From Plate to Palate; A Fertility Journey Part 3

Well, Annette has done it again. I am so honored that Annette has chosen to share her  journey with us. There are over 20 million women who battle infertility or some women health issue that can lead to infertility. We all have to work toward supporting one another and listen to our story.

Everyone Please enjoy... I hope this will bless you.

There are times that I think to myself “are these natural healing techniques working” to help me conceive? Because sometimes, it’s hard to really measure it. But, when I meditate on it, I feel it and wholeheartedly believe it. Personally, I felt that forcing my body to conceive is not the route I ever wanted to go, so IVF wasn’t even on my radar. Everyone is different, and knows their body more than ANYONE else does, so whatever route that they choose is up to them! I know that, for me, I didn’t want to force nature because something in my heart tells me that my body still needs some healing to do in order to create the right environment to carry a child. So, amping up the natural healing modalities is what I’m doing. And, I have to say, I am LOVING them!

Aside from focusing on a highly plant-based lifestyle over the past 4.5 years, I really began increasing the amount of fruit in my diet over the past year - our reproductive system runs on natural sugars like honey, coconut water, fruit, veggies (YUM!). It is so alkalizing, healing to the body, and supportive of the reproductive system! We need to eat fruit to bear fruit.

One of the key ingredients to this fertility recipe is prayer. There is nothing more relaxing and comforting to me than that. When the timing is right, God will bless us with our own little angel. I strongly believe that. We are on God’s watch, not our own, and He knows what’s right for each of us – I just need to keep leaning into that, and know that He’s got it covered! I still have to do some work of my own, but I rest in the fact that I have the Lord guiding us and watching our backs. There was a very personal prayer that the Pastors at our church prayed over me, my husband, and our future child that gave me so much comfort and peace, and I just knew something additional was healing in my body as soon as I walked out of church that evening. You can’t measure everything in a physical manner – there are some things that are just felt by the heart.

I have been going to acupuncture for the past 6 months - the first few months I was focusing on my shoulder discomfort, not really fertility (thankfully, the shoulder discomfort has gone down significantly, so I know something is working!). But, it wasn’t until July/August that I had the acupuncturist really start focusing more on fertility – I don’t know why I waited so long for that piece, but timing is everything. My heart was finally telling me to start pumping up the jam on the acupuncture! So, we did. When I say we, I mean me AND my husband. It takes two to tango, and guys need it too sometimes. To me, acupuncture is extremely relaxing, and I find myself almost in another realm while getting it done. The energy blockages just start opening, and the body heals! While this may not happen for everyone, I know I can feel healing from it. Highly recommended!

I’ve also tried the Mayan abdominal massage a few different times, and really enjoy it! There are other abdominal techniques that can be stronger and more intense, but I like to lean into practices that are more calming and relaxing, so I chose this massage technique. It’s great for clearing energy pathways, and great for gut health too (which is what I have been working on healing for the past 4.5 years; I still have a ways to go, but I can feel the healing happening). Cupping alongside the abdominal massage and reflexology have all been super relaxing, and I know that’s what my body has been craving (for YEARS) – to relax! Resting is part of the game, and my reproductive system sure needs some of it.

Saunas have been a nice addition to my routine over the past 6 months as it allows me to relax, have some extra prayer time, and sweat out those toxins! Also, following the moon cycles is still something I am learning about, but after digging a little deeper into the way the moon cycles, planet alignments, energy vibrations, etc., affect female cycles, I have become a strong believer in how we are so connected to every part of this universe. And, how the energy of the universe truly helps us! I have made it a practice to do new moon and full moon meditations, and ask the moon (which represents female energy; the sun represents male energy) to help guide and heal me. What a deep and beautiful connection I feel to it, especially since I synced my cycle up to the moon cycles (yes, it’s possible to do this)!

