tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87752273942249682512024-03-12T18:48:44.212-06:00Sue's NewsBirth, photography, tutorials, familySusan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.comBlogger623125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-47410830442138349152023-10-10T19:20:00.006-06:002023-10-10T20:01:04.033-06:00Brenden's Birth Story<p> I guess I'd have to start with Roses.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbqyQ0oggYVC8mz8E66B7sYzvbxRcpV3YcZ6w3D73fk0vmOgosmticLzXAicmbzYQZUoHIJ73lG5f000n36RY__qIrKDHzD8_nT_AYmHw0VIUmt-diCdM4Yz8hilcKteoMCAPhDBjLDYVAzHkbz6zS8PBVJ67WPiLIabme6LT00xtJWUhEKnUokNbiFzA/s6000/Brenden-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbqyQ0oggYVC8mz8E66B7sYzvbxRcpV3YcZ6w3D73fk0vmOgosmticLzXAicmbzYQZUoHIJ73lG5f000n36RY__qIrKDHzD8_nT_AYmHw0VIUmt-diCdM4Yz8hilcKteoMCAPhDBjLDYVAzHkbz6zS8PBVJ67WPiLIabme6LT00xtJWUhEKnUokNbiFzA/w640-h426/Brenden-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**all photos c/o McKayl Ford <a href="https://www.instagram.com/honeyandhope.doula/">@honeyandhope.doula</a>**</span></i></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I love roses. I love that they are beautiful and that they smell nice. Plus, they are a great visual for birth. So, I decided that beginning at about 39 weeks, I would purchase bouquets of roses and learn how to care for them so that they would be ready when I went into labor.</p><p>Sunday morning, a week after Easter, and the day of my 41 weeks gestation marker, I was ready for church and reminding the children to use the bathroom before we left home. I thought to myself, "The best way to lead is by example," so I took myself to the bathroom first where I discovered that I had some bloody show <b>(10:15AM)</b> and was likely in the early stages of labor. I was keyed up, but told Andrew, my sister Becky, my niece Ashlee, and the children, that even though I was likely in labor, I would still go to church. I slid into the front seat and listened to the children argue about who would sit where for a moment, then decided that maybe going to church wasn't the best idea for me today - I did also feel a little off. Becky decided to stay home with me.</p><p>Becky and I made my bed with the shower curtain and second layer of fitted sheets, played Dutch Blitz a few times, ate lunch, and went for a walk where she taught me some of her speed-walking skills from her high school days. I have no idea why I didn't pursue that athletic career because it's clear that I have a knack for it!</p><p><br /></p><div style="padding: 100% 0px 0px; position: relative;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" frameborder="0" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/872725916?h=2aad5af1de&badge=0&autopause=0&quality_selector=1&progress_bar=1&player_id=0&app_id=58479" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; width: 100%;" title="Pregnant Lady in Early Labor Speed Walking"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script><p><br /></p><p>By the time Andrew, Ashlee, and the children came home, not much had changed, which was good because that meant I was still having contractions, just not intense or undeniably consistent yet. My friend and doula, McKayl came over at about <b>1:30PM</b> to re-familiarize herself with my camera. We chatted a bit, but clearly we still had a little ways to go, so she settled me into bed where I would try to take a nap. Alexa came to lie down with me for a bit and McKayl took a picture.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilei0ecmiTIyuKh5sJv8mJIOJQFrVvBIUHHXBpiRapGFWf4CqTRXu1I89MS9gVW2zwkGLYeVSkDGiMbf3sRUlEGSfwi5mSgFJLAC_WxBVR47qrps6T6u8oQvsHsJbIraXM1pBb-vEW5QCUJCA5pAwVPyg8jYqmXBuRbOvHwEKhdug3hwFbWNXFKPSO4TDK/s5029/Brenden-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3353" data-original-width="5029" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilei0ecmiTIyuKh5sJv8mJIOJQFrVvBIUHHXBpiRapGFWf4CqTRXu1I89MS9gVW2zwkGLYeVSkDGiMbf3sRUlEGSfwi5mSgFJLAC_WxBVR47qrps6T6u8oQvsHsJbIraXM1pBb-vEW5QCUJCA5pAwVPyg8jYqmXBuRbOvHwEKhdug3hwFbWNXFKPSO4TDK/w640-h426/Brenden-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>McKayl came back at about <b>5PM</b> because I had told her that they contractions seemed to be getting a little more serious. It's hard to know how quickly things will turn with 5th-time moms, and I was having a hard time reading things myself! She had me go up the stairs sideways, two at a time a couple of times to see how my labor would respond, then retreated with me into my bedroom where we sat on the birthing ball, then squatted in my birthing sling. We saw increased intensity, consistency, and length with the use of the birth sling, so continued with that, though I was drinking so much water, I was often sitting on the toilet, too. McKayl always asked me to wait for one contraction before I'd get off the toilet again. She texted my midwives and sent them the contractions timer that she had been keeping where it looked like I was having consistent 1-minute contractions every 5 minutes. The midwives decided to come over even though neither McKayl nor I were sure it was time. I didn't mind, though. It was their call and they could always take naps or head back home if it ended up being too early.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3gBXHEh2HQKeCeAK4k4TSvCBtkvuyHWuKVvh9C22Ir1FocBMwU05TDPp2Tp2QS1RF1ihAT1IuOu0chw7jBYzQEuAJpW_Ji2OJ4dTLjy2sWzjRRl0g7plLXzgXXidipDbBZGTmbEfdeHw_iJ9A1kNUZZT5yCK_wiPnFbz4DQbA74t_Sjv066FSfHsYtiJ/s6000/Brenden-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3gBXHEh2HQKeCeAK4k4TSvCBtkvuyHWuKVvh9C22Ir1FocBMwU05TDPp2Tp2QS1RF1ihAT1IuOu0chw7jBYzQEuAJpW_Ji2OJ4dTLjy2sWzjRRl0g7plLXzgXXidipDbBZGTmbEfdeHw_iJ9A1kNUZZT5yCK_wiPnFbz4DQbA74t_Sjv066FSfHsYtiJ/w640-h426/Brenden-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPj5cXReRF-V6DGHH-M-PLw49Cr1qbFLsMLRHxXWwbvv3lVwK1UbcyuTYe4itS2BCoR-Qazo3ziEevO1kPJE9OsQl8N0Z8qnHy-L3ZB_ArVPhZuh2vBHA1i6OV1f0PUru3oZOxBYQ37x2D9xFHWrrIBzuzgAMit6vbn1enV9aOg-R8FcgwgNA5Ou3VNMW/s6000/Midwives-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPj5cXReRF-V6DGHH-M-PLw49Cr1qbFLsMLRHxXWwbvv3lVwK1UbcyuTYe4itS2BCoR-Qazo3ziEevO1kPJE9OsQl8N0Z8qnHy-L3ZB_ArVPhZuh2vBHA1i6OV1f0PUru3oZOxBYQ37x2D9xFHWrrIBzuzgAMit6vbn1enV9aOg-R8FcgwgNA5Ou3VNMW/w640-h426/Midwives-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>By <b>7PM</b>, the jokes I had been making with McKayl turned from "can you imagine a pregnant woman Aerial Silk Dancing" as I hung in my birth sling, to "McKayl, you're the devil" as I stood up from doing another contraction with an abdominal lift and tuck on the toilet. I decide to try