Yesterday I was blessed to observe my first birth since beginning my birth doula training. This makes 3 births (not my own) that I have observed in my adult life.
Over the course of several hours, I witnessed the woman go from gently rocking, to full out labor in the birth tub, with her loving husband right beside her every step of the way. He didn't stop once to take a drink of water for himself- he was focused intently on his wife's great task set before her. I was reminded of my own husband's dedication to me during my own labors.
I felt the contractions right along with her, and found myself breathing through them from my perch on the side of the room (I was shadowing a more experienced doula at this birth). I felt her pain and frustration when transition came, and things got really tough. I remember clearly what that phase is like in my own labors. It was then she asked her husband to pray over her, and he prayed a beautiful spontaneous prayer. All of us bowed our heads and prayed, too. Soon enough, with much sweat and tears, she soon welcomed her baby into her arms, and you could feel the immense joy that filled the room.
It is truly amazing to see a woman literally feel like she hit a brick wall, and then scale it.
Thank you, Lord, for your beautiful design of birth!
Showing posts with label natural birth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural birth. Show all posts
Friday, February 3, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Life goes on...and what a joy it is!
A few glances down this post, and you'll see why I have not posted recently! We were away for part of the Christmas holiday. My husband was off grad school and we were soaking up all the wonderful extra time with him. I am so blessed by my amazing husband!
A few days before Christmas, during a play date, our middle daughter fell into the coffee table, and ended up with stitches at the ER. You can see her stitches front and center on Christmas day. How I made it almost 6 years of children before this happened is a mystery to me...although I hear from friends that its because I have girls:)
We just received the surprising news that after 3 beautiful and amazing daughters, we have a son on the way! Of course, we would have greatly welcomed the gift of another daughter. This is, though, a neat and exciting "first" for us, after 8 years of marriage. He is due in May! Of course, we are busy preparing for our family to grow as the Lord expands our hearts! There are clothes to sort through, bedrooms to rearrange, and of course, since I'm totally nesting, A LOT of painting to be done!
The Lord has given me wonderful grace and appreciation for each of my children lately- so much so that I've fallen in love all over again with each one. Such delicate little souls in my care. Together, we have been enjoying discovering the great code that is the written word. My girls love to be read to, and the oldest has taken to attempting to decipher random words that she sees when we are out and about. She calls it her "Secret code" and says she is discovering the "key!" Yes, this analogy is of her own creation.
Another recent development is that the Lord has called me to take a big first step in a direction I thought impossible at this stage of my life: I am beginning birth doula training and studies. I have no expectations of being able to attend more than maybe a birth every other month or so, but after much discernment, and sure signs and doors opening I am confident the Lord is directing my steps. Its all for His glory, after all...not for mine. I cannot begin to describe the ways in which He's opening doors. Perhaps He won't use these skills for decades to come, until long after my kids are grown and gone...but it is evident to me that He intends this as part of my personal formation...for some reason...only He knows. I humbly step into this unknown.
So, I am preparing for my one evening a week workshop that begins soon, by writing, reading, and studying. The great thing is that this study has given me something personal to strive for and work on after the kids go to bed the several nights a week my husband is gone (as opposed to zoning out in front of purposeless TV or movies). I am enjoying reading by flashlight as I sit near my 1 year old (who falls asleep nearby), and doing my other research and responsibilities after the kids are asleep. This also encourages me to have my household duties accomplished by then...either that, or I study in between loads of laundry.
In addition to this, I've been asked to provide Natural Family Planning information and support to the women that my midwives serve in their practice. I've had to brush up on my NFP studies and have been gathering brochures and books that will be helpful in this ministry. I'll be hosting an informational session soon for these mothers. I cannot help but put in a plug here for how blessed I am by the amazing women I have met through my midwife's practice (including my midwife)...these women have taught me much about life, birth, mothering, and most importantly, faith and trust in God.
Wow, typing this out makes it really seem like a lot. Come to think of it, though, as I've been seeking growth in these areas the rest of my life has become more organized. Its a funny phenomenon...seems counter-intuitive. You'd think that more "stuff" means more stress and chaos. On the contrary, when I become more busy doing God's will (as opposed to becoming more busy for my own self-seeking purposes, outside of His will), He provides the grace for better use of time and better balance in all areas of life. I am, after all, first and foremost a Daughter of the Lord, wife and mother comes second to that, and anything else is extra. But, the Lord can and does call us to do things that we didn't imagine possible. I certainly wasn't seeking extra apostolate, or "work" outside the home...He's just evidently led me to this ministry, and at any point in time He may shut some of those doors again and say "not right now," and I'm okay with that. I sincerely want only to do His will.