I hope this gives all of you some extra hope knowing that there are many natural healing modalities out there to work on healing the body (both women AND men), and I barely scratched the surface with the ones that I am practicing. I have a peace in my heart that all of these are working in conjunction with each other! Praying for all of you on your fertility journeys, and I hope that you each find peace in whatever techniques you are leaning into; you have the power to heal your body – many blessings to you!

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

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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Wait what?

Wait What?

Today was an amazing day. As a birth worker we always enjoy the experience of laboring with families and having amazing births. You ask what is an amazing birth consist of? Well, an amazing birth is when a Mom is strong in mind, she know her limits and she is willing and able do the simple thing allow her body to work. We of course know the Birth itself is amazing that goes without saying.
Mrs. P is due September 17th and she apparently had the time of her life the past few days due to the most wonderful birthday celebration with her Husband. It is funny how when I first met them I was left with a lot of unanswered questions, do they like me? will they hire me? what did they think of me? They were a very pleasant couple. It was very clear Mrs. P will have the final word. If you knew this Mom you would believe all her words are the final word. this mom is not just beautiful and pregnant she is brilliant and has a very suddle since of humor.

As time past during the pregnancy I was excited and wonder what to expect with this couple. I was under the assumption that I would have plenty of time to prepare for their big day. This handsome little fella didn't think I needed to prepare.

I knew my holiday weekend would be a blast I just didn't know what would make it a blast. Lol!!
I was just finished breakfast as the phone starts to ring. I hear her say "I am leaking fluid and the midwife says to come to the hospital to get checked". I was having contractions last night". Ok! So,here is how the holiday is starting. I inform them it could be amnio fluid or baby could be on bladder once they test the fluid call me and let me know what they tell you. I know it could go either way, I just decided it is time to get ready. I was not sure what to expect but I knew I need to be ready just in case. My next call was being told that they were being admitted and to come to hospital.

This is a holiday weekend heading into Chicago. This was the biggest joke ever. It literally took forever. I made it and Mom labor had started without any assistance. I was excited because we were able to avoid any induction. Even thou she wasn't excited about the discomfort, she was definitely excited that she was able to avoid the Pitocin. The birth plan was clear, it appears that her request was heard in the heavens because there was no need to induce. Everything has started naturally. The labor is full force and has gone from 0 to 60 in the time it took me to commute to the hospital. This Mom was strong and hanging in there as best she could.

It was clear that Dad was concerned for his beautiful Wife. She sat on the edge of the bed working on her breath as I entered the room. The contraction were a little more than she would have liked. I immediately drop my bags to start working on making her comfortable. Baby was clearly in a not so favorable position. I remember the look she gave me of relief . We did everything we could to give her comfort. Baby wasn't interested in moving to make Mom feel any better. Back labor is our culprit. Oh! how I dislike back labor. Immediately, we go hands and knees with a bit of rebozo  and some hip squeezes. I was sure this would be our remedy. This little bundle wasn't interested in moving right away. After a while it was clear this labor is progressing and Mom is dilating at a steady rate.  Our issue would still be the contractions that are at 2 minutes long and a steady 5 minutes apart.

She is interested in her options after we weren't able to get relief from the contractions. I remind her no matter what your choice this is your birth. You need to do what is best for you and baby and if you need to have assistance relaxing then you should do what is best.

Mom is comfortable and resting now. Before we knew it she went from 6cm to 8cm and 30 minutes after she was complete and ready to push. Finally Baby is cooperating with us. Baby comes out and to have been in this room at that very moment was such a joy. There were so many emotions and Love in the room. This Mom and Dad were a picture of Love.

The Birthing room was filled with such Love and Joy. I had to contain my tears so I could help the family. Every family has their moment that is a very emotional birth and every time I am affected and it always feel like it is the very first time I have every supported a family. I love being there for family.