getting into the tub and am happy it doesn't appear to stall labor, but am not sure the contractions are as productive. I get back out of the tub and ask everyone to give me and Andrew some privacy for a moment. I ask him to give me a priesthood blessing and feel peace as he places his hands on my head and tells me that the Lord wants me to know that He loves me and that He encourages me to remember why I chose to birth at home and in this way, and closes in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65EWcZ-KhcWnedio_bHvZlGqvdb3VYWeEXDLMDXtZkdZVzWDM8_6Eu3YXAh3PLC_LExI6TK2BdmJ2rZkJ77L5ne6_h9qAa1eNoNAWzMZeGqlW-0wXeVZP72UzNjfjl8o6wSItsuG1f0F9y5BsZcaV_3WXNYc0Jhm1JSOxsXYCtBJ7W7jT9b5-xeuY3ua6/s6000/Brenden-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65EWcZ-KhcWnedio_bHvZlGqvdb3VYWeEXDLMDXtZkdZVzWDM8_6Eu3YXAh3PLC_LExI6TK2BdmJ2rZkJ77L5ne6_h9qAa1eNoNAWzMZeGqlW-0wXeVZP72UzNjfjl8o6wSItsuG1f0F9y5BsZcaV_3WXNYc0Jhm1JSOxsXYCtBJ7W7jT9b5-xeuY3ua6/w640-h426/Brenden-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR71ZWX6U96KOEbVfiutZWaNd6S0lzpLKuxgCUAeAZJ9m-Zw8-9xyQrSdBKekZgaxIVsA_t3DZlADx9q4S7TGBXtGUr2WpARyv64i33aeSwnBLk3VGDFIgaBRjciB1CXQO3E4rmXxtedCF4kt_ze7j5K-feHmF0WCFINeavlN8jbTaMzXAeRrl1EW7NPkG/s6000/Brenden-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR71ZWX6U96KOEbVfiutZWaNd6S0lzpLKuxgCUAeAZJ9m-Zw8-9xyQrSdBKekZgaxIVsA_t3DZlADx9q4S7TGBXtGUr2WpARyv64i33aeSwnBLk3VGDFIgaBRjciB1CXQO3E4rmXxtedCF4kt_ze7j5K-feHmF0WCFINeavlN8jbTaMzXAeRrl1EW7NPkG/w640-h426/Brenden-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>After spending some time resting in bed with Andrew, deciding that I'm done telling jokes, and handling some more intense contractions facing backward on the toilet, I tell Andrew that I think I'm experiencing some self-doubt because I keep thinking about what my team might be thinking and how much longer this could be. I've been with mothers who are coping the way that I am and I don't remember their labors being done quickly from that point.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd10sc2qCul956UOFMFbeHdXZvlywhlAeA72jAZK5x1Ly6zgx-HejescGg1LBjFBjpmbsbs8Pjrddv3eaMIL5xhzQqBxRCBPBuh1NV12Bi4YoIpvw190pHiw5fd_ElmLELV-eqshKGwWUBIf26XSQ6-qZO5avxxzZ8lzDAREY45BkdIGJ5VWrFMUyDcXjQ/s6000/Brenden-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd10sc2qCul956UOFMFbeHdXZvlywhlAeA72jAZK5x1Ly6zgx-HejescGg1LBjFBjpmbsbs8Pjrddv3eaMIL5xhzQqBxRCBPBuh1NV12Bi4YoIpvw190pHiw5fd_ElmLELV-eqshKGwWUBIf26XSQ6-qZO5avxxzZ8lzDAREY45BkdIGJ5VWrFMUyDcXjQ/w640-h426/Brenden-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">I decide it's time to get back into the tub <b>(9:30PM)</b>. I'm trying to focus on breathing deeply. It's getting harder. I look up and see my sister and niece walk in. I know I look like an insane person, but I can't stop the smile that parts my lips and make one last joke...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">"Saucy Monkey!" </p><p style="text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: center;">- Jennifer Coolige from </span><i style="text-align: center;">Austenland</i></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS3sOGcD9MOncsDigzhEaZH4G8H_k06WEjnRXvzulZG3Cj2yEgb9HP5LaDbA4___1yC8eFTH4BwCpASWG9h4Oi5yWh9aQWYepBkxIllC1FoeYwhOETwd2QdquTon_oNs96amVTHGAGVrpsicg-swY-bceBMheLzPPmCsPMMqvheidlKCPIUEgE33UbDrE/s4000/Saucy%20Monkey-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS3sOGcD9MOncsDigzhEaZH4G8H_k06WEjnRXvzulZG3Cj2yEgb9HP5LaDbA4___1yC8eFTH4BwCpASWG9h4Oi5yWh9aQWYepBkxIllC1FoeYwhOETwd2QdquTon_oNs96amVTHGAGVrpsicg-swY-bceBMheLzPPmCsPMMqvheidlKCPIUEgE33UbDrE/w426-h640/Saucy%20Monkey-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Becky laughing at my "Saucy Monkey" joke**</span></i></div></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Self-doubt has really sunk in at this point, but I'm determined not to give into them or say any of them aloud... at least, not in front of the entire team. I ask the team to give us some privacy again and I tell Andrew that I'm struggling. He encourages me and tells me that I can do it. I feel another contraction coming and I say, "Oh no." Andrew responds "No. Not 'oh-no.' These are good. You say, 'Bring it on.'" I nod my head and try to remember that with each new wave.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS_ijrnbOPzwz9kCC8rdvsmzvrn1t4c4HgOhdXGWoDb2XN2AKAu-YXPlAJRCnBkKJ3NOdcHwScWOSlv9mmnjDSM7gmlcsd0JAD0MHUQ9562tv_qEmfB8KnuSIoqhqnQyu7UW7sBeqU1l_aYEPFaerHnWdz1V9jteBxMG6PHU5p9ilYJoUM5eK9ckMd7yX/s6000/Brenden-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpS_ijrnbOPzwz9kCC8rdvsmzvrn1t4c4HgOhdXGWoDb2XN2AKAu-YXPlAJRCnBkKJ3NOdcHwScWOSlv9mmnjDSM7gmlcsd0JAD0MHUQ9562tv_qEmfB8KnuSIoqhqnQyu7UW7sBeqU1l_aYEPFaerHnWdz1V9jteBxMG6PHU5p9ilYJoUM5eK9ckMd7yX/w640-h426/Brenden-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nancy is sitting next to me, and even though I know it probably won't be very comfortable for her, I lean my head onto her arm and let her gently caress my head. She encourages me, reminding me of what important work I'm doing. Her words help. I feel the Spirit through the love and kindness of my team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPZ6xJ6zDHhBl9YgTTK0BA6yEmgi9TVO-pMybCeFGSnSm0-LGUwE3TxoREjKIVf_m5AqT-p5ZEjbkQLe_NgCAv1FkpoZwHDSYlfApF7T1bW6-Guu_DCQyN1mQxA7-B1_15Uzlrr7qKMb4r8imp8RGqQnaMxSZYSIj2JkRNcASrhyZ3hQLamqyyfoAIX2J/s6000/Brenden-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPZ6xJ6zDHhBl9YgTTK0BA6yEmgi9TVO-pMybCeFGSnSm0-LGUwE3TxoREjKIVf_m5AqT-p5ZEjbkQLe_NgCAv1FkpoZwHDSYlfApF7T1bW6-Guu_DCQyN1mQxA7-B1_15Uzlrr7qKMb4r8imp8RGqQnaMxSZYSIj2JkRNcASrhyZ3hQLamqyyfoAIX2J/w640-h426/Brenden-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbd-JWMgEiT1w4ZH6T9JnufbZuwRp335h0epDWG8FIeKhcqU_u7G_1QdfunGB91XuKEGgIk5NgpYxfoL0ldoTxi9GBoWhRacE3I_g8LfvwhgMFtIwWa6Buj4T_WplGlvilJmPl9CepHsedDNEMYyMW5EboGr_MvWbsEaT5AZrtURZl2224ztqQz_6CNXW/s4046/Brenden-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="4046" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbd-JWMgEiT1w4ZH6T9JnufbZuwRp335h0epDWG8FIeKhcqU_u7G_1QdfunGB91XuKEGgIk5NgpYxfoL0ldoTxi9GBoWhRacE3I_g8LfvwhgMFtIwWa6Buj4T_WplGlvilJmPl9CepHsedDNEMYyMW5EboGr_MvWbsEaT5AZrtURZl2224ztqQz_6CNXW/w640-h426/Brenden-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I'm not sure how much time has passed <b>(10:25PM)</b>, but my team has been so patient and supportive. There isn't much room around the tub, but Nancy takes Andrew's place for a moment and begins rubbing oil on my temples. I begin to remind myself that I'm never truly alone. That the Lord is with me. Christ is with me. My ancestors, my husband, my children, my team.