Radiant Birth

Those Cookies! And an Anniversary of Sorts ...

2015-10-25T12:32:00.001-04:00

It is hard to believe that I have been baking and selling my lactation cookies for a year!

A year of late night measuring, mixing, baking, packaging and shipping cookies off all over the country ... I have sent orders to Alaska, Puerto Rico and Hawaii! It never fails to fill me with such join to print out an address label for a cookie order and image the home that the box will arrive at.

Wow!

Just a quick update on the cookies ...

I will be taking a short break from baking cookies at the beginning of November; I will be taking them off eBay on the 31st of October, and plan to relist them a week later on the 7th of November. Even happy bakers need a little break from baking every now and then!

And then they will be back :)

I'm Back, with a Giveaway!

2015-03-29T05:39:00.000-04:00

The past couple of weeks have been particularly busy ones, working with clients and their families, and my out of town trip and all the busyness that that creates.But now I'm back and ready to get back to baking!

All my eBay listings for the Radiant Cookies and Radiant Tea are available on eBay again. And to celebrate being 'back', I think we should have a little giveaway.

I will be giving away two dozen Radiant Cookies and a package of Radiant Tea (shipping included, within the lower 48, if the lucky winner does not live in the Northern VA area!) Woo hoo!!

A Radiant Cookie, as enjoyed by my eldest kiddo!

Entering is super duper simple. Just subscribe to this blog (the SUBSCRIBE box is to the right of this page!), and then leave a comment on this post letting me know what cookie flavor is your favorite! Are you a chocolate chip person, snicker-doodle, cinnamon raisin? That's it! Couldn't be easier than that!
(Yes! - I'm planning to expand on my flavor options, and I'm curious to hear what some favorites are).

Entries must subscribe and leave a comment to be counted, and I'll be randomly drawing a winner on the evening of Thursday 2nd of April. Good luck!

Where Did the Cookies Go?

2015-03-19T06:47:00.001-04:00

Don't worry! They will be back!

This busy mama is taking a little weekend break, and getting away - just with me (and a few friends!)

The cookies and tea will be back in a few days; and maybe, just maybe, we will have to mark their return with a bit of a give-away here on the Radiant Birth blog (check back next week for details!)

And in the meantime have a marvy-fab weekend.

The Radiant Birth Collection

2015-02-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy weekend everyone! And for the romantics and fellow love-fest folks, happy Valentine's Day!

Just a quick note really, to let you all know that I have added a few things to my Radiant Birth eBay shop.

The Double Dozen: two dozen Radiant Cookies

The Post-Partum Collection: two dozen Radiant Cookies and one package of Radiant Tea

The Baby-Moon Collection: four dozen Radiant Cookies and two packages of Radiant Tea

To check out the entire Radiant Birth Collection - click here!

Why I am a Post-Partum Doula

2015-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm asked this question a lot, by friends, by clients by random folks that I get chatting with - they 'why' question. Why be a Post-Partum Doula?

I think the concept of post-partum care really made sense to me in the heady days and weeks after my twins were born. Without a strong support system of family and friends around me, I floundered. I was completely overwhelmed between the demands of these two new babes, my busy toddler and a demanding job.

I remember thinking that I just wanted, needed, someone to come into my home and HELP! Help me rein in my dishwasher and laundry, help quell my fears and concerns, help me process the stress and anxiety of being a new mama to these two little ones.

Of course, I made it through that period. I started getting a little more sleep, developed systems to help with all the day to day minutiae of parenting and adjusted to the new normal of life as a mama to three Little Ones. But I never forgot the deep need I had for 'help', that ran much deeper than the need for visits from family and meals delivered by friends.

And over the years of processing what that 'help' might have looked like, I began to realize that I had a deep and profound desire to provide that help. It was a calling of sorts, to provide support and encouragement to women, and in particular to new mothers and their families.

And that help can look really different from one family to the next! Sometimes that help is sitting knee to knee with a new mother, and holding her hand as she weeps with the lack of sleep, the emotional overload of welcoming a new baby, the fears and steep learning curves.

Sometimes that help is completely practical; folding laundry, fixing snacks, refilling water bottles, making a run to the grocery store, tackling the dishwasher.

And sometimes that help is more hands on; helping with breastfeeding and eating issues, sleep questions and logistics, diaper changes and helping with baby and siblings so the mother can shower, nap, and eat a hot meal with both hands.

But through it all, is the support, the offer to 'help'. And how wonderful to know that there is help out there, that we are not alone.

Reasons to Celebrate - a Birthday and GIVEAWAY!