Thank you for reading. Pray for me to do God's will always!
A few days before Christmas, during a play date, our middle daughter fell into the coffee table, and ended up with stitches at the ER. You can see her stitches front and center on Christmas day. How I made it almost 6 years of children before this happened is a mystery to me...although I hear from friends that its because I have girls:)
We just received the surprising news that after 3 beautiful and amazing daughters, we have a son on the way! Of course, we would have greatly welcomed the gift of another daughter. This is, though, a neat and exciting "first" for us, after 8 years of marriage. He is due in May! Of course, we are busy preparing for our family to grow as the Lord expands our hearts! There are clothes to sort through, bedrooms to rearrange, and of course, since I'm totally nesting, A LOT of painting to be done!
The Lord has given me wonderful grace and appreciation for each of my children lately- so much so that I've fallen in love all over again with each one. Such delicate little souls in my care. Together, we have been enjoying discovering the great code that is the written word. My girls love to be read to, and the oldest has taken to attempting to decipher random words that she sees when we are out and about. She calls it her "Secret code" and says she is discovering the "key!" Yes, this analogy is of her own creation.
Another recent development is that the Lord has called me to take a big first step in a direction I thought impossible at this stage of my life: I am beginning birth doula training and studies. I have no expectations of being able to attend more than maybe a birth every other month or so, but after much discernment, and sure signs and doors opening I am confident the Lord is directing my steps. Its all for His glory, after all...not for mine. I cannot begin to describe the ways in which He's opening doors. Perhaps He won't use these skills for decades to come, until long after my kids are grown and gone...but it is evident to me that He intends this as part of my personal formation...for some reason...only He knows. I humbly step into this unknown.
So, I am preparing for my one evening a week workshop that begins soon, by writing, reading, and studying. The great thing is that this study has given me something personal to strive for and work on after the kids go to bed the several nights a week my husband is gone (as opposed to zoning out in front of purposeless TV or movies). I am enjoying reading by flashlight as I sit near my 1 year old (who falls asleep nearby), and doing my other research and responsibilities after the kids are asleep. This also encourages me to have my household duties accomplished by then...either that, or I study in between loads of laundry.
In addition to this, I've been asked to provide Natural Family Planning information and support to the women that my midwives serve in their practice. I've had to brush up on my NFP studies and have been gathering brochures and books that will be helpful in this ministry. I'll be hosting an informational session soon for these mothers. I cannot help but put in a plug here for how blessed I am by the amazing women I have met through my midwife's practice (including my midwife)...these women have taught me much about life, birth, mothering, and most importantly, faith and trust in God.
Wow, typing this out makes it really seem like a lot. Come to think of it, though, as I've been seeking growth in these areas the rest of my life has become more organized. Its a funny phenomenon...seems counter-intuitive. You'd think that more "stuff" means more stress and chaos. On the contrary, when I become more busy doing God's will (as opposed to becoming more busy for my own self-seeking purposes, outside of His will), He provides the grace for better use of time and better balance in all areas of life. I am, after all, first and foremost a Daughter of the Lord, wife and mother comes second to that, and anything else is extra. But, the Lord can and does call us to do things that we didn't imagine possible. I certainly wasn't seeking extra apostolate, or "work" outside the home...He's just evidently led me to this ministry, and at any point in time He may shut some of those doors again and say "not right now," and I'm okay with that. I sincerely want only to do His will.
Thank you for reading. Pray for me to do God's will always!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
To fill the void....Books I'm reading.
I have several posts brewing, but cannot post them until after the weekend;)
In the meantime, I thought I'd share what I'm reading right now:
1) The Life of Mary, as Seen by the Mystics- this is an excellent look into what very well could have been the life of Mary. It is "allowed" by the Catholic Church to believe it, since none of it contradicts what we know to be truth, but it is not required doctrine. Personally, I'm enjoying using it as a springboard for my meditation this last week of Advent, especially the chapters about the Annunciation, Visitation, the Life of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth, the journey to Bethlehem, the Nativity, the adoration of the Magi, etc., etc. Very enlightening, and the verbage and imagery is deepening my relationship with the Blessed Mother.
