When I conceived Stella I knew nothing about birth or motherhood besides horrific images of blood, screaming, emergencies, and women getting sliced open. I was curious and naturally minded in other aspects of life: buying organic, whole foods, yoga, natural household and hygiene products and sustainable living. Birth just grossed me out. I didn't want to deal with it, especially naturally. In my mind it was a curse and the worst thing a woman would experience. How did I go from that to my current state?
I was reading The Complete Organic Pregnancy and The Yummy Mummy Manifesto. I usually become very intrigued and want to learn more when presented with an idea, fact, statistic or argument. Both of these books brought up natural birth. I decided to consider it. It made sense to at least consider it. I was reading everything I could online, but I was confused, overwhelmed, and alone. When the topic came up with friends or family, my decision was often met with discouragement. I started to feel helpless.
I remembered this really cool gal. I remembered congratulating her on her daughter's arrival in front of her family's cafe. I remembered my jaw dropping when she said she did it naturally and her responding with something like, "It's totally doable. Natural birth is something your body is designed to endure. You prepare your mind and body for it."
After feeling really discouraged, I knew I needed to seek help. Jessie is the first person I thought of . I had her on Myspace and looked her up. Her page had all kinds of interesting quotes about breastfeeding, vaccines, and birth. They made me think. I wanted to know more. Then, I looked at her photos. She had an album for her first daughter's birth, and looking at it changed me forever.
I was reading The Complete Organic Pregnancy and The Yummy Mummy Manifesto. I usually become very intrigued and want to learn more when presented with an idea, fact, statistic or argument. Both of these books brought up natural birth. I decided to consider it. It made sense to at least consider it. I was reading everything I could online, but I was confused, overwhelmed, and alone. When the topic came up with friends or family, my decision was often met with discouragement. I started to feel helpless.
I remembered this really cool gal. I remembered congratulating her on her daughter's arrival in front of her family's cafe. I remembered my jaw dropping when she said she did it naturally and her responding with something like, "It's totally doable. Natural birth is something your body is designed to endure. You prepare your mind and body for it."
After feeling really discouraged, I knew I needed to seek help. Jessie is the first person I thought of . I had her on Myspace and looked her up. Her page had all kinds of interesting quotes about breastfeeding, vaccines, and birth. They made me think. I wanted to know more. Then, I looked at her photos. She had an album for her first daughter's birth, and looking at it changed me forever.
Isn't this stunning? All I could think was, "I want that. That is how it should be."
I was accustomed to births I saw on TLC and in movies. The woman is always stuck in a bed with all kinds of wires around her. The husband is able to be supportive, but not with his whole body! The doctors and nurses are yelling, "PUSH!" The baby is whisked away and manhandled by strangers. The moms rarely look as gorgeous as Jessie does here, thanks to the drugs. (Of least importance, but it is a perk!)
To describe in one word how this picture made me feel about birth: safe. I still knew little at this point about the dangers and negative effects of induction, epidurals, and other interventions when not medically necessary. I didn't understand the battle families are up against when it comes to birthing naturally in a hospital. I did know in my mind and heart that what they experienced was safe, beautiful birth. I can't tell you how many times I went back and looked at it.
Isn't it crazy how one picture can change your world? One simple remark. It's fascinating how God uses little things to make big changes. I wanted to share this because I know there are a lot of women out there that are scared to feel good about choices they've made. I know I am. I am still working on my backbone. I worry about offending people. I know being open about my decisions leaves me open for attack. It's scary sometimes. I often feel so alone, like I'm the only person in the world questioning mainstream lifestyle and refusing to be forcefed BS from the media, government, and health professionals.
If you believe in something know why, be able to defend yourself gracefully, and rock it! I'm not saying we all need to blog about what's important to us or suggesting you become an obnoxious fool and shove your views on everyone. Be yourself, and you will inspire others. God will lead people to you, and you will know when to open your mouth or press the enter button. Many people will criticize or look down at you, but it's worth it. Even if you only help one person. It is so worth it.
This goes for any belief or cause, but I am of course speaking about birth. This isn't some crazy new parenting trend. Women need to take back birth. We need to take back nourishing our children with our well equipped bodies. We need to take back the health of our families. We need to help others stay informed. We need to stick together. We need to spread love. Humanity depends on it.
If you've read or heard my birth story, then you know I messaged Jessie and she ended up being my birth doula. She set me off in the right direction and I have learned so much from her. She supported me even though I put myself in a hospital. She changed my mind about breastfeeding. She was honest and challenged me. I am forever thankful for this.
I was accustomed to births I saw on TLC and in movies. The woman is always stuck in a bed with all kinds of wires around her. The husband is able to be supportive, but not with his whole body! The doctors and nurses are yelling, "PUSH!" The baby is whisked away and manhandled by strangers. The moms rarely look as gorgeous as Jessie does here, thanks to the drugs. (Of least importance, but it is a perk!)
To describe in one word how this picture made me feel about birth: safe. I still knew little at this point about the dangers and negative effects of induction, epidurals, and other interventions when not medically necessary. I didn't understand the battle families are up against when it comes to birthing naturally in a hospital. I did know in my mind and heart that what they experienced was safe, beautiful birth. I can't tell you how many times I went back and looked at it.
Isn't it crazy how one picture can change your world? One simple remark. It's fascinating how God uses little things to make big changes. I wanted to share this because I know there are a lot of women out there that are scared to feel good about choices they've made. I know I am. I am still working on my backbone. I worry about offending people. I know being open about my decisions leaves me open for attack. It's scary sometimes. I often feel so alone, like I'm the only person in the world questioning mainstream lifestyle and refusing to be forcefed BS from the media, government, and health professionals.
If you believe in something know why, be able to defend yourself gracefully, and rock it! I'm not saying we all need to blog about what's important to us or suggesting you become an obnoxious fool and shove your views on everyone. Be yourself, and you will inspire others. God will lead people to you, and you will know when to open your mouth or press the enter button. Many people will criticize or look down at you, but it's worth it. Even if you only help one person. It is so worth it.
This goes for any belief or cause, but I am of course speaking about birth. This isn't some crazy new parenting trend. Women need to take back birth. We need to take back nourishing our children with our well equipped bodies. We need to take back the health of our families. We need to help others stay informed. We need to stick together. We need to spread love. Humanity depends on it.
If you've read or heard my birth story, then you know I messaged Jessie and she ended up being my birth doula. She set me off in the right direction and I have learned so much from her. She supported me even though I put myself in a hospital. She changed my mind about breastfeeding. She was honest and challenged me. I am forever thankful for this.
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Sabrina this was beautiful! I wish I had someone like Jessie when I was pregnant! 23yrs ago giving birth was such a scary thing & I never knew that I could have been in control of the situation. Being involved in the pregnancy & birth of Ellie truely made me see it all in a different way. The serene feeling you get by looking at this picture was exactly what it was like watching the birth. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen! Giving birth in a hospitial bed attached to an IV & fetal monitor, not being able to move freely, the epidural being put in while you're told not to move, the entire atmosphere makes it very stressful & leaves you feeling like you've missed something. Jessie & Calab showed me what was missing and it was the most amazing thing that words could never describe. I am truely blessed to have been able to be a part of something so beautiful! I encourage every women to be open minded when it comes to giving birth, the outcome may surprise you! Thank you Sabrina for the story!
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