Amazing births......how sweet they are...

Last Friday was a busy day here at the Birth Center.......we had the pleasure of witnessing two amazing births! I' ll blog first about the first birth...georgeous Emily made her way out at 4:24pm weighing 8 lbs 7 oz, after momma had a really calm, glorious labor. She kept saying..." I can't believe this...it is not bad. Everyone kept saying I wouldn't be able to do this...". Well, as she lay resting on the bed ( at 7 cm dilated, I might add) with Joanna massaging her feet with lavender oil and mom literally dozing between contractions looking so peaceful...I thought how wonderful her labor was and how she was getting exactly what she wanted from this birth....to be cared for, comforted, fully supported and guided through the process.

That, my friends, is what our practice is all about. This is what women and families deserve and desire. It is our goal. Our mission. Our work. For now...Janet

Trust.....say no more.

We just recently experienced a wonderful birth with a mom having her 4th baby......a woman who I had the privilege of helping her birth her second baby when I had a hospital based practice. It is always nice to have a woman seek you out when she is pregnant again. Best compliment.....
Well, this labor, like alot of labors was unique for her and nice but different. During the process she said to me......"I really trust you guys." Wow..a great compliment. Really.

Also it speaks to what is oh so important in completing a totally natural birth. TRUST.
Trust:

Your body.
Your mind.
Your spirit.
Your love of God, family , self.
Your instincts. ( yes you chose the right path for you.)
Your precious little baby. ( He/she knows just what to do to make his way into the world)
Your ability to do the job......just like God intended for you.
Your ability to endure as long as the process is unfolding like He intended.
Persevere, continue. Breathe. Love. Anticipate. Wait.

Trust the process. they always say. But it is so true. Like I have said before...your body, the best machinery. The ultimate design. You will be amazed at what you can do! Unbelievable strength, grace, power. Unbelievable. Don't sell yourself too short. Believe in yourself. TRUST in the power within....you know you have it. We believe in you. Believe. Please. You will not regret it. For now........Janet

All that .....and a cookie too!

I love this picture........for several reasons. This is one great birthing woman! Was always fun to see in the office for her prenatal care and a joy to labor. Isn't it cool, that smack dab in the middle of active labor, she would ask for a cookie! We had some at the birth center that evening and she looked up from the end of one of her contractions and stated..."I would love a cookie!" So, here she is, breathing through a contraction, in the tub, holding on to that cookie!

I don't have anything against ice chips ( you know ladies.....the delicious nibbles you get at the hospital) but sometimes a girl just craves a little sweetness! Even when she's working on helping out her own little "sweet one" into this world. For now....Janet

Birthing machinery...........

Oh yeah........that's right! Birthing Machinery........Best Technology I know and have been privy to witness.
Comes with 2 arms, 2 legs, big round belly, huge heart, and enormous will and strength.
Runs on love. Love of God, Love of Life, Love of Family and Love for Unborn babe.
Will never be duplicated...........scientists please don't even try........best work of God yet.

Most efficient when left alone.....I mean don't mess with it. Really.

For now...Janet

Birth - Reunion Birthing Center

Birth Photography Slideshow: Reunion Birthing Center

Natural birth...TOO HARD! Who says....?

Had a a great comment on my last post....Thanks ( you know who u r!) Again, a smart independent woman discusses with her OB the desire to birth her baby "naturally, pain med free." The response????


Well, he described it as "Too Hard". No one does it.....at least not in "his or her" practice.

Once again, another great woman sprinting out of an obstetrical office.......she found her way to a place that worked with her and she did exactly as she desired and knew she was capable of!

Well, I have seen the environment in many hospitals, and it is so unfortunate that it is difficult to accomplish a drug-free birth. Well, maybe if it is your 2nd or 3rd baby.....but your first takes so much guidance and love and support from women who are there totally for you! A great midwife or OB or OB nurse is someone who when they step into that birth environment is completely and utterly there for you and you only.......ego has to stay behind, way behind.

So, I guess in some cases that OB is right.....it is too hard when you are not supported and guided through the process. When you are made to believe that induction of your labor is right and the best thing for you and your baby when you hit your due date ( unless there is a true medical indication for it and sometimes there really is.......)

And, please believe me when I say that I know that all this I speak and preach about natural birth is only in the realm of the "machinery working the way it was planned". Sometimes it doesn't. When that happens there are not too many women who could get through rough, difficult " dysfunctional" labors. They are extremely hard...........and sometimes mommies need help. I always say there is the "pain of labor" and then there is suffering........never a need to suffer. Ever. Let's get help and move on to the birth of your baby, however the little one is supposed to be born. And you know what? It always seems to work out exactly how it was supposed to unfold. We just have to be flexible, listen well, feel our instincts down deep in our bellies and do the best we all can. For now.........Janet