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10 Reasons NOT to Get an Epidural

January 17, 2013 by 9 Comments
Reasons-not-to-get-an-epidural

"I don't know if I can do this," I whisper it into the blurry room. The contraction begins to rise and I scream, sing, breath, and pray simultaneously. With a final push, the crescendo, her body slips through mine. I catch her and bring her to my chest, elated. Three natural childbirths later and I have no regrets. Each time, I was afraid. Each time, the baby slid out into my arms and the pain evaporated, replaced by pure relief and indescribable joy. Please note as you read this article … [Read more...]

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How to Prepare for a Natural Childbirth

August 3, 2012 by 16 Comments
newborn-baby

For each of my three labors, I chose pain over pain medication. Each time, I was afraid. For my second and third babies, tears welled in my eyes as labor started because I knew the great agony that lie ahead...and yet I also knew the great reward. I held fast to the promise of a sweet baby nestled on my chest. Each time, it was completely worth it.  There are many "classes" that help mothers prepare for labor. Although some of them may be worthwhile, it is important to note that … [Read more...]

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Standard Labor Bag by Duffle Your Bag [giveaway]

May 9, 2012 by 116 Comments
standard-labor-bag

Here's the complete list of what I packed in my labor bag for the birth center - including what I did and didn't end up using. I started with an awesome pre-packed labor bag by Duffle Your Bag. It was a wonderful luxury and provided me with a fantastic place to pack all of my labor/recover essentials. Inside the sturdy and spacious canvas bag were these items: terry cloth robe (wore it within the first 72 hours) slipper socks (wore once when my feet got the chills) slippers (wore … [Read more...]

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Meet Audrey Jane

April 15, 2012 by 68 Comments
big-sister-holding-newborn

   Born on Friday, April 13 5:10pm 8 pounds 10 ounces 20.5 inches long We are at home - resting, grateful. More photos + a birth story soon. … [Read more...]

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a tribute to the Tucson birth center

January 14, 2011 by 52 Comments
sweet-girl-on-my-shoulder

Exactly two months from today, she'll be two. She laughs easily, tells stories with animation, and has the cutest little waddly-run you've ever seen. I often think of the night I first met her. 8:30pm - on the dot. She arrived in the water. I was on all fours. Tim caught her from behind. We were overjoyed. Looking back, I remember the pain of the birth (yes)...but the word that mostly comes to mind is "peace." Tonight, I pay tribute to the Birth & Women's Health Center in … [Read more...]

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Midwife, OB, or Family Practitioner : how to choose a caregiver

December 22, 2009 by 12 Comments
pregnant woman

Choosing a caregiver for your prenatal care, labor, & delivery is an important decision - one that will undoubtedly shape your entire birth experience. It's certainly not a matter that should be taken lightly. The first thing to remember is that Midwives, OBs, and Family Practitioners are people. That's not rocket science, right? But it's sometimes easy to forget. What this implies is two things: 1. Every caregiver comes to the table with a unique personality, perspective, and … [Read more...]

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4 Things Obstetricians Do That Drive Me Crazy

December 22, 2009 by 27 Comments
patientgowns

***I want to start this post by saying that I am truly grateful for Obstetricians and the life-saving surgeries that they perform. They have much knowledge and their skilled hands have undoubtedly helped many women and babies survive in dire circumstances.*** I remain unconvinced, however, that OBs are the best caregivers for women with normal, low-risk pregnancies. I worked with an OB for my first pregnancy (delivered in a hospital without drugs) and I worked with a midwife for my second … [Read more...]

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10 Things You Should Know About Birth

October 17, 2009 by 28 Comments

I remember being in my ninth month of pregnancy with my firstborn daughter. I thought about the impending birth every day. What would it feel like? How would I react? How long would it take? Would I be strong enough? Strangely, I was curious more than I was afraid. I ended up having my baby vaginally - with an OB - at a hospital - without drugs. The experience was generally positive, but not outstanding (It wasn't until I delivered baby #2 at a birth center that I realize how much BETTER the … [Read more...]

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