Memories of Birth #3

I found these photos of when I was laboring with our third child, May 2002.


Nothing but good memories of this birth! I love my midwives in Texas, and had such a good experience at the birth center there.


Notice I'm not tied down by an i.v. and am free to labor in whatever position feels right at that moment!


Helen is applying warm counter pressure on my lower back. That was SUCH a relief, as my lower back aches terribly as the baby descends. She doesn't talk during the contractions. No one is bursting into the room while I quietly breathe through the contractions.


Birth is never easy. But giving birth in a calm, peaceful, home-like environment sure does make it an easier experience for me!



Labor was allowed to progress naturally, he was born in his own time (no rush), and was immediately placed in my arms. He was never taken out of my presence, and nothing was done to or for him that I did not know about. It was beautiful!

What a blessed birth it was. Thank you, Lord!

Congratulations...!

...to my blogging buddy, Elizabeth, who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Monday, August 24! She wrote out her birth story, and you can read Part One here, and Part Two here.

Elizabeth has longed for a natural, intervention-free home birth, but has been physically unable to have her children that way. Her story is truly a Picture of Grace (her blog is aptly named) as God has kept her and her family in His care through all circumstances.

Congratulations, my friend! Enjoy that sweet little guy. :o)

Treating illnesses naturally

We've had some sickness in our house as of late. Some blog posts that I started, lay unfinished, but I am trying to get those finished and posted now.

It's not easy dealing with cold & sinus, or any other symptoms while expecting! For one thing, every ache and pain seems to be magnified times ten, and for another, an expectant mother can't take just anything for her ailment.

Even when I am not pregnant, I prefer to use herbs and home remedies to treat illnesses, and there are so many wonderful alternatives to harmful medicines and antibiotics.

For sinusitis, colds and flu: The steam from a very warm bath or shower helps moisturize irritated or stuffy sinus passages, as does Vicks Vaporub. Drinking plenty of water, water with fresh lemon, and hot teas, helps to thin and loosen mucus and phlegm. Irrigating the sinuses with warm saline solution (1/2 tsp. plain salt dissolved in 1 cup warm water) sucked in through a straw helps a LOT. Garlic is an excellent natural antibiotic, and can be chopped finely and swallowed with a spoonful of raw honey, or steeped in hot water for Garlic Lemonade. (Recipe for that HERE.)

For indigestion: Indigestion is caused by an acid/base imbalance in the stomach. For an acid stomach, a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water will bring quick relief. When lack of digestive acids is the problem, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water should do the trick. Not sure which to try? I would suggest trying the baking soda first, because acid stomach is most common.

For body aches and pains: What pregnant woman doesn't experience this? It can be a pain in the neck (or lower back, or hip...), but popping pain pills is not the best option when carrying a wee one. Make sure you are getting extra rest not only at night, but also during the day. And check your sleeping posture: try to keep your shoulders and hips lined up with a pillow between your knees. Hot water works wonders for an achey body, as does massage, should you be blessed enough to have a willing masseuse. Arnica gel has worked for me on sore muscles.

What natural remedies have you discovered, that have been a help to you? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Nursing (or not) while pregnant

I love breastfeeding our babies, and I like to do it for as long as I can. Breastfed babies just seem to be healthier, happier babies, and as they grow toward toddler age, they enjoy the lingering time with Mommy.

Since we tend to have a new baby every two years, you can imagine that breastfeeding one often overlaps into pregnancy with another. The only potential problem I can see with this would be a nutritional problem, but a balanced diet, plenty of water, and good prenatal vitamins meet the needs. By the time I am expecting, the older baby is usually eating and drinking at the table, and not nursing very often anyway.

I admit, though, that I tend to push toward weaning once I'm pregnant, for two reasons. 1) Because once nausea hits, it doesn't much appeal to me, to say the least. And, 2) because the nipples get sensitive, and breastfeeding HURTS!

Once we do start weaning, I think it is important to realize that while the older baby probably no longer needs breast milk for nutrition, (s)he still needs that cuddle time with the Mommy. We made an easy transition by giving him a pacifier when he just wants to suck, and I still rock him in my chair. That's all he needs now, and he doesn't even ask to be nursed anymore. He's a happy, satisfied little guy!

Prenatal care at home

Since we started having our babies at home, the next natural step was learning to take care of myself at home. Keeping a journal of the pregnancy is a good way to do this. In the journal, I keep track of my weight gain, fundal height, any symptoms I experience, and fetal movement, as well as new things I learn along the way and personal events I might want to remember. I try to take note of these things on or around the same day of each month.

Ideally, blood pressure should be monitored, but I don't have the equipment for that. (In the U.S., one could just go to a pharmacy or even the grocery store to check blood pressure!) Also, if I had a fetoscope, I would record baby's heartbeat. I'm not too concerned about those things, though, as long as I am feeling good, and the baby's movements are normal.

I know there are a whole bunch of tests that the doctor likes to give you, but most of those tests are unnecessary. If you may have been exposed to an STD, or might have a child with a defect and would abort the baby if so, then some tests might be needful. If you don't know your blood type, or are at risk for measles or chicken pox, you might wish to have some tests done at the doctor's office.

Tests for gestational diabetes and urinalysis strips can be bought at pharmacies or online. I have considered buying those, but just haven't done it yet. Going on past pregnancy experience, I know my blood sugar runs low, as do my iron levels, so I compensate for that with an appropriate diet.

While home prenatal care isn't for everyone, especially not for women with high-risk pregnancies, I think most can do a fine job taking care of themselves at home if they choose to do so.

Baby Bump ~ Four Months

I had this taken at four months, when I finally had a baby bump to speak of. This dress really shows it. Just look fat in everything else!

The quickening

About a week ago, I was lying on my stomach, thinking about the baby when I felt a kick for the very first time. Sweet!

Since then, I have felt more activity, usually when I am lying still. Can't wait 'til others can feel it, too, from the "outside"!

"Lord, I thank You for the miracle of this little child within me, and for the thrill of feeling the baby move! Every little part and joint, every tiny sinew and muscle, were carefully and skillfully formed by Your hand. You are my baby's Creator. Marvelous are Thy works!"