With long aching hours and fading energy, I can still vividly remember the way it felt to sway back and forth with my eyes shut in a trance. The moments of long, deep, moans and intense pressure as my body squatted low with each contraction. Little rest, inexperienced yet still thinking because I was healthy, active, positive and self informed for natural childbirth, my mental unpreparedness overwhelmed me in my first birth experience. My mind was in control... I was physically blocking my body from progression. Laboring against myself with tense muscles {even though I participated in pre-natal yoga every week for 42 1/2 weeks}, mental fogginess {even though I read the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting", body fatigue {even though... I thought I was ready}.
My confidence began to fade, my optimism wavered... and I entered complete exhaustion. With no medication, my choice was to do this all natural and the pain was worth it because my body knew what to do! AND GUESS WHAT?
IT DID!
This photoshoot was taken on my first daughters Due Date August 31st, 2011. Happily over-due, waiting patiently... I LOVED being pregnant. I had a glow, great skin, energy, flexibility, long hair... I was so excited for my motherhood journey. I remember.
Every birth experience is different, every pregnancy has its ups and downs, every mother has a story to tell. This is mine. From heart, the passion for birth and empowering myself from the inside, has lead me to my Wellness Journey & Profession today.
This is my story...
I did so many wonderful things throughout my pregnancy. {Reading, Walking & Exercise, Yoga, Meditation, Healthy Eating, Sex, Celebration, Birth Classes, Chiropractic, Classical Music, Nursery Design, Gardening, Volleyball, Swimming, Listen to my mother's birth story}... No one prepares you better than a woman who is unattached to your personal story, yet exudes compassion for your experience. There is no better preparation than that of a strong, healthy, caring woman to stand in your corner whispering in your ear, massaging you back, applying pressure where it hurts. It is intimate, encouraging and sound in every way you could possibly imagine. But I didn't quite have the kind of preparedness with my first birth.
I wish I had known.
Though I wouldn't change it, and I certainly wouldn't ask for a do-over. But now on the other side of the mountain, I'm so blessed to share this passion with YOU. Moms who are searching for a foundation of peace to bring life into this world.
My first birth was natural, hard, hard, labor... the hardest work I've ever encountered. It has made me strong, determined and so full of love. I cant wait to share with you... what birth looks like with a Doula!
STAY TUNED!
