…with this gentleman. He is actually in our circle of friends and is actually about 70 years old. We definitely have plenty of topics that we steer clear of such as religion, politics etc. You know, the important stuff. It is an agree to disagree kind of a relationship.
So there I am with my husband, our two daughters and our friend, when of all of the things under the great blue sky, we start talking about birth. Not too shocking considering I had just come from a visit with an expectant mom. And this gentleman starts talking about his birth, which he remembers vividly. He explains to me what he feels is wrong with birth. Things that are wrong with birth, in his opinion, are things such as telling the mom not to push or to close her legs when baby is obviously ready to come out. He emphatically expressed how wrong it is to hold baby upside down and spank them to make them cry. All I could do was listen. Our friend then went into his opinion on water birth. He described, very animatedly, how the baby is already in ‘waters’ and that water birth just makes sense. It keeps the mom relaxed and creates an easier transition for the baby to go from the womb to the warm waters of the pool. He also went into detail about how baby’s lungs have not yet inflated so how totally safe water birth is. Then, mom and baby can snuggle and connect directly after birth with baby’s body still in the warmth of the water and their little head just peaking out to slowly transition into breathing air. The emotion, caring and gentleness of speech, combined with our friend’s energy was nothing short of amazing. This is the most incredible conversation we have had to date. I love birth! If we are alive today that is one experience that we have in common with everyone else on the planet whether we remember it or not. Things now are definitely different than they were 70 years ago, and they will be different 70 years from now. One thing is for sure, it will keep happening regardless. All day. Every day. All around the world. If you are expecting, or will be expecting, do your research. You have options, and this is YOUR birth. Embrace it. Laura Duffy Mainely Birthing www.MainelyBirthing.com [email protected]
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Thursday’s Doula Tea was amazing, as usual!
Amy Robbins-Wilson joined us to teach why music is important to your baby’s development, what kind of music your baby needs before they are born and in those first three years and some of the best ways to calm, connect and communicate with your baby and toddler even if you “do not sing.” It is always an honor to listen to Amy speak as not only does she have a BA in Empowerment Theater for Women, an MA in Expressive Arts Therapies and an MA in Ritual Song and Chant Performance, she is also a MOM! She has been through the ups and downs of becoming a new parent and embracing parenthood after an emergency cesarean and time in the NICU. She found her strength through her spirituality and music. Music affects our brains, especially infants, in a far more complex way than just words do. Turning the mundane, and possibly frustrating, chore of getting your toddler dressed in the morning can be easily turned into a musical adventure creating bonding and communication while anchoring desired future behaviors with songs such as ‘The Conga’. This, as well as the other Mommy Jingles songs can help guide you and your baby to more pleasant, calm and nurturing days! Amy also touched on post partum emotions. This is something that affects 80% of women varying from the baby blues, to post partum anxiety or post partum depression. Post partum emotions are something that we need to encourage new families, moms and dads alike, to be aware of. They need a safe, non-judgmental sounding board whether that be a friend, relative or therapist. Amy wrote an amazing book to help with those times when it just seems to hard. “Whether adopting or giving birth, Moms Choice Award winning book Transformational Mothering: A Prayerful Companion for New Mothers by Amy Robbins-Wilson provides the comfort and inspiration new mothers need in those confusing and transformational first years of motherhood. This beautifully written book of prayers, poetry, affirmations, and stories acts as a guide by addressing the emotional issues associated with becoming a mother, from sleepless nights to time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit to infertility. Whether single, married, working, or a stay-at-home mother, all will find inspiration here, as well as a deeper understanding of their journey and that of other mothers. It is a moving and unifying tribute to motherhood in all her forms.” Thank you Amy so very much for your courage and your passion to help others find their way on the incredibly transformational journey of parenthood. For more information on Amy and her works simply go to www.AmyRobbinsWilson.com |
AuthorLaura started the well traveled road to health when her friends were concerned about her addiction to Ramen noodles. Archives
October 2015
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