2) Ina May's Guide to Childbirth- this is an excellent read for any childbearing woman! I very very highly recommend it if you haven't read it. Just sort of look past the author's personal lifestyle (which is somewhat hippie) and see the good and beauty that this very established, respected, and experienced midwife has to pass on to use readers! Her birth statistics are better than any Dr. I could write so much more here, but I'll be brief. She describes the direct relation between fear and pain or stalled labor, and how a laboring woman needs to be free of fear! She presents the truth about what happens in hospitals in an informative way, to allow the reader to come to their own conclusions- and even lays out what one should look for in an OB, should that be what one chooses, or a midwife. The facts she elaborates on are revealing. More people should read this book, and let the facts speak for themselves. This book has been nothing but a confirmation to me of how Satan is out to attack a woman's body in so many ways: 1st through the horrors of contraception, then through the unnecessary interventions that befall so many unknowing women, endangering their lives, the lives of their baby, and putting at risk their future ability to bare children.
3) Hypnobirthing, the Mongan Method- just refreshing my mind and beginning to practice my techniques for my own upcoming birth!
4) Natural Family Planning- the Complete Approach- by John and Sheila Kipley. I am reviewing and re-educating myself as to this beautiful method so that I can provide information and support to a group of women to whom I've been asked to do so. I am also refreshing my memory as to the Billings Method (I have learned and practiced both in my day).
That's about it...for now! I have a stack of doula books awaiting my perusal (yes, I am learning about birth- for fun...its a personal passion. Who knows, maybe the Lord will use it someday, maybe He won't...for now, I'm storing up experiences and learning opportunities. Gotta keep my mind sharp somehow!).
I should mention that pretty much ALL of my reading happens with a flashlight in hand as I sit near my 19 month old and await sleep to overcome her.
Will post a special post Christmas night!:)
In the meantime, I thought I'd share what I'm reading right now:
1) The Life of Mary, as Seen by the Mystics- this is an excellent look into what very well could have been the life of Mary. It is "allowed" by the Catholic Church to believe it, since none of it contradicts what we know to be truth, but it is not required doctrine. Personally, I'm enjoying using it as a springboard for my meditation this last week of Advent, especially the chapters about the Annunciation, Visitation, the Life of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth, the journey to Bethlehem, the Nativity, the adoration of the Magi, etc., etc. Very enlightening, and the verbage and imagery is deepening my relationship with the Blessed Mother.
2) Ina May's Guide to Childbirth- this is an excellent read for any childbearing woman! I very very highly recommend it if you haven't read it. Just sort of look past the author's personal lifestyle (which is somewhat hippie) and see the good and beauty that this very established, respected, and experienced midwife has to pass on to use readers! Her birth statistics are better than any Dr. I could write so much more here, but I'll be brief. She describes the direct relation between fear and pain or stalled labor, and how a laboring woman needs to be free of fear! She presents the truth about what happens in hospitals in an informative way, to allow the reader to come to their own conclusions- and even lays out what one should look for in an OB, should that be what one chooses, or a midwife. The facts she elaborates on are revealing. More people should read this book, and let the facts speak for themselves. This book has been nothing but a confirmation to me of how Satan is out to attack a woman's body in so many ways: 1st through the horrors of contraception, then through the unnecessary interventions that befall so many unknowing women, endangering their lives, the lives of their baby, and putting at risk their future ability to bare children.
3) Hypnobirthing, the Mongan Method- just refreshing my mind and beginning to practice my techniques for my own upcoming birth!
4) Natural Family Planning- the Complete Approach- by John and Sheila Kipley. I am reviewing and re-educating myself as to this beautiful method so that I can provide information and support to a group of women to whom I've been asked to do so. I am also refreshing my memory as to the Billings Method (I have learned and practiced both in my day).
That's about it...for now! I have a stack of doula books awaiting my perusal (yes, I am learning about birth- for fun...its a personal passion. Who knows, maybe the Lord will use it someday, maybe He won't...for now, I'm storing up experiences and learning opportunities. Gotta keep my mind sharp somehow!).
I should mention that pretty much ALL of my reading happens with a flashlight in hand as I sit near my 19 month old and await sleep to overcome her.
Will post a special post Christmas night!:)
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