This family was wonderful and full fun and Love. I can't wait to see them along with our little handsome bundle of Joy that caused this Beautiful mom a little trouble.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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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

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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This is Motherhood

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

This day to shall pass

This day to shall pass

Receiving a call from this family was funny. This Beautiful Mommy is excited yet nervous about her up coming labor and birth. She did the one thing I advise women not to do. I always advise women never listen to other women birth stories while pregnant,  I am fine with you listening. I prefer that you only ask your Mother and or Grand Mother their birth story. If you listen to anyone story it should be Mother or Grand Mother. Your story can be close to their birth story. This family was transplants from the West coast so they were a laid back family.

This family is awesome. To see how the Husband is so loving and attentive to his wife is great. Every moment that we spend together I learn that his primary concern is that she is safe.

I get the call that she is experiencing contractions and Dad is a little nervous. I can tell by the tone of voice and the lack of conversation. As I arrive at the triage to is was clear she was uncomfortable and eager to meet her baby. I immediately get caught up on how things are going. Dad is standing guard. I love how when I explain to Dads their duty is to anchor the room, be a show of authority and protect their wife integrity.

As we speak with the staff they are determined to have my anxious Mom hang in the most uncomfortable  bed. With sore hip and stressed breathing I have to calm her down. Dark room, waterfall music and sweet aroma's take the air. We work on breathing as I massage her back. finally her heart rate normalizes and baby calms down. Staff continue to do what every person dreads, interrupt our calm atmosphere.

Finally we make it up stair and Momma receives a comfortable bed and she is able to rest before we get the party started. This Momma was beautiful and so delicate in her laboring. The relationship was clear they have a deep connection. His gentle touch was more comforting to her than she probably noticed.

I remember as the contractions began to increase and she was becoming more restless she gave an effort to relax as we attempted to distract her. Finally, Momma was able to rest easy after she received her comfort. We were able to relax as well. As time went on Momma and Baby were ready to meet.

There is nothing like watching a Mother give her all to meet her Baby. This Mother was ready and eager to have her baby in her arms. Observing the father as he stand firm to protect his wife when he wasn't sure of the request being made of his wife during the birthing experience. This quite Dad had transformed into a super hero. With every push they came closer to completing their family unit. It was the most exhilarating  moment. This Mom was blessed with a physician who had faith that she could birth her baby in the most beautiful way.

To see this Mother when she met her see Baby Girl it was a moment you could caption. As this family started their bonding experience you could feel the thickness of Love in the atmosphere.

It was great observing and supporting this lovely family.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

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Sweet Love

This Momma was so excited and ready to have her baby Boy. Every month makes this mom more and more excited to hold and hug her baby boy. I received a call from this Beautiful Momma with such a sweet voice rich with a thick accent that I adored. I remember her explaining that her career requires her to care for many people and she would need someone to care for her. I could hear the relief in her voice the longer we speak. I express to her that Doula's not only take care of you the momma but I also ensure that your partner is taken care of, this will give you comfort as well as I can pace the room and keep the space grounded. After explaining how I will support her and her partner she sighs.

She was full of faith. Everything about her shows how she has been the primary emotional caregiver for many people not just for work. I couldn't wait to meet her husband to hear his understanding of this Beautiful Momma.

I meet with the Husband and Momma. Both Mom and daddy are so excited and ready to meet his little boy.We go over birth plan and option, things to consider and plans for comfort. This was the cutest and conservative couple. I could tell their laboring was going to be one of much love and peace.

As time goes on baby Boy C was a little more excited than his parents to meet them. We are met with early growing contractions. Every moment is a nail biter. There are changes Moment to moment and Evanston hospital staff kicks into gear. This Momma had to leave her comforting Highland park Midwife for Evanston Hospital.

This Baby Boy Rafa is strong and prepared to conquer what ever comes his way. We are praying for a full healing and no issue in development. Preemies are very resilient. This Momma is strong, full of faith and prepared to petition the heavens all nigh every night.