</div></div><div><br style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lhrcdT1W5Gd_-RS9gjlh6tJXsabJ63AsLg1iGOVI51miqcxAvIFTdByFro1yWIvXIW4yFo9hTm9Ar58oXDS4n8rTvClWqfUs6eOI5Rzgiy8VCB0Tp_kVCROCrMeAusrQNxmvpY1EE2rW8XJ2rxr2SAMFRXpa3-SgAIDoseBv1E2eO45T2f09TNSTva1W/s6000/Brenden-23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lhrcdT1W5Gd_-RS9gjlh6tJXsabJ63AsLg1iGOVI51miqcxAvIFTdByFro1yWIvXIW4yFo9hTm9Ar58oXDS4n8rTvClWqfUs6eOI5Rzgiy8VCB0Tp_kVCROCrMeAusrQNxmvpY1EE2rW8XJ2rxr2SAMFRXpa3-SgAIDoseBv1E2eO45T2f09TNSTva1W/w640-h426/Brenden-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember what the urge to push to feels like, and I'm impatient that I'm not feeling it yet. My knees and hands are hurting from being on them for so long. I look down at my fingers with the bright-pink polish sloppily painted on my nails by Alexa yesterday. They look huge in the distortion of the water. I moan with the next contraction and feel McKayl slip a comb into my hand. I squeeze it as I work through the next contraction. I'm tempted to ask Nancy to check my dilation, but decide instead to just try pushing a little.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wSf37gg3daMUHlCMbqTgR1XO9LkRjvKVJuKvZqS55gSZ1Fz0WH8YkSsSIT0ZQoIIk9yET0qw97ChDZdS1Bgy4EZ9EHozo3ZOqQsft9k3x6B-4f4SnazBj5UESZaeHw76aYLVBO0EXpYsT2QW8xC8qFDMsRpfWvU37lKe7_Q9GpTcgC22dDqIUI5EsVO6/s6000/Brenden-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wSf37gg3daMUHlCMbqTgR1XO9LkRjvKVJuKvZqS55gSZ1Fz0WH8YkSsSIT0ZQoIIk9yET0qw97ChDZdS1Bgy4EZ9EHozo3ZOqQsft9k3x6B-4f4SnazBj5UESZaeHw76aYLVBO0EXpYsT2QW8xC8qFDMsRpfWvU37lKe7_Q9GpTcgC22dDqIUI5EsVO6/w640-h426/Brenden-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>My moaning gets louder and turns into a grunt. I call out "pushing!" because I'm pretty sure midwives like to know things like that. I can feel the pressure of my baby descending and give just a little gasp before pushing more. I feel myself stretching and burning, but know that the quickest way through it is through. "C'mon!" I say to myself, pushing harder. I feel myself tear, but the pain is just momentary.</p><p><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtQculcDOiFQgJuWProArfE1L66zGWOXPA4hrjwLf85FMRCDnmweXzjeDNeTt32ZfcyPDat5txf_mzMcC7bLyuo8QjN_fbtwov-VthXLeLhRQUNmZvJ9rorC9iLqYb98tl2ffWzdpFnQ1r8E_gGi1V2eeqQfnX-R0k0z5xtohR_d2yAu-K6Byf9KiL72Z/s6000/Brenden-29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtQculcDOiFQgJuWProArfE1L66zGWOXPA4hrjwLf85FMRCDnmweXzjeDNeTt32ZfcyPDat5txf_mzMcC7bLyuo8QjN_fbtwov-VthXLeLhRQUNmZvJ9rorC9iLqYb98tl2ffWzdpFnQ1r8E_gGi1V2eeqQfnX-R0k0z5xtohR_d2yAu-K6Byf9KiL72Z/w640-h426/Brenden-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtij2mpu6LBfSsUUwkVmKw9M8U2bBMoH0aK3NES8oApnvDUQ3lycLDzbzavjr4ciu3jt9ty4pg8CbchAB9UObfQyWfpyq4D64CMqG8JPxHIf91es0Ki_zz0Cx9ZrCXC_XdmQ-U0trysGtRk0MNcVM-c80ZreshiwQFa4LJOWcpRKK0M4YRhmvP7wom_HF5/s6000/Brenden-28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtij2mpu6LBfSsUUwkVmKw9M8U2bBMoH0aK3NES8oApnvDUQ3lycLDzbzavjr4ciu3jt9ty4pg8CbchAB9UObfQyWfpyq4D64CMqG8JPxHIf91es0Ki_zz0Cx9ZrCXC_XdmQ-U0trysGtRk0MNcVM-c80ZreshiwQFa4LJOWcpRKK0M4YRhmvP7wom_HF5/w640-h426/Brenden-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>"Head's out!"</div><div>The contraction is winding down and I take a deep breath. Nancy and Andrew encourage the deep breathing and I slow down to take another deep breath. I don't feel the pressure or burning anymore. I'm just waiting for the next contraction to push again. My hands are down on my baby's head and I feel when the water breaks. I let the midwives know. I feel around my baby's head and I can feel the ear. "This is so surreal," I say. I have been looking forward to this moment for so long, planning it, preparing for it. It's almost unbelievable that it's finally here.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next contraction builds and I deliver my baby <b>(10:49PM)</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlrJl3yrstaZ5uFAH-59uYWr4jtVMU15X24K7Olg_IZ3i82YJ68W201JkZIF8fY5X8ZPhxg1z4PSr02LoS-Iw3AccTWb9n8PQP3QncyMY1n9OO3U7aDjaZPGb1plqAUwnVLyctW_yc1KLqaSzIPoS2qJ-y6zyUgz1WynuMxr04eZSPGtRhjZXeG9tJaD5/s2668/Brenden-34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2668" data-original-width="1779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlrJl3yrstaZ5uFAH-59uYWr4jtVMU15X24K7Olg_IZ3i82YJ68W201JkZIF8fY5X8ZPhxg1z4PSr02LoS-Iw3AccTWb9n8PQP3QncyMY1n9OO3U7aDjaZPGb1plqAUwnVLyctW_yc1KLqaSzIPoS2qJ-y6zyUgz1WynuMxr04eZSPGtRhjZXeG9tJaD5/w426-h640/Brenden-34.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I immediately feel relief and elation! I check quickly for a nuchal cord and when I don't feel one, I intentionally pull my baby up to my chest while still submerged and talk myself through pulling up and out of the water.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4nceLrW-egLNDiMMHjlr9jRNsRAL9iRU4yQ982OaC3osim4QYzM8xMvzXIl75zCBVQ-hbXsgV3cGjie_3C_qmwOq_uiglDK8tpl92uKeH_YzFnLeoH795_dQ6Ua3EPTJdrSvY3921VfKKvt7m-hznnKzzBqbEwTc-YENVdMvw6t0_BBexjnrArNMS78e/s4769/Brenden-35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3179" data-original-width="4769" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4nceLrW-egLNDiMMHjlr9jRNsRAL9iRU4yQ982OaC3osim4QYzM8xMvzXIl75zCBVQ-hbXsgV3cGjie_3C_qmwOq_uiglDK8tpl92uKeH_YzFnLeoH795_dQ6Ua3EPTJdrSvY3921VfKKvt7m-hznnKzzBqbEwTc-YENVdMvw6t0_BBexjnrArNMS78e/w640-h426/Brenden-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Hi baby! Wow! You are here! Oh my gosh! Hello!" My baby isn't crying, but I know everything is fine and that we are both safe. I know that babies are often born quietly and don't begin crying immediately after birth, especially those born peacefully. I can see that my baby's eyes are open and blinking. Just taking in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4-MucDTGucfU74cCnbS2BeN5o1HGKmgh6NX9Rn5bQW8GKlOpXCx8slTD_820GQaQdJL822DJNetklY7KIg1GOJ82uOmdUwV3kUAor1M-Ocgp5ENpcV2yaiLCtcaSzZlLpURyoM8caowt0tpDaxQumVfEv8aAT2KPxenHEQE6sa-bwptWpyH1Hy5MW7c9/s6000/Brenden-36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4-MucDTGucfU74cCnbS2BeN5o1HGKmgh6NX9Rn5bQW8GKlOpXCx8slTD_820GQaQdJL822DJNetklY7KIg1GOJ82uOmdUwV3kUAor1M-Ocgp5ENpcV2yaiLCtcaSzZlLpURyoM8caowt0tpDaxQumVfEv8aAT2KPxenHEQE6sa-bwptWpyH1Hy5MW7c9/w640-h426/Brenden-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't want to take my eyes off of our perfect, beautiful new baby, but I ask my children if they can see our new baby. I carefully move myself back to lean on my bathtub pillow and Andrew asks me, "Boy or girl?" I'm so happy to have my baby and be done that I completely forgot that we've been waiting to find out. "I don't know!" I exclaim gleefully in answer to Andrew's question. "I can't tell!"