2015-01-30T14:05:00.001-05:00

So, today is my birthday! That coupled with a sudden flurry of new likes on my Facebook page and a few ideas that I have been noodling around with ... it seems like a good time to do a bit of a giveaway.

(And honestly, I'd love for this to be more than just a one off thing; because I love giving back, it makes me happy, and it's fun! And someone gets to win something, which is always nice too!)

So, most of you probably know by now that in addition to my Post-Partum Doula services, I also have a cookie and tea business, where I bake and distribute lactation tea and cookies, for nursing mamas. Those cookies are yummy, yes! a great snack, yes! AND support a nursing mama's milk supply. What's not to love?!

So to help celebrate my birthday today, I will be giving away two dozen Radiant Cookies and a package of Radiant Tea (shipping included, within the lower 48, if the lucky winner does not live in the NoVA area!) Woo hoo!!

Entering is super duper simple. Just subscribe to this blog, and then leave a comment on this post letting me know! That's it! Couldn't be easier than that!

I'll be randomly drawing a winner on the evening of Saturday the 7th of February. Good luck!

The Power of "You're Okay"

2014-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Having a child is terrifying.

There. I said it.

At least it was terrifying for me. When hubby and I left the hospital with our first child, aged two days, I know that we were both at least moderately terrified. Here we were, first-time parents and the kindly nurses and hospital staff were actually letting us leave the hospital with this precious baby. Alone. Without supervision. Gulp!!

Oh - those first days (weeks? months? years?? decades??!) When every new development with our child came with so many questions, so many concerns. Is this normal? Are we doing this right? Is he okay? Are we okay?!!

If you are anything like me, I had friendly friends and caring family who would pop in for visits, and the question I often heard was "Are you doing okay? Is the baby okay?"

How to answer!! I felt as though if I gave an honest response, I would have either burst into tears or bombard my poor guest with never-ending questions. So my general reply was something along the lines of "We're doing okay; just tired/adjusting/figuring things out".

Of course, I was just so utterly, utterly overwhelmed and exhausted, incapable of anything more than nursing and fretting, it was impossible for me process what I really wanted.

I just wanted to hear that I was doing okay. That my baby was okay. That we were doing everything we needed to, and that all would be okay.

"You're okay".

Because that's all we really need to hear. That we are doing alright, that this is normal, that we will muddle through, and the details will sort themselves out. We don't need advice, or horror stories, anecdotes about how little sleep they got in their own first days of parenthood, or how difficult it was to get a rhythm to their days. No parent with a brand new baby needs to hear those things! They just don't!!

So, there you go. That's what parents of new babes need. Gentle reassurance.

And a snack. And a hug. And a shower. And a nap.

But not necessarily in that order.

RADIANT COLLECTION SALE

2014-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick notice about the special three day Small Business Saturday sale, of all of the RADIANT COLLECTION items.

No discount code needed, the RADIANT COOKIES, RADIANT TEA and RADIANT COLLECTION (of tea and cookies) are each marked down 50% for the four day weekend (from Friday the 28th until Monday the 1st of December) encompassing Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Enjoy!

RADIANT COOKIES, lactation cookies to help support a nursing mama's milk supply. A yummy snack that is good for you, your baby and your taste buds? Win!

RADIANT TEA to support a nursing mama's milk supply. Brew, sip, nurse!

RADIANT COLLECTION, of RADIANT TEA and RADIANT COOKIES, each designed to support a nursing mama's milk supply. Tea and cookies? What's not to love!

A Day for Thanks

2014-11-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

From my family to yours - Happy Thanksgiving!

Lets hold our loved ones close, take a moment to be thankful for all we have, love a little deeper and count our blessings (even the ones that don't seem like blessings!)

Ariel's Story

2014-11-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

What better way to start the week than with a birth story?!

Ariel's Story

by Mellisa

We had a little girl on 10/30 at 12:08 am. I had a successful home waterbirth. No interventions of any kind. It was also very fast. She weighed 7 lbs 5oz.and was 21 inches long. She had a knot in her cord that did not affect anything. It was still pulsating when she came out.

I had on and off contractions since the first Monday in October when I accidentally eat spicy shrimp. Contractions finally became intense, but would not keep going and every contraction was painful at my pubic bone area, so I reached out to my chiropractor. I didn't think this was normal. Of course it was not. My pubic bone was not separating in the proper direction. I was past my due date as well. She did some manipulation and since I was past my due date she did some Logan Technique work. Kind of like a chiropractic induction. She said I probably didn't need it. That fixing my pubic bone would most likely do the trick, but because of how I had been contracting for the last few days we figured it wouldn't hurt. It was obvious the baby wanted to come out.