As a Doula we continue to support till the Mom doesn't need us.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

#peacefulbirthingdoula
#doulalove
#prayforrafa

Meet The Doula

                          

Hello!!  I would like to introduce myself.  I am Tunisia Macklin a Wife, Mother of 2 precious Angel Babies and my sweet precious little 3 year old Princess Elianna. I am also a Massage Therapist, Doula and Placenta Encapsulator. To learn more about my services you can go to www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

 As a young lady I experienced birth work very early. I guess you can say I was born into it. I actually found out that my Great Great Grand Mother was a Midwife. Wow! My first birthing experience was with my Mom. I remember her starting to have contractions with my little sister. It was the most exciting moment ever. That pregnancy was so much fun as all my mother’s pregnancies were as well. My mother was so strong walking through the house, walking the stairs and doing yoga poses. Her favorite was all fours which ironically was great for me during my laboring with Elianna. As time neared my mother to prepare to leave for the hospital I remember her saying “run me a tub of water please”. I sat on the floor and chatted with her while she dosed off a few times and laughed as my sister applied extreme pressure on her low back. What was amazing was I remember when my mom water broke and she called for my dad to get the car ready. “William it’s time for real.” My Dad was cool then and displayed that same cool demeanor when my Mom told him I was heading out to have my daughter Elianna. Some things just don’t change. You have to love my cool Dad. The only thing that I didn’t find fun was having to clean that tub out afterward. That I thought was pretty cruel.

My first experience from there on became a norm from my Mom to being present at a few close friends’ births and my Nephew. Some of my dearest moments were being present for my 3 God children’s birth they were awesome. The funny part is I only worked in an official Doula capacity for my most recent God daughter Grace. By then I knew what a Doula was and had completed my training through DONA International. The funny thing is with all the experience I have from life and training who would have thought the Doula couldn't Doula herself.

I was trained in December of 2012 and 2 weeks later I found out I was pregnant with our baby girl Elianna. It was fun working with families while pregnant. I remember I was 2 weeks from my estimated due date September 5^th 2013 working with a fun family and Dr. Sklar of RPW in Elmhurst, Il. I recall him and the Mom who was delivering asking me “are you ok”? I found out recently Dr. sklar still remembers that day.

So much has changed since then. I love this wonderful world of birth work. I look forward to helping each family understand and improve their birth choices. I also plan on working toward educating families on preparing for birth, the choices they have and how your voice matters. You can read some of my testimonies on www.doulamatch.net/profile/6185/tunisia-macklin  and on my website www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

Look out for the next post on building your birth team to birth your way.

Have a GREAT Day Beautiful Mommies & Mommies-to-be!

You can also follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula and twitter www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula for tips, information and video's on birthing, breastfeeding and fun.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

This Mother's Prayers

 Mothers Prayer for the womb

Every woman feels this desire to have their womb filled at some point in life. Many say it’s your biological clock. We desire to marry the perfect man for us who will be this great companion and parenting team with you as you raise your beautiful baby. You get the husband and you adore him. Now your pregnant and it is all gravy from there so you think, right?

I connected with this Mom on a different level. It was so many similarities in our journey of conception and pregnancy. It was funny. In the birth community, you here many say every pregnant woman isn’t meant to be your client. I have been so blessed to meet my ideal Beautiful Momma. I was told If she doesn’t connect with you then she isn’t the client for you. As a doula, we give so much of ourselves during the time we are serving and supporting. Every momma doesn’t respect it or appreciate it. This Mom wasn’t just pregnant with a pulse she was one I surly connected with. I will never forget receiving  her email. It was so confident. I replied and knew this would be a family that would leave a mark.

I arrived for the first meeting at her home and it was like we met before. She was full of energy and laughter. I could tell this was a woman who was going to have a lot knowledge. She didn’t disappoint. We chat and immediately she displayed type A characteristics as her lovely friend who I also supported. These were the most fun and pleasant type A women I have ever met before.

This beautiful Momma was all about being prepared for everything.

ü  Conception

ü  Doppler

ü  Task list

ü  Scriptures

ü  Music for ever leg of the labor

ü  Make it past 12 weeks

ü  Midwife

ü  Doula

After explaining to this Beautiful Mommy to let go and let God breath and continue to do your normal scriptural meditations we knew we would work well together.