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9R1pT_QVNcGG-85eDTvmeFzaAI_QKZ90vMaw7JAfsCPY3JVEzGulFT9kKqbmRZ7Lj1e486OCHcoN1qeC5uaxwbIP68SLi0dqJz_Tvc4A1w_6CFjlLf72EC_RxIdP2s73tPMd75utWK7UbrGQCvHeOi6iaunC_la85bBcZFTdZWmn2KwJ4w10djxxKXBQ/s2368/Brenden-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2368" data-original-width="1579" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9R1pT_QVNcGG-85eDTvmeFzaAI_QKZ90vMaw7JAfsCPY3JVEzGulFT9kKqbmRZ7Lj1e486OCHcoN1qeC5uaxwbIP68SLi0dqJz_Tvc4A1w_6CFjlLf72EC_RxIdP2s73tPMd75utWK7UbrGQCvHeOi6iaunC_la85bBcZFTdZWmn2KwJ4w10djxxKXBQ/w426-h640/Brenden-40.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a few more moments and exclamations of excitement, Andrew asks me again.</div><div><br /></div><div>"You're going crazy, aren't chya?" I laugh, then investigate. "Are we ready to find out, guys?" I lean a little bit to the side, being careful not to immerse our baby in the water again by accident, so that Andrew can see.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iObe_j1iS5f6O7BcLdJaB7b6RBVDnNzFsfXvzcHJog1p2zuqgDcjj7jhxON97cNeG7Pjna4l2z8W2w-lViI8plFX4Zh_JVmHABGSzNwRzvHN2Q9r9K03a6hp5au9laqYCK5A7ilf3Q6v0kJ_SSjcexH2oh3yfhN6y5jx-YEryGaUcNGU_h7w1He504ZP/s4260/Brenden-42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2840" data-original-width="4260" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4iObe_j1iS5f6O7BcLdJaB7b6RBVDnNzFsfXvzcHJog1p2zuqgDcjj7jhxON97cNeG7Pjna4l2z8W2w-lViI8plFX4Zh_JVmHABGSzNwRzvHN2Q9r9K03a6hp5au9laqYCK5A7ilf3Q6v0kJ_SSjcexH2oh3yfhN6y5jx-YEryGaUcNGU_h7w1He504ZP/w640-h426/Brenden-42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Me asking if Andrew's ready. Brenden's face cracks me up in this one!**</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>"Boy?"</div><div>I nod my head at him, the biggest smile lighting my face. "It's a boy! It's a boy! Barrett, you have a brother!" Barrett is a little shy, but I see him smiling. "Hi little Brenden! I love you so much!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXMvFWtaNkjTAXbLQIIUK6B-9-sy3aoH05uF7aKq4ZzUampxO_mzWK6ZOFJKuZRoh5xQ6Xew8SMwO8ocu1QtJP3ua2jOMaqzQR1o1TtCpdAooFIogOXdTM-79BTRkcxbSgxSxWkZ94XX6xYJeveZ8aEP_6daxFmMXqZ0Kcd7oFmjfawUgiD4I9aq9f46l/s6000/Brenden-46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXMvFWtaNkjTAXbLQIIUK6B-9-sy3aoH05uF7aKq4ZzUampxO_mzWK6ZOFJKuZRoh5xQ6Xew8SMwO8ocu1QtJP3ua2jOMaqzQR1o1TtCpdAooFIogOXdTM-79BTRkcxbSgxSxWkZ94XX6xYJeveZ8aEP_6daxFmMXqZ0Kcd7oFmjfawUgiD4I9aq9f46l/w640-h426/Brenden-46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoVpJ4D_xAaMRjDm5D1InVragtbFeRzWYq4qJ3IWBoggrWNkBPwY73wM8jI58lOsULAajVK0P8T7D1eSUa52GoNlZGKqBO3xUJ8hxQ779WMLHBESxcrNhPJw9SaSdiw546i3-PT-msL3gYorlbHXdFtGKyLkX3ehrN3uXUbhFtHHKD1GsH8qAdYUkqkqi/s6000/Brenden-47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoVpJ4D_xAaMRjDm5D1InVragtbFeRzWYq4qJ3IWBoggrWNkBPwY73wM8jI58lOsULAajVK0P8T7D1eSUa52GoNlZGKqBO3xUJ8hxQ779WMLHBESxcrNhPJw9SaSdiw546i3-PT-msL3gYorlbHXdFtGKyLkX3ehrN3uXUbhFtHHKD1GsH8qAdYUkqkqi/w640-h426/Brenden-47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOODVVXLd-Ivb1axVotRVsIEf6mKsd39tCH5goTePHZAjSJkUH_fZOVOmCHWCdsFlBxhcMAlAINV15mP1Q7F2TapLoUOpJgXmZhMOj6IrMPDrfwkMjff7Bxm-w04CDM7s-rn0BNyAM8iB3TVZGSEgkTfQl973QmQBeqbGOmG-w9P-FrCjjXb2LWvs_01NY/s6000/Brenden-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOODVVXLd-Ivb1axVotRVsIEf6mKsd39tCH5goTePHZAjSJkUH_fZOVOmCHWCdsFlBxhcMAlAINV15mP1Q7F2TapLoUOpJgXmZhMOj6IrMPDrfwkMjff7Bxm-w04CDM7s-rn0BNyAM8iB3TVZGSEgkTfQl973QmQBeqbGOmG-w9P-FrCjjXb2LWvs_01NY/w640-h426/Brenden-49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60d8cv74aBI2OvgXzueVdsqHNuY7Sem7WnPRU3kaLJ-sdY8xY22_7UM1mRhyphenhyphenVo_phlwl86rR32Yw_1J6AXTUKxE3lG8WUmUPjTrOlhLJlnzBQeyFcP4djJNW29h9zyDyB8Cgi5e6OTkYxyUhJC-yrO1qsOH-5Ivxn6HSQk-viQaTpmSQd9FbvjdaRtmWo/s6000/Brenden-53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60d8cv74aBI2OvgXzueVdsqHNuY7Sem7WnPRU3kaLJ-sdY8xY22_7UM1mRhyphenhyphenVo_phlwl86rR32Yw_1J6AXTUKxE3lG8WUmUPjTrOlhLJlnzBQeyFcP4djJNW29h9zyDyB8Cgi5e6OTkYxyUhJC-yrO1qsOH-5Ivxn6HSQk-viQaTpmSQd9FbvjdaRtmWo/w640-h426/Brenden-53.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAC82hzjd9FU9VSZbDp9PG2vHwEnDkT-BYFko64q9JY6f0uLm6pCHIUAM_UzAvLT0Jc7m2Suq69ch3556PY9TQe9G9hUozoGV3hg_zKwA681IKzRnBTiY05H5Z3jmqijQwJxlI27WYiTgPE21dbss-tmvfcag5dTHS7XijxGh_GWMNsUjbZlCw2PooeLS/s6000/Brenden-55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAC82hzjd9FU9VSZbDp9PG2vHwEnDkT-BYFko64q9JY6f0uLm6pCHIUAM_UzAvLT0Jc7m2Suq69ch3556PY9TQe9G9hUozoGV3hg_zKwA681IKzRnBTiY05H5Z3jmqijQwJxlI27WYiTgPE21dbss-tmvfcag5dTHS7XijxGh_GWMNsUjbZlCw2PooeLS/w640-h426/Brenden-55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s01Gu25fGaM7O_R3vr-qeI2XHMtTCzuIvwgQEsIl3fQ4LiLt8SHc4fGyYQzU6gS4IXrViTJfPc8m15PrB6PXCZ_aB_Udvqbm43mPwOUTGdOJ3NNSEW5kaA-toEEYKUn0BfaaY4FLCI7xmyLIKwK3HHnOVwMyQTZrFpGfymwEFWcPPYD4MtRnq1QX2n5D/s6000/Brenden-44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0s01Gu25fGaM7O_R3vr-qeI2XHMtTCzuIvwgQEsIl3fQ4LiLt8SHc4fGyYQzU6gS4IXrViTJfPc8m15PrB6PXCZ_aB_Udvqbm43mPwOUTGdOJ3NNSEW5kaA-toEEYKUn0BfaaY4FLCI7xmyLIKwK3HHnOVwMyQTZrFpGfymwEFWcPPYD4MtRnq1QX2n5D/w640-h426/Brenden-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyadenKyD3ILwGpp2iCkquBz-34Pi5Hu2GY4FPBD7cnWKnCJySpoRWBlyoin8kld2Woe6HxyrXZDPz7wmIMB3LpqE7cq-ydwdepx3mBeOrEKor8gAYLdy38elU6hRQMTVJCJnJcsnbLwxhQJN4RHXX-vptONJC4uwdxtKh_KAO2Vu1ShGVdrcwEDOa_BG/s6000/Brenden-57.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyadenKyD3ILwGpp2iCkquBz-34Pi5Hu2GY4FPBD7cnWKnCJySpoRWBlyoin8kld2Woe6HxyrXZDPz7wmIMB3LpqE7cq-ydwdepx3mBeOrEKor8gAYLdy38elU6hRQMTVJCJnJcsnbLwxhQJN4RHXX-vptONJC4uwdxtKh_KAO2Vu1ShGVdrcwEDOa_BG/w640-h426/Brenden-57.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvUfO_kneGy60anILJ9Qe3-XhUIISoyXj52rDkfm5BptBHwh2_VqtqqP_R5QTd94GT5l50oyuJPTOxNiNCmddOU2qhGL7e0cIdy19gSYU9tQQPdMmpxdOWY0jZKNbv88A2lyefI2I3Khi9Vf1sWWEpPx7dRtaPbXOY_BYdBQbQ-_PURa3T-iV-dWPwHY1/s6000/Brenden-58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvUfO_kneGy60anILJ9Qe3-XhUIISoyXj52rDkfm5BptBHwh2_VqtqqP_R5QTd94GT5l50oyuJPTOxNiNCmddOU2qhGL7e0cIdy19gSYU9tQQPdMmpxdOWY0jZKNbv88A2lyefI2I3Khi9Vf1sWWEpPx7dRtaPbXOY_BYdBQbQ-_PURa3T-iV-dWPwHY1/w640-h426/Brenden-58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6vhZtHxTy1lh6XfOt3Rd4q06zZ20I5-meioI4urfE-rmwyhL-VXgH4eRJeBzmOebaKNVsUrH1l2f50LCq4uYmBBXRyf4gOZ9bDbrOPYds2P5J5tGcOmjuGQ9dZtxd4xhATATTMruhlaV-TxtY9pJoXbwzqVGBOA3ikvT6FNOz9Law1fBwnReAQdD1wIX/s6000/Brenden-63.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6vhZtHxTy1lh6XfOt3Rd4q06zZ20I5-meioI4urfE-rmwyhL-VXgH4eRJeBzmOebaKNVsUrH1l2f50LCq4uYmBBXRyf4gOZ9bDbrOPYds2P5J5tGcOmjuGQ9dZtxd4xhATATTMruhlaV-TxtY9pJoXbwzqVGBOA3ikvT6FNOz9Law1fBwnReAQdD1wIX/w640-h426/Brenden-63.