Contractions slowed down and were less intense for a while (my chiropractor had warned me this would happen). At about 9 pm that night they were back to intense and consistent with no pubic bone pain! At 9:30 I went to lay down and my husband did some back massage during each contraction. I attempted to find another position and ended up on my stomach as a contraction started! Ouch!! I got up and yelled for him to turn the shower on. It was about 10 pm. A few minutes later he called our Doula, Claire. She listened to me grunting and moaning in the shower and told him she was on her way. She called our midwife on her way to our house for us to give her an update and advised her to make her way over as well.

Claire arrived around 10:30 pm. My husband was working on the birthing pool and I was still in the shower. I am now thinking we are going to run out of hot water and turned down my hot water usage. However contractions are harder to handle when I got cold. I now felt the water temp drop and told Claire. She had Jon check the pool water and sure enough it was coming out cold. He started boiling water on the stove.

Since the water was now cold I get out of the shower. I was cold and contractions were harder to handle. It is hard to relax when you are cold! - just in case you didn't know that. Lol! My midwife arrives at some point. I keep asking about the pool.

I have most of my labor in the living room on the couch (don't worry it was covered in plastic just in case). At about 11:30 my midwife says if I still want to get in the pool, now would be a good time. I am beyond relieved and immediately move to the pool. As i get in the pool, I notice the assistant midwife arrives. I get in and immediately feel so much better. I think I started pushing before I got in the pool because I now feel a sense that my duty is to get the baby out. I am on all fours. That ring of fire (the one I was not able to experience with my first) was no JOKE! (note - read here for the Birth Story of Mellisa's first birthing experience). Holy crap that burned. When it didn't let up for a few contractions and stayed there, negative "I can't" thoughts entered my mind. A lot of the affirmations were going through my head, but that didn't help so I spoke my "I can't" out loud. Immediately Claire (my Doula) started saying to me "You can and you are doing it". Jon gets in my face and says the same thing, but adds WE ARE doing it. I start repeating it and try to remember to not push like a crazy woman.

Someone tells me to reach down and feel the head. I remember it feeling fuzzy. I thought hey it has some hair! Now come out! Then I hear "ok reach down and grab your baby". I do. And they say "Give a final push and your baby will be out". Sure enough one final push and the baby was out and in my arms. I kept hearing someone say "Do we know what it is?" I finally look and with shock-- It is a girl! I am excited and surprised because I was so certain we were having a boy.

I get out of the pool and cough ( literally) out the placenta. I nurse and eat my home cooked meal. We move to the bed room and do all the newborn checks while I am laying in my own bed We burn the cord off. Claire knows the person who is doing the placenta encapsulation and notifies her that I gave birth.

And that is pretty much everything. I am overly happy with the birth, although I do wish I could have been in the pool from the beginning.

Long story for only 3 hrs of labor. Not counting the start stop contractions.

If you are interested in sharing your Birth Story here on the Radiant Birth blog, feel free to Contact Me.

Taste Testers

2014-11-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

At this stage most of you will probably know these two things about me.

- I sell cookies and tea to support the nursing mama's milk supply (click here for more details!), and

- I have three children.

It has taken me a while to work out why my kiddos love love love it when I have cookie orders that come in ... they get to eat any 'reject' cookies! (You know - the cookies that aren't quite the right shape, or a little too crispy, or what have you).

Lucky little pups!

Small Business Saturday

2014-11-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

For the past month or so I've been selling my RADIANT COOKIES and RADIANT TEA (products to help support a nursing mama's milk supply) on eBay ... sales are good, and I'm really excited to share these with buyers all over the country.

Of course, it's always good to spread the word (and the cookies!) a little further, so I'll be offering all of the RADIANT items at 50% off for the upcoming Small Business Saturday weekend (Friday the 28th through till Sunday the 30th of November). WOW!!

Spread the word ... who can resist tea and cookies!

(No code needed, price will be adjusted for the three day period).

Weekend Links

2014-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

A round up of a couple of articles I really enjoyed this week! Have a great weekend everyone!

Becoming Mom :: Mothering.com

Control or the Lack Thereof :: Attachment Parenting

'Second Night' Concept Advice for New Moms :: Marshfield News Herald

A Man's Guide to Doulas: Why She Wants One and Why You Should Too :: Doula Spot

Tomorrow's Birth Story Circle CANCELLED

2014-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

**CANCELLED**

I have three very poorly kiddos in my home, and cannot in good conscience

invite mamas with little babies in.

I'll be posting reschedule details soon!

