licitra

Integrative Health Coach + Wellness Chef

630.965.6454

Passionette Palate

http://passionettepalate.com/

*Schedule an appointment with me here*: https://www.vyte.in/annette@passionettepalate.com

VBAC GODDESS

VBAC GODDESS 

This Momma from the moment I met her was determine to have her precious baby the way she would like. She did everything those that want to achieve a beautiful birth would do. She found a VBAC friendly Dr. Even when she was told her baby was breached she didn't stop. Immediately after she got the news she was on the search for a labor support person a Doula. I was so blessed and fortunate to be selected at Peaceful Birthing Doula.

This Beautiful Momma did everything you could think of under these circumstances. Momma D used techniques from Spinning Baby,Chiropractic, Acupuncture with Elemental Chiropractic and Massage. Finally, baby agreed to corporate. After meeting with this family I new this would be an unbelievable experience. Momma D Husband is HILARIOUS. I call him the pace master. If you have space to pace he will utilize it. He is so concerned for the welfare of his Beautiful Wife and Mother of his children that he couldn't  manage when it came to complex topics.

VBAC GODDESS 

Flipping sunny side up Baby

I would have to give this father to be a disclaimer when ever the conversation would need to get heavy. During Peaceful Birthing Doula prenatal visits we discuss everything from final days of pregnancy, what may occur, labor and the possible happenings in birth. They were familiar with most of it because the previous birth allowed her to go in labor. However their beautiful Princess C was breach and changed the plan. Which is how we ended up here.

As I received the phone call from the Momma at 9:51pm I knew what the call was about. Supporting this mommy was so much fun. Our time together was full of home work and dealing with difficult thoughts. I knew that I would have to be prepare to not just Doula Momma, I also had to Doula Dad. LOL!! I told him the #1 rule was not to faint.  

We arrived at the Central DuPage Hospital quickly. As I was heading to them I knew there would be excitement and concern from both. The first birth wasn't like any of the beautiful stories. I realized soon after arriving that Momma D was experiencing back labor. We start with hip squeeze, shower and hands and knees. This Baby had me pull out all the stops. We did some rebozo sifting and this baby laughed in my face.

Pace Master regrouping & collecting his thoughts 

This Beautiful Momma and her concerned husband were so connected. His genuine concern and desire for her to have the birth she wanted and deserved was so wonderful to witness. You could see he understood her fight and her respected her fight. This couple has had such a respect for each others individuality . The Husband is a worrier and pacer that just want to make sure his Wife is safe and in the best care. This Momma loves her husband and really just want him to see her strong in this space so he will not worry. This Baby, however, decided no matter what you all want I feel like I need to do me and that is for you to leave me be.

As we approach 6cm I was confident that I had won the battle and Baby had given in to me. Ha! This baby has tenacity. This baby has truly decided he will win. You have to love the drive right?! As we continued it was clear that baby wasn't able to make the journey with out help. So this VBAC Warrior did all she could and she is still very much so a Warrior and maybe baby #3 will follow the game plan. Lol!!! Right Dad??!!

Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
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Groans of the laboring Woman

The Groans of the Laboring Woman

 

This couple was very focused and determined to have their Birth as natural as possible.  I thought they were so cute together. They reminded me of a couple you would see on TV. Dad was attentive to  Mom and her needs as well as being very concerned about how does this all work, preparing for Birth that is. We discuss what they may experience and some of things that may help. He was still curious so I showed Dad a video of a Birth. Dad looked, rubbed his face and shook his head in shock. I asked are you going to be ok? It was clear he was ready because he had to be. As Mom completed her birth team it was clear there was no question she is more than capable.

On this rainy day I received the call that I am having contractions." When should you come out"? I respond when you can not manage and your Husband can not keep you comfortable any more or you just want me there,  it is up to you. She says" okay, I am fine for now and I will call you when its time to come out". I didn't expect to hear from her anytime soon. The pattern as of lately has been the Mom's would call me when they are heading to the hospital. I was hoping I will have the pleasure of working with this family at home before heading out the hospital.

I wake up to a call the  next day. She saying "I think it is time for you to come out". I enter the house and was greeted by a sleepy and excited husband ready to meet his baby girl. He sent me to the bedroom where the Momma is laboring quietly.  We greet with a hug and get to work. I ask How do you feel? Where do you feel the contractions ? What has made you comfortable? We knew this day would come for this family.  It came 41.5 weeks later. It was so nice to know how we were starting.   

We start with something that was near and dear to this Momma. We quoted one of her scriptures Romans 8v18, I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Philippians 4v13, I can do this through him who gives me strength. Every contraction that washed over her caused her to groan. As we work on breathing she continue to groan and it took me to a scripture that was just below her original scripture. Romans 8v22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8v26 In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness. we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. This helped calm her and to refocus. As I remind her labor is work. What are we doing this for? Reminding her this for her to meet her Baby Girl Z.