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAU3WY0-T5ID9OxCuG5O5y7FAtmBYtFfy2kHrNjY730CeW8qaQP23KE4xYSOUC2yy59i4me-3xLvMvWkYhflFeBuD5EFFLeptdERsY75om5z9QPkD2YSwYcTNjVfPh_1lNSWu8fvSOdnyc98S9eSZL-rRl_BuQGD0mniFn8UgpDVPesOva0afNDkeHpMn/s4000/Brenden-65.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAU3WY0-T5ID9OxCuG5O5y7FAtmBYtFfy2kHrNjY730CeW8qaQP23KE4xYSOUC2yy59i4me-3xLvMvWkYhflFeBuD5EFFLeptdERsY75om5z9QPkD2YSwYcTNjVfPh_1lNSWu8fvSOdnyc98S9eSZL-rRl_BuQGD0mniFn8UgpDVPesOva0afNDkeHpMn/w426-h640/Brenden-65.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div>The rest of the night is a blur of pure happiness and joy. Everything was exactly how I had dreamed it would be. Chelsea cut the umbilical chord while I was still in the bathtub, then I was tucked into my bed surrounded by my family and my team, feeling loved and cared for. My children were curiously examining and getting to know their baby brother. We were completely enveloped in love. I never want to forget that feeling. I imagine that this is how Heaven will feel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiROnqj7tuk7k09iSUgbQmypm-gmt3h2lHYOYmAZgGYfGts7iIrTzQ5oQiitIDpAGMponayxqqyao0EEonhcIc_ZDKbwLxoWW5HeWbuFuPZWmHd_q8Utr_wRYNH59sm52ce0D_OY8zofapThDYvfyA2X4bRlhyHkEcaZbUZwM1VL9YDGXo9UD512dDsElG/s6000/Brenden-79.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiROnqj7tuk7k09iSUgbQmypm-gmt3h2lHYOYmAZgGYfGts7iIrTzQ5oQiitIDpAGMponayxqqyao0EEonhcIc_ZDKbwLxoWW5HeWbuFuPZWmHd_q8Utr_wRYNH59sm52ce0D_OY8zofapThDYvfyA2X4bRlhyHkEcaZbUZwM1VL9YDGXo9UD512dDsElG/w640-h426/Brenden-79.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj7mAXOAf-bF-IduLOjbGZO7Nw3xyFykrMnZGEBmi3mPxTI30TsWy1jVqfmelggYIYvhotZVYec7PqtmmWUG46FVUQ9xGWAj_xLHMzPA4DGZdRPBGHYZTfi0Ubso2FIyPlG255qAcK0ECs3oUcp35b_iiofczw6AGa7q5paSZk57hk4wHJej64kq2iHFl/s6000/Brenden-86.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj7mAXOAf-bF-IduLOjbGZO7Nw3xyFykrMnZGEBmi3mPxTI30TsWy1jVqfmelggYIYvhotZVYec7PqtmmWUG46FVUQ9xGWAj_xLHMzPA4DGZdRPBGHYZTfi0Ubso2FIyPlG255qAcK0ECs3oUcp35b_iiofczw6AGa7q5paSZk57hk4wHJej64kq2iHFl/w640-h426/Brenden-86.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXodWXIwm06I6IWbmidBzx6mrZ4LsXKVm_brIlwFZ-gm1ARb3gxl9hS9PoroiyV0L2HjTFcG7fY5-XAH2sVxrIwqLeKImoW1XkrtwkWMRspS83qe_amhN4Wx8jkwZXH7RgIczUG8qgc1i1TqwAifbKhwxNXFGbbDoRwOPWc4JBsKceYyTfGmEZMYk5chBn/s6000/Brenden-91.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXodWXIwm06I6IWbmidBzx6mrZ4LsXKVm_brIlwFZ-gm1ARb3gxl9hS9PoroiyV0L2HjTFcG7fY5-XAH2sVxrIwqLeKImoW1XkrtwkWMRspS83qe_amhN4Wx8jkwZXH7RgIczUG8qgc1i1TqwAifbKhwxNXFGbbDoRwOPWc4JBsKceYyTfGmEZMYk5chBn/w640-h426/Brenden-91.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuKbuCrTeETzThvAFPD9W5N5V_GMdqrC-a87PiDkNmjj9iO24QBCIOGUYWsRRsfc9QRISGCIs4CutqA8NPxHDLHf4ifOz7Vd_xOadrIkSsf_MqE6F4a-1ySN4zZjJ8NRnX1pGpKbtAlM3NPQl0G7m6x8N0aYOQQPRiR49zcNEgQsH9LC_U1YCdmZGtJUf/s6000/Brenden-103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuKbuCrTeETzThvAFPD9W5N5V_GMdqrC-a87PiDkNmjj9iO24QBCIOGUYWsRRsfc9QRISGCIs4CutqA8NPxHDLHf4ifOz7Vd_xOadrIkSsf_MqE6F4a-1ySN4zZjJ8NRnX1pGpKbtAlM3NPQl0G7m6x8N0aYOQQPRiR49zcNEgQsH9LC_U1YCdmZGtJUf/w640-h426/Brenden-103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thank my Heavenly Father before I fall asleep in bed with my husband and new baby for our safety. I feel so deeply grateful for His love and the opportunity I had to be able to birth our baby safely at home, exactly how I hoped. My team was everything I needed them to be. I thank the Lord for each of them, especially my family. Chelsea who made Brenden a blanket while I was in labor, made me cards with pictures of me, Andrew, and the new baby tucked into bed together, and enlisted Alexa in the trimming of bougainvillea flowers to put in a vase beside my bathtub. Alexa for her loving hugs and quiet support through her gentle touches. Barrett and Elise for their happy natures, and Andrew for his quiet calm and support from the very beginning. He was everything I needed him to be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_18HKaPYaCRaeJdklM6iQvVw3OtCb3sFUfsVJodI6RNu-S_krcPv_sVgUwo11dmOYTgiBx096cRuWk5LwKIhMW2UWqd6J4XgliP-zjlPhSuNb6vO-wlZiqqfRjeBGccsb7FEJ6dB111tq1LFEF-Q3Lathpp-ugQ5mvhZ0hZhrZZtz_0Mn9XchYU2H87W/s6000/Brenden-107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_18HKaPYaCRaeJdklM6iQvVw3OtCb3sFUfsVJodI6RNu-S_krcPv_sVgUwo11dmOYTgiBx096cRuWk5LwKIhMW2UWqd6J4XgliP-zjlPhSuNb6vO-wlZiqqfRjeBGccsb7FEJ6dB111tq1LFEF-Q3Lathpp-ugQ5mvhZ0hZhrZZtz_0Mn9XchYU2H87W/w640-h426/Brenden-107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Midwives Kayla Padjett and Nancy Pol**</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-7wZAdd16QiwuhyPMS9Y8Ko5PsVboBhTpt_Gozxw-HoxseQ__2g_ByGoFQo0rAKMxsR6dOMv0tXO98slQk-AqmcA-EQpoW1GCBgWzJhkptEMSGz_Igs3_iJ6CDhf1OQeLfiEv52vSNwbjxwGm8HR8WZgLO-Hot7DgS1lv306K863V5rJLXAk5DwYnkHQ/s5128/Brenden-108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3416" data-original-width="5128" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-7wZAdd16QiwuhyPMS9Y8Ko5PsVboBhTpt_Gozxw-HoxseQ__2g_ByGoFQo0rAKMxsR6dOMv0tXO98slQk-AqmcA-EQpoW1GCBgWzJhkptEMSGz_Igs3_iJ6CDhf1OQeLfiEv52vSNwbjxwGm8HR8WZgLO-Hot7DgS1lv306K863V5rJLXAk5DwYnkHQ/w640-h426/Brenden-108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**Left to right: Annalise Leavitte (videographer and friend), Kayla, Susan, Brenden, Nancy, and McKayl (doula and friend)**</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiRtFc8s7sJDgxG_9q3Tfx9m8Dp_VIwpu3l3-w-iIRd_SKq4t4jV0KqfZ4Fsvc2LJpvpSxxhwrTOpLdLYWxP2L241JQCtfNtpvFrVF0lipGGGrOM74hLOp3mYZmTXqZhia088pl7nbC5aLObkhTwA3EXMGqwQjIYKIMspjbiSmqjCO3kj9AXLT_2h84O6/s6000/Brenden-109.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiRtFc8s7sJDgxG_9q3Tfx9m8Dp_VIwpu3l3-w-iIRd_SKq4t4jV0KqfZ4Fsvc2LJpvpSxxhwrTOpLdLYWxP2L241JQCtfNtpvFrVF0lipGGGrOM74hLOp3mYZmTXqZhia088pl7nbC5aLObkhTwA3EXMGqwQjIYKIMspjbiSmqjCO3kj9AXLT_2h84O6/w640-h426/Brenden-109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeDsChiFnT1c31zLz21aECpzNVYlyUfanP9jpxz9sp-KE3q725sNoYuxQUV6h57N7GaRgNJ0RboaxgB7VjCv3dWUaPwAo7ufcUmimbKvOD4C9fgG6xIX0RzPWKd9G7pdWsqCohnE9PEzhcIa4fouG-RlA9RwbqjZynHlHA4iAs2-tOWMv9Bsffu1xnKIn/s6000/Brenden-110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeDsChiFnT1c31zLz21aECpzNVYlyUfanP9jpxz9sp-KE3q725sNoYuxQUV6h57N7GaRgNJ0RboaxgB7VjCv3dWUaPwAo7ufcUmimbKvOD4C9fgG6xIX0RzPWKd9G7pdWsqCohnE9PEzhcIa4fouG-RlA9RwbqjZynHlHA4iAs2-tOWMv9Bsffu1xnKIn/w640-h426/Brenden-110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNQvbD_-1YH_ng389JgC5sVbAHl79y0xb8IYHh_4fHwBn-FJaNEzhJYTMqBLD5R-moGD-owN_tz8EUQyHBcMkWisVBS2QsHg8VxtuaMaz1gGrWk1I9phQLZ0FEcetUkqo4NPESupBjmRJueu4DnMYpKFRIfSSYTHiaa4HLGdK2hIxsc9metC0mup_4jG7/s3512/Brenden-111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3512" data-original-width="2341" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNQvbD_-1YH_ng389JgC5sVbAHl79y0xb8IYHh_4fHwBn-FJaNEzhJYTMqBLD5R-moGD-owN_tz8EUQyHBcMkWisVBS2QsHg8VxtuaMaz1gGrWk1I9phQLZ0FEcetUkqo4NPESupBjmRJueu4DnMYpKFRIfSSYTHiaa4HLGdK2hIxsc9metC0mup_4jG7/w426-h640/Brenden-111.