Just a quick note!

I still have spaces available for tomorrow's (Saturday the 22nd) Birth Story Circle. I limit the group to about half a dozen mamas so that this stays a small and cozy group. Babes in arms welcome!

More details are here!

RADIANT COLLECTION!

2014-11-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you follow me on on Facebook (here!) you will have read about my upcoming line of lactation tea and cookies ... well, they're here!

I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of my RADIANT TEA and RADIANT COOKIES!

Yummy, hearty and nourishing snack and hot tea, which help support a mama's milk supply.

The cookies are a hearty snack, packed with chocolate chips, and breastmilk boosting ingredients such as oats, brewer's yeast and flax seeds. The tea is an earthy blend of borage, blessed thistle, red raspberry and fenugreek that can be enjoyed daily.

These are both available for purchase through eBay.

Loose leaf RADIANT TEA!

Each package contains 24 servings of tea, and contains Borage,

Blessed Thistle, Red Raspberry and Fenugreek.

Click here for eBay link.

Yummy RADIANT COOKIES!

Each package contains one dozen hearty and yummy chocolate chip cookies, packed

with lactation supporting goodies, such as oats, brewer's yeast and flax seeds.

Click here for eBay link.

And the RADIANT COLLECTION!

With a package each of the tea and cookies, this collection both items at a discounted price.

Click here for eBay link.

Weekend Links

2014-11-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

A handful of articles I particularly enjoyed over the past week ... enjoy! And have a great weekend!!

Differences Between Nursing the First and Third Baby :: Dr. Psych Mom

The Often Overlooked Post-Partum Doula and Why You Need One :: Arbor Days

A New Mother Blessing :: Kindred

Parents, Stop "Training" Your Children :: The Washington Post

Xanthie's Story

2014-10-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've been really blessed to share each of Bethanie's, from Green and Grateful, birth stories. We have shared Bethanie's other three Birth Stories here, here and here. This story is of her fourth and most recent birth experience!

Xanthie's Story

by Bethanie

I think Xanthie was trying to outdo her sister, but didn’t quite make it! Aisling was 10 days late, but Xanthie didn’t quite make it that long. She arrived 7 days after her due date. In this home, the boys seem to arrive early and the girls late! I guess they need the extra gestational time for beauty sleep!
This labor was super fast, which I kind of expected and secretly hoped for, but it was definitely faster than I thought. Still VERY intense, but so relieved to have it completed so quickly!

So to start at the very beginning, on Saturday the 3rd, we had the day completely free and it was so nice not to have any plans to be able to spend time together as a family. It looked like it was going to rain in the morning, so we decided to go to the mall and walk and then let the kiddos play in the playground area. We did walk the perimeter of the mall… both floors, but unfortunately they were remodeling so the kids area was completely torn up.

The kids were disappointed, but we certainly didn’t have the meltdown that I partially expected. We had a gift card for Chipotle, so we decided to leave the mall and drive around the corner to get some lunch and do some more walking around Fairfax Corner since the sun had decided to come out. We walked some more and then listened to some live music in the square and let the kids play in the water fountain.

It was so nice not having a schedule and just letting the day play out. I really didn’t get any contractions out of all the walking which is what I was hoping for, but I did lose part of my mucus plug that night… so I guess I did get a little something out of all the walking!

Sunday we went to church in the morning and then enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with my parents at their house and with my sister and her family who were in town from Kentucky. It was great seeing them and enjoying another beautiful day! I think it was only in the 70s which is unheard of for August in Northern VA!

I felt a little crampy… just that the braxton hicks were stronger, but nothing anywhere close to anything I’d call labor. They weren’t regular at all and wouldn’t even say they were painful. My Mom was on call to take the kids when labor did start so I contemplated leaving them for the night, but didn’t think I was that close to having a baby that they should stay.

Then early Monday morning around 3:45/4am I awoke having to go the the bathroom which is a little abnormal for me. Usually I don’t have to wake up until 5am or after, but I didn’t think too much of it. However, once I got back in bed I couldn’t go back to sleep. I started having contractions that were 10 minutes apart. Just like period cramps. I still wouldn’t have even said they were painful… just annoying enough I couldn’t get back to sleep. I woke Brian at 5am and let him know that I thought we were gonna have a baby sometime before lunch time! So I asked him to start filling the pool to make sure it was ready for when I was ready to get in. At 5:30 I called my Mom and asked her to pick up the kids around 6:30 so that she wouldn’t get stuck in rush hour traffic.