 Though this momma was reluctant to release some things we laughed and parted ways. I was glad to receive my updates on the progress she made after our meeting.

I finally had the pleasure to meet her husband the better half who was so cool and laid back. I have noticed a pattern of the Mommies I have supported. The husbands are always very mellow. This daddy was so cool, supportive and ready to keep Mommy on task by not becoming to tasked oriented. Our meeting was both informative and full of laughs. Mr. J made sure he assured me understood everything. He was funny as Mom and I are having a conversation about Birth plan, what relaxes her, how does she mentally prepare and what comfort measures she think will work for her. Dad find himself looking up peritoneal massage and all of the topics we discussed. I check in with Dad to make sure he understood everything. Dad says" if I don't get it I'll youtube it". "Everything is on youtube".  We collectively laugh. I also mention to him everything on the internet isn't correct. I head out and remind mom to relax and don't over think anything.

Momma had made it to 6 months and Mommy and baby had been going well. No complication for either. We met over the weekend and she filled me in on all her milestones and excitement about how she is feeling baby and getting mentally prepared.

While finishing up my final birth till August sleeping like a doula with no births anytime soon my phone rings and I hear a voice I wasn’t prepared for. “She is here with me and having contractions. I jump up and start to pray. I met them at Evanston Hospital. This family rallied quick. Everyone full of positive energy and prayers. This Beautiful Momma was blessing with a solid rock of a husband. Mr. K.J. was everything she needed and more in this time. Momma and baby make first milestone recovering from surgery. Baby is with NICU and Mom is recovering. After all the excitement and rush this Momma was in good spirits. I ensure her baby is in the best hands. She sends updates to employers, family and friend. I must stop her from sending updates. No computer, no phone till you are through the day. This Beautiful Momma is trying to focus her energy on something else other than worrying. We pray about peace, comfort, healing and staff sharp and keen response. I make sure family is ok and understand what is going on.

The family is so full of love of the Lord, positive energy and hope. This Baby Boy has a tone of people petitioning the Lord for miracles. To date Baby Boy J is reaching many milestones as Mom and Dad continue to grow in faith, love and relationship. Again, this family has such a special place in my heart. I will continue to petition the Lord for their strength as they continue to make many milestones.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

#prayingforKJ 
#peacefulbirthingdoula
#doulasupport
#doulalove 

Vulnerable in Birth

When your determined anything is possible. In birth women defy odds daily. This Momma did what most hope to do.

"I am pregnant". "I am so excited I can't wait to start showing". says the new and excited first time Mom. I was so full of joy for her knowing that this was something she was waiting for and anticipating.

"I'm 40 weeks and nothing is happening" says Momma. I remember having to remind her to Please don't worry just continue to walk, have intercourse if you can tolerate it, use the yoga ball, do some squats and prepare for a marathon each day through great meals, hydration and rest when your able.

As I get the call they have to schedule an induction I could hear the sadness in her voice. the sound of defeat. " In no way have you been defeated. You did great you ROCKED this pregnancy. We can continue to work in hopes that Baby will decide to grace us with her presence or she may not want to come out. Can you imagine being in a warm space, your mother sing to you every day and rock you through constant movement, you hear a rhythmic heart beat that is soothing to you. Why would you want to come out?

As I enter the room to check on Momma I could her the family conversation and enjoying each others company. I remember thinking this baby will have so much love around her. As we tried to beat the clock Baby Girl was not interested. We listened to beautiful worship music as Momma pray and ask God to please use me, strengthen me. Hearing her sweet voice in the most delicate way communicate with our God almighty, our creator you could see how genuine her heart was and how vulnerable she was in that moment. With the room busy and people coming in an out asking questions and typing on the computer she still managed to labor in a peaceful way. You could see the discomfort on her face as she was hit with each contraction like a wave. Each contraction attempted to make her give but never did she cave Momma stood strong determine to have her natural birth. Breathing with every wave and napping in between when she could I could see moments of concern on her husbands face. Every question serious with much concern. I had to remind him this is an natural part of birth. Labor is work and her body has to go through this experience. Ever so often he will ask the question is this okay? Should he feel this way?