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I quickly fall asleep then, my baby boy in my arms at last, my heart completely full, and my roses on my nightstand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="padding: 56.25% 0px 0px; position: relative;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" frameborder="0" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/873160756?h=34c91c2212&badge=0&autopause=0&quality_selector=1&progress_bar=1&player_id=0&app_id=58479" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; width: 100%;" title="Susan's Final Birth Video"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">__________________________________________________</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Susan is a doula, birth photographer, and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a birth documenter for your birth? Visit </span><a href="http://susanjoyaz.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #a86473; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; max-width: 770px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">susanjoyaz.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> and leave an inquiry!</span></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-22542133413698214582023-10-05T16:29:00.003-06:002023-10-09T16:01:30.853-06:002023 Fall Family Mini Sessions!<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">Hello Friends! </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">It's been a little while since I've chatted with you as I've been on maternity leave since the birth of our fifth child, Brenden. It has been a wonderful 6 months with him in our home.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZdwIbOxGedCP-q8n83zP2qgaQMTGbHzb4FTAOUsFcThvXtz7CV_YJ0JdUFuC4-HjrXw3nC1WMrpRNNIKZcbLQVYu0cs2JZeoBbVFESJRYGeknsKwo_YIwB7WuuykRupjWTparLySMPghIw6MhVXzLFkQe97YVu0NOAx_pxlfRmoZwqS6GNzGwINLMOot/s5036/SusanNewborn-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3357" data-original-width="5036" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZdwIbOxGedCP-q8n83zP2qgaQMTGbHzb4FTAOUsFcThvXtz7CV_YJ0JdUFuC4-HjrXw3nC1WMrpRNNIKZcbLQVYu0cs2JZeoBbVFESJRYGeknsKwo_YIwB7WuuykRupjWTparLySMPghIw6MhVXzLFkQe97YVu0NOAx_pxlfRmoZwqS6GNzGwINLMOot/w640-h426/SusanNewborn-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*photo c/o Cheyenne Pape*</i></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="color: #222222;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm excited to be offering these family mini sessions again this year! I've decided to return to one of my favorite locations, Crismon Trailhead. I love the desert landscape and, as you know, Arizona sunsets are the most beautiful in the world.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZXhb5TjM2SAmZCHxDAZUt-pgQqSFDIoHDebz4fb1SsAE3o7Je0lW4Lf16xHnpyI_3jJjlWgGwZzQAhHLKlofzZM5lS8yHWEVr574SXmZhP3jDaLBz4IvBgEcJodEf5TpoogmP_3oGn11McpAtykBpWDI-Tbtei4IwYdT7yGV0-3CPxvMXvc4WvV1Bxf1/s2025/crismon%20trailhead-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZXhb5TjM2SAmZCHxDAZUt-pgQqSFDIoHDebz4fb1SsAE3o7Je0lW4Lf16xHnpyI_3jJjlWgGwZzQAhHLKlofzZM5lS8yHWEVr574SXmZhP3jDaLBz4IvBgEcJodEf5TpoogmP_3oGn11McpAtykBpWDI-Tbtei4IwYdT7yGV0-3CPxvMXvc4WvV1Bxf1/w426-h640/crismon%20trailhead-8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the moment, I only have a couple of days with two slots each, but I am willing to add days to my schedule depending on interest/demand. Just respond to this e-mail with your preferred day and time. I will respond ASAP to let you know if that slot is available or if we need to schedule another.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">**UPDATE! I've added two slots on Wednesday, November 1 at 4:50 and 5:20!**</span></div></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2023 Family Mini Session Details:</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBeHqbPZaUszv_HbLPmx9tfErP2T4UAyL9_jRlh_E77SJJCWRMfic0hOoWeChjtTMFNQu6DA_35p9xhexZOGQ813FJ0YnNlFv8kOkQFcAowlevb5jUopxPJU_xbWNnTf62yW5YMeukg3fmsr9Z_rI0P4I071rWcmeutPOxJNDWAmkciLEMyEll9vp_XAQ/s1915/A5FF014D-C7E4-4B9F-906A-D1B60B4E3875.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1915" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBeHqbPZaUszv_HbLPmx9tfErP2T4UAyL9_jRlh_E77SJJCWRMfic0hOoWeChjtTMFNQu6DA_35p9xhexZOGQ813FJ0YnNlFv8kOkQFcAowlevb5jUopxPJU_xbWNnTf62yW5YMeukg3fmsr9Z_rI0P4I071rWcmeutPOxJNDWAmkciLEMyEll9vp_XAQ/w225-h400/A5FF014D-C7E4-4B9F-906A-D1B60B4E3875.jpg" width="225" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKO4m4vFIhs-b92aMGjk5_uk6rUmTNktlbmPrISGp8Z-4g7RTtMTdLBKUiE4CNblR4w8flpnRt-XBPCAWGACz-DgAXI6ev9VZPzB472Ynv8VPDE76MxkMlDl3gObcNK0qC7Pm_MrGTEZj5a-wDklhkMyRpdi2rtV0IPd1HKjU56khirWYpTmTxzfX_akp/s1920/68FFCF6D-5374-406F-8736-9DA8B0111B1C.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKO4m4vFIhs-b92aMGjk5_uk6rUmTNktlbmPrISGp8Z-4g7RTtMTdLBKUiE4CNblR4w8flpnRt-XBPCAWGACz-DgAXI6ev9VZPzB472Ynv8VPDE76MxkMlDl3gObcNK0qC7Pm_MrGTEZj5a-wDklhkMyRpdi2rtV0IPd1HKjU56khirWYpTmTxzfX_akp/w225-h400/68FFCF6D-5374-406F-8736-9DA8B0111B1C.PNG" width="225" /></a></div></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I look forward to seeing you soon!</span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222; text-align: left;"><div style="color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">__________________________________________________</div><div style="color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Susan is a doula, birth photographer, and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a birth documenter for your birth? Visit <a href="http://susanjoyaz.com/" style="color: #a86473; max-width: 770px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s;">susanjoyaz.com</a> and leave an inquiry!</div></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-6337975381199745182022-09-01T11:40:00.003-06:002022-09-01T11:40:55.395-06:00Doula Chats: But What About the Vitamin K?<p>After your baby is born, there are three what I call "baby interventions" that all parents need to consider beforehand and decide if they want them. The Hep B Vaccine, Eye Ointment, and Vitamin K shot.