Mom appeared to be pretty fatigued. She mentioned that she hadn't had much rest since she had been labor some overnight. I advised her and Dad to nap. It was really clear Dad needed a nap as well. She became comfortable and laid down to rest and Dad looks at me and mentioned "I usually need to sleep in the other room when she snoring especially now she is laboring. I will not be able to sleep with her like this. I tell him just for a little while if it gets to bad go to the other room. I just think it will help her get comfortable if you are near. This Dad gave it a great effort. As I was in the next room I could her laboring attempting to do it quietly. Soon after I see the door open with Dad, his pillow and blanket heading to the next room. Ha!! I say go ahead you need your rest. Eventually, she wakes up after about an hour and we start moving around. Our little storm chaser was giving Mommy some back pain. We do hand and knees a few time and get her comfortable for as long as possible till Mom finally says I am ready to go to hospital. Looking at her face it look like she was up to something. Lol! I ask is it because you feel like its time or your just trying to go so you can be their for help (Epidural). This Mom looked at me like I just read her mind. No ma'am I been there it comes from experience. We continue to work on comfort. Eventually it is clear that we were going in soon. It was becoming more difficult to keep her comfortable. Baby was becoming eager to meet her Mom and Dad.  I called the Midwife and woke up Dad to start loading up the car. We will be heading out soon...

We started to go over affirming what she needed to hear. We prayed and claimed the things we wanted. No tearing, water will break on its own, minimal to no pushing and Baby will be healthy.

We get comfortable at the hospital, I get room atmosphere set with music of waterfalls, birds and beautiful music with some essential oils to calm her body. This Momma was relaxed until transition time. We head to the shower and focus on her low back. I could see the peace on her face knowing it was helping her back calm down. Baby Girl Z was making her way down to meet her family.  A little toilet time, hands and knees, squatting and side lying help make the journey for Baby Girl Z more of a reality. The Midwife comes in and we discuss how things are going and we realize things has progressed and we are about to meet baby Girl Z sooner than we thought. As the room transitions and Mom mentally prepare for the next task of helping her baby come out. Though there was much excitement there was still such a calm and peace in the space.

Mom uses the squat bar to push a little while I hold pictures of blooming flowers and playing relaxing music to keep her in a good mental space. Mom  then switches to hands and knees and assisting her baby girl come out we notice baby is crowning after just one push. I have Mom touch baby head and Dad was instructed to come around and catch his baby. The shock and surprise on his face was priceless. To see this first time dad gingerly hold his baby girl and hand her to her Mom like the most delicate and rare flower made tears form in my eyes. It was the most beautiful moment.

As Mom and Dad were coming down off the high I mention to Mom how her affirmation and prayer list manifested. Do you realize your water broke on its own, You did not tear and you only pushed 4 or 5 times and Baby made it in your arms safely and healthy? 

This was a perfect example of putting it in the atmosphere and not allowing someone else story to become yours. Who ever your source is ours is God... Know that your source is your strength and he will not leave your nor forsake you. This Mom was an example of the Sources being her strength.


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

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Rock the Birth

When you are uncertain about what's to come it can be a little overwhelming. When your not sure what it will look like, feel like or how it will affect you it can cause many emotions. One thing I say is at the end of it all you have the most beautiful experience. You will have the most beautiful feeling you will every remember. You will have undescribable Joy. The Moment this Momma called me we clicked. I remember after experience a moment of sharing and connecting I felt the need to hug this Momma to show her that I understood and empathized with how she felt.

Being a massage therapist and doula I have come to notice that I can relate to and empathize with how she feel. I have always been one who can instinctively respond with appropriate support and emotions for those I am around.

The one thing that was wonderful was she understood she was vulnerable in her situation. Her partner was in Japan and she was seeking support. She was in need of someone who could encourage her and support her as she embarked on this unfamiliar territory.

For many child birth is intimidating. Child Birth can intimidate especially when your doing it without the person you need the most. This Momma may have been a little anxious, however she never backed down from the challenge of birth. I was excited when she finally called to tell me she was 4cm. Her contractions were not rhythmic however we expected this from her family history. The excitement was high. I cleared the remainder of the day and headed to her immediately. I called the back up just in case she could get to her before me. I have a feeling the Momma was going to be a quick go.

I was excited as I enter her room. I could see the look of relief. This Mom looked like a classic beauty who was laboring. She had the support of her village. I believe there is power in your village. The Mother, Grandmother and 2 Aunties. There was so much love in the room. There was laughter, smiles and lots of Love.

As this beautiful Momma realized that she was progressing quickly and the party was getting started her midwife entered the room gloved and ready. Baby Girl was ready to meet her momma in a matter of minutes. A  room full of love Baby girl needed a little help from Momma pushing to make her entrance.  After pushing a short period of time the Momma who's body knew exactly what to do and when Baby girl decided make a very grand entrance. I was so overwhelmed with Joy. I enjoy being in the space of such a beautiful moment. I am so blessed and honored to be allowed to share such beautiful and intimate moments with the families that find me as a perfect fit for their goals. I was truly blessed  by this Momma and her family.

