Birthing in Peace

Thursday, March 16, 2017

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

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#BirthisBeautiful #Doulalove #peacefulbirthingdoula

Friday, January 20, 2017

Wow Factor!!!

WOW factor!!!

When I describe this couple the words that come to mind is WOW, exciting, loving and fun! From the moment I met them I knew they would be fun. I never knew exactly what to expect with them but one thing I knew is that they would be fun. This couple was so cute and in Love. Their story was one for the books. I giggle every time I think of their story of friendship, courtship and marriage.

I start what I thought would be a normal day. I was at a potential clients house wrapping up their first prenatal appointment when I get a call from the Mom. She was so calm "I'm just calling you to give you a heads up, I had a contraction". "I don't think you would have to be in a hurry just letting you know". I thought I would have plenty of time to finish up. I guess that is what I get for thinking. Lol!
I ask my normal questions. how do you feel? how far a part are they? where do you feel them?
I have never heard a mom in labor laughing and joking like this joyful Mom. Dad is in the back ground excited and ready to meet his Baby Boy. I could hear him speaking and laughing as well. Clearly, they did something that got the party started a little sooner. All I will say is Oxytocin is a wonderful hormone. The Midwife calls me to check in and see what my take is on the situation. We both agree we should head out. I will head to client and she will meet us at the hospital.

Every client is special and this one proves to be more than that. I told her she would give birth like a rock start after we met. I never knew that she would leave me at a loss for words. As I'm heading out to there place the husband calls me laughing still with music in the back ground saying "we may need to go straight to the hospital". As I'm speaking with them the midwife is calling telling me she just spoke with them and she advised them to go straight to the hospital.
"WAIT... WHAT??Okay!

Everyone arrives to the hospital except me. I'm still in route. I remember the midwife called me with what felt like every 15 minutes. I have never seen her so rushed. This was different for us both. Usually, I would have time and I could stop and get my regular Starbucks Venti Emperors Cloud tea and lemon loaf. As I am coming up on the Starbucks I call the midwife. " Hey I'm passing the Starbucks would you like something". I remember she said with a snicker. " Girl you better not stop this baby is coming now, we just arrived at the same time and Mom is 7cm and bag is bulging. I think I instantly started to speed all the way there. I began to get the details on Mom. The Midwife and I were shocked at the turn of events. I arrived, walked in the room, I see dad's face beaming with joy and excitement. Mom was clearly feeling the contractions now with her bottom wagging in the wind, hands and knees and rocking labor like I knew she would do. Before we could breath Mom had become complete and baby had put so much pressure on that already bulging bag that it ruptured and splattered all over the midwife and I. I have officially been christened with amniotic fluid all over my shirt. The energy in the room immediately increased. Baby had no plans of taking his time. The young man who name means King clearly had a plan to come in this world in thee most memorable way. I truly will not ever forget this day.

Mr. King you are going down in history.

My first Christening as a Doula you got to love it.

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

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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.

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

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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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula