Stephanie Sheaffer writes about books, babies, travel, food, and philanthropy.
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...]
This is the birth story of Audrey Jane - born on Friday, April 13, 2012. All times are approximate. 11:20am Tim, the girls, and I drive to the birth center for an appointment. Midwife Kerry checks and I'm 4cm, 85% effaced, baby's head is low. After discussing options, she strips my membranes and we talk about old wives tales for inducing labor naturally since I am 4 days overdue. Noon-ish We stop at Chipotle for lunch. Tim & I share a burrito (I eat about 1/3 of it and am full). I … [Read more...]
You'll be one in just a few short weeks. Can it really be? It seems like just yesterday that I was pulling up to the birth center, singing through the contractions. One hour later, I was pushing on my hands and knees in the water. Tim caught you from behind. When I looked back, he was standing there, holding you - the cord still connected - so proud. You were a content baby from the very beginning. Happy. Gentle. Calm. Come to think of it, I don't really have any memories of you … [Read more...]
Here are 3 more questions you asked...and my answers. Jenny asks: If you had to decide today, do you think you would have more children? Sara asks: Do you have a desire to have a boy and if yes, do you think that affects your decision to have baby #3? The answer is Yes. Yes, we plan to have more children. It's a funny thing. When I was pregnant with our second daughter, we thought that perhaps two might be "it." But something changed in my heart and in Tim's heart shortly after her … [Read more...]
It was March 13. My husband and I drove up to the birth center at 7:30 p.m. It was dark. I stopped on the sidewalk to have an overwhelming contraction in the moonlight. We walked through the door and were greeted by warm lights and the gentle, assuring voice of our nurse. As she put sheets on the bed and prepared our room, we walked back and forth in the welcome area and through the kitchen. It was so calming there, so quiet - just us two and the nurse in plain clothes. No IVs. No … [Read more...]
Last week, we decided to pull off the interstate and spend two nights near the glittering beaches of Daytona. Shortly after we arrived, it rained. To be more accurate – it poured (which is pretty loud when you’re in an RV). We looked out the window and saw people running about with ponchos on. Being [...]