Thank you for Blessing me Beautiful Momma

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

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peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

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This is Motherhood

https://youtu.be/qc2RAxiegAwhttps://youtu.be/qc2RAxiegAw

Secrets to having a intervention free pregnancy

The Secret to having a intervention free birth

More women are looking into natural birth these days. I love it. I have noticed no matter your back ground, your culture the women are more interest in the benefits it offer not just them but baby.

every woman has a reason for their journey into the natural. Some are drawn because they were raised in a family full of natural living people, lifestyle changes and because it seems like the trend amongst the crunchy parents. it truly doesn't matter which is your reasoning. what's most important is that you know what your goal is and you have a support system to make it attainable. The funny thing is everybody idea of what natural is appears to be different. To be honest what you consider natural is your opinion. Know your limits in the labour and birthing process. If you set a goal higher than you truly believe you can achieve you can come out on the other end of the birth feeling disappointed. we tend to be harsher on ourselves than we should be.

Birth is a very beautiful experience and preparing for it is such an intimate process. think about it. during the entire process you are developing a beautiful relationship with your baby while in the womb. We learn our babies personality and corks during the preparation time. baby let you know when you fatigued, over doing it, need to eat and need to prepare for their arrival. I loved the process.

you have to have a positive out look no matter your symptoms, experience with those around you and what your physical body look like. When you think pregnancy in the start your excited and eager to get started with the journey. You know you may gain a lot of weight but you don't know how your body with respond to the over all process. This is why I have a few tips to assist in the intervention free experience.

How you are before the pregnancy start can tell you many things:

here are some questions to consider.

1. will I feel out of control?

2. will I be able to submit to the experience?

3. will I be able to let my body work naturally?

4. Can I rely on my body?

5. am I comfortable in my own skin?

6. can  receive help without rejecting or trying to take over

I have a talk I do titled the 7 secrets to having an intervention free birth. The tips aren't difficult they are just things that most have a issue handling or identifying.

1.       Mentality (meditation/visualization/

 Pregnancy is hormonal and so staying positive is important. I always advise families to sort through your stuff before labour and delivery because emotion can translate through your pregnancy and labour. If you have unresolved stresses, angers, family issues this all can affect the way your pregnancy will play out as well as your labour.

To clear your mind and prepare for this journey of a life time I advise you to work on meditation, visualization and daily affirmations. I just started to provide affirmations for Mom and Dad for pregnancy, Labour and delivery. Your mental state is so important. If you are not mentally sound this can also affect your postpartum recovery. I also am a firm believer if your mental state is the healthiest than how can you positively receive support.  

2.       Support
Every woman who is looking to conceive or expecting their partner need to understand the importance of their support.
 The comfort you experience knowing that your spouse, parents and friends are supportive and willing to be a part of your experience in what ever way is needed is very comforting.

All of this is very helpful to Mom and will give a breath of fresh air before delivery. This will allow Mom t enjoy pregnancy with out the huge list of tasks. I always suggest creating a pregnancy and postpartum task list for family and friends. be specific with time slots so there is no confusion or disturbances while your home resting with the baby.The funny thing is in North America we are so behind culturally with pregnancy and the birthing experience how can we expect our culture to be understanding of the postpartum experience. In some cultures the Mom is not allowed to do anything. the family will come in and care for the house and family until her healing and bonding process is complete. In Asia, India and Africa the village come together to make sure you are prepared to care for your new addition and family without any relapse. We are still behind in breastfeeding and maternity leave. we are even behind with paternity leave. that's right men are allowed time off of work to help the Mom. If your partner can stay home for at least 2 weeks you decrease your chances of postpartum depression significantly.

3.       Relaxation (yoga/ massage/
spend time relaxing. Anything that is mentally soothing and physically calming. If you do not have any allergies aromatherapy is great. A little lavender goes a long way when you put a couple drops in a defusor or hot tub of water. It is ok to use during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Get prenatal massage and frequent a prenatal yoga class as often as your schedule will allow.   

4.       Mobility (walk/ exercise)  A walk around the blog is great. There are pregnancy and Mommy groups that you can join so you can have someone to walk with the same journey a head as you.

5.       Chiropractic (joint and structural health

6.       Nutrition ( eat for preventative health, healing in food ( helps with hormonal balance, anxiety, hydration etc..

7.       Doula 

 When you hire a doula we are there to decrease your chances of C-section, Pitocin, epidural and we increase your chances of a natural labour an delivery. We assist you in staying the course with your birth plan within reason. We help you with any information you need to make decisions about your birthing experience. We also help you to trust your body and find a healthy place mentally during the pregnancy, labour and delivery. We help with any resources you may need during your journey. We also assist with your transition from hospital to home during those postpartum stages. Having a Doula allows you to not free to experience without stress the beautiful journey of birthing.

I love watching the families transform and grow. Each woman that has delivered I have witnessed them turn into what I call a womb warrior.  Birth turns you into the most resilient woman you will ever become without having to experience a trauma.

For questions about hire Peace Birthing Doula for Birth Doula or Postpartum Support, Placenta Encapsulation and Massage please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com  or (630)481-6079


Tunisia Macklin DONA(CD), Placenta Encapsulator, Massage Therapist