When she got there around 6:30 my contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart and only about 30-45 seconds long, and uncomfortable, but not intensely painful. In fact I found out later that Mom told my sister she didn’t think I had any contractions the whole time she was there to get the kids. She hung around til about 7am. As soon as Mom left with the three kids the contractions increased to 2 minutes apart and still not intense, but stronger.

I called Peggy (our midwife) and was able to have a normal conversation with her through the contractions. She wanted to know if I wanted her to come now. I said it was up to her. I didn’t feel like she needed to be here, but I also said that once I wasn’t the one calling her because the intensity had increased… by that point she probably wouldn’t make it. So she said she would get ready to head out.

Things started to increase and at 7:45 they were strong enough that I got in the pool and didn’t really want to carry on a conversation with anyone. Grunts and one word answers was about all anyone could hope for! Brian was still finishing up a few things and adding a bit more hot water to the pool. Brian then hopped in the pool with me and I was so glad to have him there.

The midwives still weren’t there and I could tell it wouldn’t be too much longer. I had two really strong contractions though which I could feel Xanthie’s head moving down through my pelvis. I remembered feeling the same when Aisling was born and was hopeful it wouldn’t be too much longer. During the second of those two contractions Mayanne (Birth Assistant) arrived. At the end of the contraction she asked if i wanted to be checked and I said no. I knew the head was right there and I wanted to push with the next contraction.

Next one came and I pushed and her head emerged. I said something to that fact and Brian said Mayanne looked at her gloves and then at me and back at the gloves and then just came over to the pool! Next contraction shoulders and the rest of her were born. 8:33 Mayanne arrived and 8:36 Xanthie arrived! Peggy didn’t get there for another 10 minutes!

It was super intense but I’d much rather it be quick!

Thanks to my wonderful husband who cheerfully got up at 5am to quickly get the pool filled and do whatever he could to serve and care for me as I progressed through this labor. He was so encouraging and knew what words I needed to hear. He worked hard and quickly to get things together and then cared for me as the end neared. I always love to see the joy and excitement in him as the end nears and as the baby joins us! I couldn’t have asked for a better man. God knew my needs and provided a man to suit that perfectly.

I’m still in awe at the miracle of birth and rejoicing in the daughter that has newly joined our family.

Thank you for rejoicing with us!

Xanthie's mama, Bethanie, has a wonderful blog, Green and Grateful, where she writes about her days spent as a mama to her four beautiful children, frugal living, delicious food and homeschooling. Stop by and say 'hi!'

If you are interested in sharing your Birth Story here on the Radiant Birth blog, feel free to Contact Me.

Beyond Birth ... Stop the Presses!

2014-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

Our Beyond Birth: Preparing for the Fourth Trimester event is coming up this weekend, and Stephanie Hanson of Diaper Parties by Stephanie and I are so excited to be joined by Jessica Chase of Tree of Life Birth Services!

Jessica will be talking about the benefits of placenta encapsulation for the fourth trimester period - can't wait to learn more about this!

For more information about this, and other upcoming RADIANT BIRTH events, click here!

Weekend Links

2014-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

So many articles, so little time! Here are a few that I really enjoyed this past week.

7 Tips For Happy Postpartum Health :: Dr. Sears Wellness Institute

Mama Performance Anxiety - 4 Tips to Prevent It :: BellyBelly

5 Words of Advice for New Parents :: Mothering.com

Why Are America's Post-Partum Practices So Rough on New Moms? :: The Daily Beast

Beyond Birth

2014-10-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Such exciting news to share!

Stephanie Hanson, of Diaper Parties by Stephanie, and I are excited to announce a one time talk for new and expecting mamas, Beyond Birth: Preparing for the Fourth Trimester.

Join us to learn more about breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering and what to expect in those early post-partum days.

Stephanie will bring some samples of baby carriers, cloth diapers and mama cloth, for attendees to peruse (with the possibility to order), and I will have my new line of Radiant Tea and Radiant Cookies, yummy treats for new mamas to help support a good milk supply.

Upcoming date:

Sunday 2nd November, 4pm - 6pm

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax,

Room 11, Program Building.

2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA. 22124-1614

RSVP for this event on Facebook for the

lastest updates on this event.

Sleep When the Baby Sleeps ...

2014-10-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

My all time favorite piece of Post-Partum advice!

Birth Story Circle

2014-10-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

It's time to plan for the next Birth Story Circle!

A woman's birthing experience is such a powerful one, and many Mothers love to have the opportunity to share their own personal birthing story.

Birth Story Circles are small groups of Mothers, coming together to share their stories. This is a safe and non-judgmental space, where Mothers can feel supported and safe as they share.