We get in the tub with the jets going while the sweet lavender aroma fills the room and soft worship music plays in the background Mom floats around in the water and sings softly. Relaxed and able to manage her thoughts. The Dr's come in to check progress and inform her of options. we are on to Pitocin. After everything has started I remind them sometimes baby need a little nudge. She really isn't interested in coming out. After we  have walk the halls, squats, sat on the toilet used the yoga ball used roobozo finally the birth stool evicted her from the womb.

Baby girl head peaks out while Mom is on the birth stool and the nurse has to hold babies head as Mom moves to the bed. Okay Now sit up and lets help her out. Momma exhausted but determined pushes for 15 minutes and welcomes her Baby Girl into this beautiful family. The Love that filled the room was so overwhelming and pure. Tears and kisses flowed freely with such joy and excitement. You could see reality over take Dad. Its that quite moment when they see baby for the first time it is obvious he realized this is real. I AM A FATHER. 

Baby Girl was eager to eat and exited to meet her Momma once out. So sweet and beautiful Precious Baby Girl E...

Welcome to the wonderful world. You are  going to make a difference you have a purpose because Your Mother will make sure of it. God has a hand on you because your family is a praying family.

God Bless this Family and Baby Girl....
This was a beautiful and inspiring birth. This story has to be shared.

Determination, Love and support is what made it all happen for this Momma.

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

#BirthisBeautiful #Doulalove #peacefulbirthingdoula

Born To Birth

Born to Birth

This Mom is very strong in appearance, athletic and in no way does she look like she is soon to deliver. After speaking with her Mother about their expectation and why she is screening Doulas I was excited knowing this family is prepared and fully conscious of the benefits of having a doula support during this precious moment.

This Mom and Dad you could tell are a quite but strong team. After speaking with them you hear the excitement in their voice for the year they are experiencing.

After 41 weeks Mom and Dad have patiently waited to meet their baby Boy. Labour was easy for this Mom. I laughed because she completely confused me. I arrived at her home to asses the situation, to see if she in fact was in labour. She had been experiencing contractions for days off and on again. There had been no steady pattern and according to her no strength. Once I arrived and observed her quietly i realized It was official she is in labour. However, her pain threshold is very high.

After going for a walk and doing some squats with a little laughter and silliness thrown in there started a great pattern. this mother truly was strong. I realized this Momma was a runner. she had run many 5k's and a marathon. I had to remember when you train for marathons you have to push past that burn. you have to tolerate pain mentally in a different way. We laughed when I told "her you have complete confused me I have to deal with you in a different way. Your threshold for pain is unlike any Mother I have ever assisted".

As she rested in the bedroom to prepare for the labour marathon I relaxed and got me some sleep. While rested with massage and the soft aroma of lavender going  I was surprised she was able to sleep through the night. I was finally told around 7am "I am more uncomfortable but I am still able to manage". Not much later did I finally hear the words I'm ready to go to the hospital. Everyone heads over to the hospital ready to finally meet baby Justice. It was great arriving and finding out Mom is 5cm dilated. All the work and rest helped baby make his way closer to hi Mom and Dad.

Dad had been calm from the very moment I met him. He always have had calm demeanor. This Mom and Dad have had a start to a great year and to add the ready to give birth of their Baby boy on the day They were hoping for some exciting. Nothing shook this family no matter what the Dr. said they were calm and confident that everything was under control.

This Mom is ready to give birth to her baby Boy. After some work and determination Mom gave birth to her Baby Boy with a little assistance and love. Baby Justice had another plan and Mom and Dad was ready for every challenge with confidence and love. It was so beautiful watching this Mom go on this journey and experience her baby entering this world.