</p><p><br /></p><p>As I began my research on these interventions, it was clear to me early on that Hep B, and the eye ointment weren't necessary for my babies or my clients babies. Both were really only necessary for babies who are at risk of contracting Gonorrhea or Chlamydia from their mother (eye ointment), or some kind of STD (Hep B). On top of that, eye ointment hinders mother-child bonding and, aesthetically speaking, make for poor photos of baby.</p><p><br /></p><p>But what about the Vitamin K? If it's just a vitamin, it shouldn't hurt, right?</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmrAYd52V9P3_AK69JcPmGAAyOnUanxGKnKpfH29jnweH340ZmM-U2OxOVwQxPFEnwFIicRO7ii2hmEumk773_IvLJqZEQw3pQDs_WIhEubnLRcXWSFWkEVF8hyhm4O5asu5K31wyYH7Bww0PMKOLyuYOy8OTcCzTpn1oyb40i9QfAMOSLJq0c07yIg/s8534/Vitamin%20K.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmrAYd52V9P3_AK69JcPmGAAyOnUanxGKnKpfH29jnweH340ZmM-U2OxOVwQxPFEnwFIicRO7ii2hmEumk773_IvLJqZEQw3pQDs_WIhEubnLRcXWSFWkEVF8hyhm4O5asu5K31wyYH7Bww0PMKOLyuYOy8OTcCzTpn1oyb40i9QfAMOSLJq0c07yIg/w640-h640/Vitamin%20K.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Every family needs to do their own research to decide if getting the vitamin K shot or oral drops aligns with their beliefs, but let me tell you a few reasons why some parents decide to get it, and why some parents don't.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Why some parents do:</u></p><p>• The Vitamin K shot has been routinely given to newborns since 1961. Statistics in Europe show that of the babies who did NOT receive Vitamin K at birth, 4.4 to 7.2 infants out of 100,000 were diagnosed with Late VKDB (Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding - bleeding that does not clot because there is not enough Vitamin K in their blood to sufficiently clot). These babies then have a mortality rate of 20% with 50% of these babies having intracranial haemorrhage. Study linked <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3021393/">here.</a></p><p>• Of those babies who received the Vitamin K shot, anywhere from 0 to 0.4 out of 100,000 babies were diagnosed with late VKDB, most countries reporting rates of 0 or close to 0. <a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-the-vitamin-k-shot-in-newborns/#:~:text=In%201961%2C%20after%20nearly%202,since%20(AAP%2C%201961)." target="_blank">Link</a></p><p>• While Early and Classic VKDB can be caught earlier on and are linked to mothers who take drugs that are linked to inhibiting Vitamin K and delayed or insufficient feeding (link), Late VKDB is more difficult to recognize and is just an additional thing for parents to worry about on top of becoming new parents.</p><p>• Late VKDB can be deadly and parents decide that the risk of getting the shot is better than the risk of not.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>Why some parents do not:</u></p><p>• VKDB is very rare.</p><p>• Along with the Vitamin K, there is also Aluminum, Benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and other ingredients that parents do not want in their newborn's bodies.</p><p>• Benzyl alcohol can make newborns sleepy, leading them to miss feedings, as well as result in decreased respiratory effort, decreased heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. </p><p>• It is also of concern to them that the Vitamin K shot comes with a black box label. Although the label instructs those administering the shot to give it subcutaneously (under the skin), many administrators give it intramuscularly. The blackbox label associates severe reactions, including fatalities, to intramuscular and intravenous administration.</p><p>• Back in 1961, women delivered babies in hospitals where they were strapped down on their backs, left to labor, then the doctor came in after some time to perform an episiotomy, then use forceps or a vacuum to extract the babies. This causes parents to wonder if maybe that was the reason for the high mortality rates from Late VKDB.</p><p>• Some parents wonder why newborns are considered Vitamin K deficient if every newborn is born with less levels than adults. Perhaps there is a reason?</p><p>• Stem cells travel more easily through Vitamin K deficient blood, allowing newborn's bodies to heal those damaged areas on their own. Vitamin K causes the blood to coagulate too quickly, slowing the stem cells. Also, immediate cord clamping does not allow for all of the stem cells available to newborns to enter their bodies.</p><p>• Although a small amount of Vitamin K comes from mother's breastmilk, it comes in a very highly absorbable form.</p><p><br /></p><p>My opinion:</p><p>Unfortunately, there aren't many studies to argue contrary to getting the Vitamin K shot. Some argue that this is due to a lack of funding to pay for the research because those interested in possibly finding something contrary aren't big pharmaceutical companies. I think this is possible, but I also think it's hard for anyone to want to research because the numbers arguing for the shot and preventing Vitamin K deficiency are clear. If you choose to get the shot, your baby is almost certainly going to avoid having Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding.</p><p><br /></p><p>However, it doesn't make sense to me that all babies would be born Vitamin K deficient, and I wonder if there were less interventions, especially forceps and vacuum extraction, if there would be less need for it. It's expected that being squeezed through the birth canal would result in some trauma in the head/brain, which is why the placenta is stocked with plenty of STEM cells to repair damages - another reason we should delay cord clamping. If the blood is thickened with artificial Vitamin K (along with all the other preservative ingredients), it may slow the flow of STEM cells to the injured areas. </p><p><br /></p><p>I don't know what the right answer is for you or your family. I do believe there are situations where a Vitamin K shot would be a wise decision - when forceps and vacuums are involved, for instance - but I'm not convinced that it is always necessary. You'll have to decide what feels right.