I am so so excited to announce that I will be holding a Birth Story Circle, on Saturday 22nd November, 4-6 pm, in Sterling, Virginia.

Attendance is limited, to ensure that the group remains small, cozy and confidential. Please RSVP here to save your spot at an upcoming Birth Circle.

Babes in arms and nurslings welcome! Your first priority is to you and your baby, so please feel free to take care of your needs, to nurse, feed and change as you and your baby require.

There is no right or correct story to share. You are welcome at a Birth Circle whatever path your Birthing journey took. Please remember that Mothers each have their own story, and you may well hear stories that differ greatly from your own, including home births, cesarian sections, unassisted births, Birth Centers, Midwife deliveries and hospital births. This is a supportive space to share and receive ALL stories!

Interested in me facilitating a Birth Circle for your Mom's Group? Contact me for more information!

Upcoming dates

Saturday, 22nd November, 4-6 pm
8 Howard Place, Sterling, VA. 20164.
- Pay what you can! (suggested amount is $15 to $40)

Kora's Story

2014-10-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

A new week, another opportunity for a Birth Story!
Read on!

Kora's Story

by Mellisa

I took the Bradley Method classes. We felt prepared. We had a doula. I chose a hospital birth due to unknown family history. My husband really thought we should have a birth center birth. I pushed back because of the unknown.

I started with mild irregular contractions on 10pm Friday night. Right at bed time. My husband said, "rest, you don't know how long it will be". I tried resting until about 2 am. At that point I was done with getting up every 20 minutes with a contraction, needing to pee and being thirsty. At this point I was also hungry. So, I decided to go to the kitchen and get something to eat. All I remember is wanting to eat the fruit we just bought. So, I stood there at the counter cutting up all the fruit, eating some and putting the others in containers. I also timed contractions. They were still irregular and not intense. At about 5 am I decided I should get more rest. They contractions must have stopped because I slept until about 9 am.

My family was in town and were preparing to leave when I woke up; I told then I was having contractions last night.

They decided to stay. My sister and husband helped me try to get my contractions going again. We called our doula just to inform her. The contractions came back and started to become regular in the afternoon. We called the doula after dinner time between 6 and 7pm again, to tell her they were getting stronger and staying pretty regular. I was still pretty talkative and felt fine. Our doula arrived between 8 and 9 pm. We did some laboring on the ball; I was definitely moving along in labor. I had to concentrate and relax during each contraction. It never felt painful. We discussed if I should go to the hospital now or later. I was admitted to the hospital around 10pm.

I tried the tub, but I kept having to get out to pee so I was annoyed; I decided to stay out of the tub.

Some time around midnight, but Dr came in to check me. I was told by my doctor in a frank voice "You are not fully dilated, your water has not broken and your cervix is protruding. You are pushing. You need to stop pushing or your cervix will explode. If you do not stop pushing, I will take you in for a c-section".

I told my doctor that I was not purposefully pushing, that my body was doing it. At this point my water broke. My doctor proceeded to tell me that my other option was an epidural. I told her that I didn’t want an epidural or a c-section. She then told me that if I didn’t stop pushing she would take me in for a c-section and that it would not be in a form of a question if I wanted one. My husband looked at our doula and asked if there was anything else we could do. She said that I could try to blow out each contraction and focus on that. We asked the doctor if we could try this. She said that I had one hour and if I could not stop pushing then I would have to get the epidural.

I tried so hard not to push. With the fear of a c-section looming and not being able to stop the pushing, I looked at my husband and told him to tell the doctor to get the epidural because I did not want a c-section. I did not request the epidural for pain management. I wanted to avoid a c-section.

Looking back, I honestly believe my doctor wanted to perform a c-section. It was not only Sunday, it was Father’s Day. I remember my doctor looking at me and asking me if I wanted the epidural. I told her that I didn’t want a c-section and that I couldn’t stop pushing. So, if that is my only option then yes. I also remember her saying that it might be another hour before he could get to me. I remember being scared. Thinking how am I not going to push for another hour. Well, I remember him coming in soon after she left with all the paperwork for me to sign. Of course my husband can’t sign them. I have to sign them in the middle of contractions. The epidural is inserted. Then nurse Anne goes to put the catheter in, but can’t. She yells over and says turn off the epidural, she doesn’t need it! I am confused, my husband is confused as is my doula. She says the head is right here, you need push and can push! My doctor did not check me before the epidural was given. I began pushing as my doctor is frantically getting ready. I can totally feel the pressure of the contractions. I am yelling "I need to push, I need to push". Then I feel it subside and then I go back to saying "I need to push, I need to push". They are not telling me that a contraction is coming or to push. I continue to do this until my beautiful daughter arrives at 4:44am on Father's Day.

