Birthing in Peace

Thursday, March 1, 2018

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
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

Friday, January 26, 2018

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

Thursday, June 23, 2016

VBAC MY WAY

VBAC My way

When we met it was clear she said" I think my birth was stolen from me and I would like to allow my body to do what is natural." Boy this Momma put me to the test." We had plenty of time. This Momma is sure what she would like to experience. She called me at 9 weeks pregnant. "I need a provider, where can I deliver and who can help me make this a reality? " I quickly took a deep breath and realized this Momma trust me with more than just her comfort she trust me to shape her village. Wow!! I was more than honored. I went over her birth plan with her and listened to the Husbands thoughts about the Birth. They were so disappointed. After hearing the way they experienced birth in North Carolina I was disappointed because I was born in North Carolina. How in the world could my home state be so oblivious to the beauty and natural strengths of a women during child birth.

Did they miss the memo 6 is the new 4cm? Did they know that birth is not a procedure its an experience? This is why women are now birthing at home. I collected a list of O.B GYN's and Midwives and off Momma went to meet her future OB. After a few weeks we soon had our O.B. and will be delivering in Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village. This Momma was a true warrior Princess ready to face the Birthing room and meet her son. The Dad was so cool about every thing we faced in preparation. Mr. J main concern was his wife and child. "I just want her to be safe". I do not want to have the same experience as North Carolina."

I can recall receiving the call to come to the hospital. We were disappointed but we were prepared for what could come. I remember the Dr. coming in and saying "hello doula". She knew the moment she saw me Dad has questions. I have experienced birth with this O.B. before so she is use to my questions. Lol!! "I assume you want time to do natural methods first?" Ok Doula I will give you til 10pm so you have plenty of time. Everyone was stuck on her failure to progress labeled in first birth. No one asked did mom move around? How long did mom lay down? How long did staff allow Mom to labor?

Mom was relieved that Dr. already had a rapport with me and was ok with my style of work. Immediately we got to work and as several hour passed staff updated Dr. about how things were going. No pressure. Lol! as time went on Dr. thought it was ok to say Doula it looks like I will have to call this one. I looked at her and asked for a few more minutes. After dancing with her Mom and Husband, walking, squatting Momma body kicked into action and after Mom's hard work and determination we were all experiencing this Momma have a full on Vaginal Birth.

It was wonderful observing her with her parents and Husband supporting her. It was the cutest thing watching this beautiful Mom dance with her parents and husband to make sure labor would stay consistent. This Mom was fun. I had a previous conversation with her about dancing being one of the methods used to get thing going steadily and she was all on board. She had me laughing with the comment "put a little Chris Brown on and you will have no problem getting a party started with me". I thought we were going to shoe Alexian Brothers how the Peaceful Birthing Doula can get down with her Mommies. Lol!

After fun moments of dancing and walking I can see clear as day the face of a determined Mom to meet her child on her terms. With every breath and every push this Mom let me know "I can do this". I loved being a part of this womb warriors experience. Being a part of this moment with a family that stood together in triumph.

Watching the face of a mother who realized I did it was so rewarding. I knew she could experience a beautiful birth. Momma gave me a bit of a scare though. She focused so much energy on the birth when it was all done she was so tired we had to tell her to open her eyes. Job well done. I wasn't shocked this momma has such a fire in her it couldn't be any other way. After the delivery I experienced for the 3rd time this Dr had to give me a high five. We both had to hug Mom and let her know she did a beautiful job... This Mom was determine to have her VBAC. Once she set her mind to the goal at hand and understood her birth plan would be followed within reason unless something medically changes she had no limitations. I really enjoyed this birth as I enjoy all. This Womb warrior was truly and is absolutely a VBAC Princess resilience is definitely a word I will use to describe this Momma.

I feel so much gratitude toward each Family that allow me to be a part of such a beautiful and life long experience. This family is truly a great and blessed family I look forward to the next time I see them again.

for information in services offered please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com or email peacefulbirthingdoula @gmail.com

VBAC MY WAY

VBAC My way