If you are interested in sharing your Birth Story here on the Radiant Birth blog, feel free to

Contact Me.

Weekend Links

2014-10-11T07:38:00.002-04:00

A quick round of a couple of articles I enjoyed this week.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

A Timeline of Baby's First Hour :: Science News

Why Must You Ask If She Is A Good Baby? :: Baby Center

10 Ways You Can Actually Help When A Friend Has A New Baby:: Huffington Post

Difference Between Breastfeeding the First and the Third Baby :: Dr Psych Mom

Simon's Story

2014-10-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone!
Enjoy your Birth Story!

Simon's Story

by Pamela

I had what I think was my first contraction around 7:15am while I was cuddling in bed with my two older boys. I didn’t necessarily believe it was a contraction since up to this point I had had three nights of contractions that went from about 2am until 3am and then stopped. The day before I went into labor I felt terrible; my body ached, I was in a tough place emotionally, and I truly thought I was going to be pregnant forever.

After I got out of bed I went about my morning trying to keep time on my contractions. I called Thad (my husband) around 8am and told him I had a few contractions but I couldn’t keep track of their pattern; they were somewhere between 10-15 minutes apart but not consistent. He said he was going to leave the office right away but I told him I wasn’t sure if this was it. He said he’d rather be home than miss anything so he came home. I was standing in my kitchen trying to keep track of my contractions by my last made calls/texts to my husband, doula, and midwife. By 8:45am my husband came home and he asked his mom to stay home in case she needed to take the boys out of the house. I remember walking to the bathroom (I was making very frequent trips to the bathroom that morning which was a good indicator that I was truly in labor) around 9am and had to hang on to my dresser to get through a contraction. My midwife, Marilee, called to check on me and said she was on her way and my doula texted me to tell her when we needed her help. Around 9:30am my friend, Amanda, came by to pick up the cookies for our cookie exchange that morning and my mother in law was getting the boys and dog into the car and I had a long, intense contraction that had me on my knees hanging on to the banister with tears in my eyes. Active labor began!! Dash (older son) was very concerned seeing me in pain and I was grateful that they would not be there for labor despite my initial wants of having them in the house for labor and/or the birth. I wouldn’t have been able to concentrate on labor if they were there. I remember Marilee walking into the house while I was groaning through a contraction and I heard her say, “Those are good sounds,” and it finally occurred to me that this kid was going to be born that day. It was around 9:45am.

I made it downstairs in between contractions to see Thad busy at work filling the aqua doula, Marilee setting up supplies, and I helped by setting up my iPod for music and setting up my diffuser (I used doTerra’s Balance blend for grounding). I was having a hard time getting comfortable through contractions because I couldn’t quite tell where I was having pressure. Was the pressure on my bottom or my perineum or my back? I couldn’t tell, so I couldn’t figure out what position to be in for maximum comfort as I worked through my contractions. All I knew was that I did not want to be standing up, so I tried being on all fours (which was tolerable) or sitting on the toilet and/or the birthing stool (which was more tolerable but not perfect). I even tried hanging off the corner of my sectional but it was not quite right. My doula, Mary Beth, arrived around 10:15am and she jumped right in and helped ground me through my contractions. She helped me relax and used essential oils (we used Iris Oils 4 pack for Childbirth) for scent and massage. Thad sat behind me to hold my shoulders down during contractions (so I wouldn’t tense up) and Mary Beth sat in front of me between my legs. They took turns feeding me pineapple and/or pomegranate seeds and giving me sips of water to keep me hydrated. I felt encapsulated in love.

Around 10:45am after I went to the bathroom I stood there crying. In pain, I cried worrying about whether or not my son would love me. In retrospect, I realize this irrational worry was a sign of Transition, and apparently so did everyone in the room because Marilee, Thad, and Mary Beth held me in the bathroom as I cried. When I got out of the bathroom I complained that I couldn’t get into a comfortable position and Marilee wisely suggested the aqua doula.

Once I lowered myself into the pool I had instant relief. I can’t believe I didn’t have a pool with all my babies! The water was warm, soothing, and I instantly felt like it lifted everywhere I was feeling pressure. The counterpressure was so helpful in managing the pain, it was just amazing. We labored in the pool as the contractions became stronger – at this point I was still able to talk or joke a bit between them; I distinctly remember joking with the birth team over my husband’s dismay when Celine Dion came on the playlist.

The period for talking soon ended – the break between contractions was shortening and the contractions themselves were getting much stronger. I remember asking Marilee why I wasn’t getting a break, and what I should be doing, and she kept saying ‘You’re doing it.’ Sometime around noon I was really working hard – I remember feeling tired for the first time, and concerned about how long the labor would take – would I still have the energy to push effectively at the end? Mary Beth kept me hydrated with water and Gatorade, and I continually sought positions that would relieve pressure from my back. I remember leaning back with my husband’s hand supporting my back, leaning back in an almost hurdler pose with one leg extended, squatting upright and swirling my hips, and finally shifting to all fours in the pool, which would become my final birthing position.

At one point well into active labor, I did ask if there was anything for pain relief, and after a brief silence, Marilee replied ‘You’re sitting in it.’

In retrospect, now I know the various positions and movements were all what Simon needed me to do to safely enter the world. While I was deep in active labor, I had to release the negative thoughts that spun through my head. I questioned whether I had done enough. I had thoughts of being ill prepared, of his size, of my abilities to actually get him out, of possible rupture, and I realized I was at a point of no return, and in releasing those thoughts, I started to unintentionally push. My midwife does not dictate pushing; she allows the body to do what it needs to do. With Dash’s birth, she told me when to push because she saw that I was getting tired and needed to help me focus. This time, my body just did what it needed to do, and unbeknownst to both my husband and me, I was pushing.

I noticed Marilee was behind me by the pool, and Leigh Ann (her assistant) was holding tools of some sort. I had no concept of time at this point – I don’t know exactly when I began to push, or for how long I pushed. I don’t know if it’s because I was in the water, or because the bag of waters was intact, but I had no idea how close he was to being born. I remember Mary Beth asking my midwife if she ‘catches in the water’, (she does) and it hit me that we were going to meet him soon. It’s a crime that in some places women have to get out of the tub to deliver – I can’t imagine how hard that must be.

My groans became grunts, and bearing down with each contraction became instinctive. Whatever people say, you truly poop a baby out. The sensation is low and deep, and no other sensation can be compared to it other than pooping.

Thad was in front of me, supporting my weight and helping me focus. His strength and faith in me took away any fear I had in pushing. It started to burn up towards my clitoris, and I still had no idea where he was. My midwife never told me how much she could see, but in watching the birth video, he was beginning to crown. My midwife put her hands on me to help guide him out, and when she touched me, I was afraid that I was going to suck him back up into my body. When I watched the video and saw the moment she touched me, I didn’t realize just how close he was to being born.

I was pushing and Marilee told me that my bag of waters was intact, that there was a lot of vernix in there, and that his head was almost out. Thad told me that the time to slow down (to prevent tearing) was coming, but all I could feel was pressure and stretching – I didn’t realize his head was already out. It took my doula and husband telling me that his head was out before I grasped, emotionally and physically, that he was about to be born. My sac was still intact at this point and Marilee asked if I wanted her to puncture it – I told her to do whatever would relieve some pressure. On his way out, she made a small puncture to help him glide out.

While waiting for the next contraction, I felt stretched to the absolute max, and Thad and I maintained steady eye contact to help me stay open. It was during the next contraction that he was born – I was still bearing down and pushing when I heard Marilee say, ‘He’s out – reach down and take your baby – be careful, his cord is short’. I couldn’t believe that I was actually pulling him to my chest. I rested him on my breast, he let out a small cry, and the flood of emotions completely overwhelmed me. What broke my trance was Marilee saying to me, ‘You just birthed a direct OP baby.’ For those of you who don’t know what that means, he was posterior, sunny side up, and he came out gently, which is extremely unusual for babies in that position. In fact, part of the reason why Julian was born by Caesarean is because he was posterior.

Once he was born, we completed all the particulars - getting out of the pool, cutting the cord, prenatal exam, passing the placenta, and of course ordering some pizza. The entire birth team was in high spirits, the sun was still up, and they would be home in time to have dinner with their families – Simon Edgar Winston was born at 1:06pm. He was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 inches long. ‘Edgar’ is for my father. Simon was born on the 11^th anniversary of his passing, which was also our original due date. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor my father. ‘Winston’ is our street name since he was born in our family room.

We had the obligatory family text and Facebook post, and by 4pm it was just the three of us, snuggling on the couch and soaking up every moment of our perfect birth and perfect son. The postpartum period was an emotional roller coaster. For now, I will return my arms to my little 3-week old babe waiting for mama’s milk and snuggles. Life is good.

If you are interested in sharing your Birth Story here on the Radiant Birth blog, feel free to Contact Me.

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