</p><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #3e3e41; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="color: #3e3e41; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="color: #3e3e41; font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-33370307239189289862022-08-09T13:51:00.003-06:002022-08-09T13:59:10.184-06:00The Hospital Birth Story of Warner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Z27V4yBk0uimPLs3uGYAWlHV-weyXHc681FWGtiW0eU0UK7BgKV5hQTssVOEu2f4PcV_ihn5d0s_1CpkUf7a83rCMjKIeiY00nJBcM--aRv4h7wy1rRaIIfZvPqUAlPO2Z0YmmltEU6Baxa-g2cUpbDeoATKU79908dhQinERlU-El2LY_Y6SowtQ/s4958/Warner-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4958" data-original-width="3305" height="925" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Z27V4yBk0uimPLs3uGYAWlHV-weyXHc681FWGtiW0eU0UK7BgKV5hQTssVOEu2f4PcV_ihn5d0s_1CpkUf7a83rCMjKIeiY00nJBcM--aRv4h7wy1rRaIIfZvPqUAlPO2Z0YmmltEU6Baxa-g2cUpbDeoATKU79908dhQinERlU-El2LY_Y6SowtQ/w615-h925/Warner-58.jpg" width="615" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I met Miranda at a park. I was there with a group of my friends, and she was there with a group of hers. The children had all kind of mingled at the beach volleyball court and the two of us began talking. We became fast friends and about a year later, she told me that she was pregnant with her second child and wanted me to be her doula and birth photographer. I was overjoyed. I knew that her journey to pregnancy hadn't been easy, and that her first birth experience wasn't what she had wanted it to be. I was determined to help her to have a different experience this time.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Her first birth had ended in a c-section and she had been so affected by the pain medication and other drugs that she didn't even remember seeing or holding her baby until after just about everyone else in her family had. Her goals for this birth were to labor at home as long as possible, then make her way to the hospital and birth naturally there. We talked about all of her options, what she could expect from her birth experience and I gave her additional resources to help her decide on those things she wasn't sure about yet. I loved being Miranda's doula because she was educated and intentional with all of her decisions. She trusted in her body and was ready.</p><p><br /></p><p>Miranda's body had begun preparing and working slowly and steadily a week before it truly was underway. For a week she experienced prodromal labor that made it difficult to sleep and tired her. At 5:00PM on May 7, she noticed that the contractions had become consistent with a noticeable pattern, though they were far apart and mild. By 10:00PM, the contractions had begun to feel more intense and at 12:25AM on May 8, I arrived at her home. I sat with her as she met each contraction, spending some time on the birthing ball and doing a couple of squats. After some time, I encouraged her to try to get some sleep and considered going home myself since I lived nearby, but when she went to the bathroom she noticed had lost some of her mucous plug and I decided to stay downstairs. We tried a walk at 2:00AM and Miranda decided after a couple of minutes that she would like to go to the hospital.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpafHBLuQMNywjTv0KQq10iI0x3_NQgwdQLzKEbIkVliz5ggoTBPFyff1a9KFk51S4u7a4aWfN7RQnoo4sRTDypY9HgzWFaFpgEO7zhVaikisiIELZ510bhVjiQNjBmP_t9Ugepd6CXQLjxaKQkYGjZPE8lsOQP0BrSXguVrlHfYIdyNPr3VNWyalVUQ/s6000/Warner-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpafHBLuQMNywjTv0KQq10iI0x3_NQgwdQLzKEbIkVliz5ggoTBPFyff1a9KFk51S4u7a4aWfN7RQnoo4sRTDypY9HgzWFaFpgEO7zhVaikisiIELZ510bhVjiQNjBmP_t9Ugepd6CXQLjxaKQkYGjZPE8lsOQP0BrSXguVrlHfYIdyNPr3VNWyalVUQ/w426-h640/Warner-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtctid1y0ZbWHGxdrJB-W5ILpSWWNt_L0Fby2S8JK6Kp_2KhGi02KPoPu2sIqbCzJms6yC6TdYvrIspPbsqHKhJp2qsN0UXmwf2JPbcwvzfr5YCGfMCSsnKuyNZBxJxaQV9oLtYEk-Di3VWNYOHxtbf5muDCNgb3Ytw98ZEJWB0pzMeZ6ubMRTS3V0kw/s5824/Warner-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5824" data-original-width="3883" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtctid1y0ZbWHGxdrJB-W5ILpSWWNt_L0Fby2S8JK6Kp_2KhGi02KPoPu2sIqbCzJms6yC6TdYvrIspPbsqHKhJp2qsN0UXmwf2JPbcwvzfr5YCGfMCSsnKuyNZBxJxaQV9oLtYEk-Di3VWNYOHxtbf5muDCNgb3Ytw98ZEJWB0pzMeZ6ubMRTS3V0kw/w426-h640/Warner-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>We arrived at the hospital at 2:51AM. In triage, the nurse checked her and regretfully told her that she was not progressed far enough to be admitted, but encouraged her to walk around the hospital and labor for a while, and see if things progressed as time passed.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26AxNYIpdnK6QOwar4lK68fW_ACowC0GWsnwubIGdL9CskhPKl_F_85yJYGBmP0u7O5y3CovfAJKPrbZMVjCR-HAAE6mpBSlO92GicI8aRfMi5Zi7ksQw6Cq-7v3MvXnZNzG87kYoRiqYM5nf8T04jJL-8YsW8SyPCqxiB9M9qBliJz0XlQmArXgbRA/s5008/Warner-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3339" data-original-width="5008" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26AxNYIpdnK6QOwar4lK68fW_ACowC0GWsnwubIGdL9CskhPKl_F_85yJYGBmP0u7O5y3CovfAJKPrbZMVjCR-HAAE6mpBSlO92GicI8aRfMi5Zi7ksQw6Cq-7v3MvXnZNzG87kYoRiqYM5nf8T04jJL-8YsW8SyPCqxiB9M9qBliJz0XlQmArXgbRA/w640-h426/Warner-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII0WUbaVTL1foz349y2Qyadf9JKpjYfQFk0cUTP1zI8PmyVsRFR6fi7kkvKq6SwASgYpBQpkLlnCa5QbdJmN2qrpecx_7XRKWT3YgBQtCfzJXI8zkIUbZMSikDMd8K0J34wTELuJusciXlY2aq-3_ZNPDWjo-wXdbQyj0BmEOLgP2-ZXh68U4HNfvhQ/s6000/Warner-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII0WUbaVTL1foz349y2Qyadf9JKpjYfQFk0cUTP1zI8PmyVsRFR6fi7kkvKq6SwASgYpBQpkLlnCa5QbdJmN2qrpecx_7XRKWT3YgBQtCfzJXI8zkIUbZMSikDMd8K0J34wTELuJusciXlY2aq-3_ZNPDWjo-wXdbQyj0BmEOLgP2-ZXh68U4HNfvhQ/w640-h426/Warner-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Joey did an incredible job encouraging Miranda as she met each wave. He held her and performed hip squeezes for her as the waves came. The contractions continued to come consistently and intensely. At 4:04AM, Joey said, "Come on Warner. Let's go." I was struck by the significance of his comment. He, Miranda, and baby Warner were working together as a team and it was a beautiful thing to witness.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6l-_XockDY1QgUXu8GVsIQ7mFw0I-_wGn4efxt4jCFV89fSieFQbYFgEwFYivCTzrRHhqGEgUQyu8wmkXrktzPPQ_DmTNlVwWzo-e1ybWDIwdd7qVk68H6VumAwXBYjgBC3VOS-tfSsKCmih8IjsAlihKROXoDV3XljrttsnOTnH0vFlnT5SlfzZQQ/s5719/Warner-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3813" data-original-width="5719" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6l-_XockDY1QgUXu8GVsIQ7mFw0I-_wGn4efxt4jCFV89fSieFQbYFgEwFYivCTzrRHhqGEgUQyu8wmkXrktzPPQ_DmTNlVwWzo-e1ybWDIwdd7qVk68H6VumAwXBYjgBC3VOS-tfSsKCmih8IjsAlihKROXoDV3XljrttsnOTnH0vFlnT5SlfzZQQ/w640-h426/Warner-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP7Dt-CEopzJMIQ0M5BkehrFYbTd40l--AvfgPTUSxDF1eko5AyafEMsnF4LUWkrBQJZqZ6rsRWobxnsCHoC3kiyvI6k3kyWY3oUTuo4J6XXl9Ta6EzYCmipgPF47er7oVL4nuauFZ9HHgOrRwf0aheD59WP51ff5nZQVyttOI_Z5Ben2WLfMejsv8g/s4663/Warner-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4663" data-original-width="3109" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP7Dt-CEopzJMIQ0M5BkehrFYbTd40l--AvfgPTUSxDF1eko5AyafEMsnF4LUWkrBQJZqZ6rsRWobxnsCHoC3kiyvI6k3kyWY3oUTuo4J6XXl9Ta6EzYCmipgPF47er7oVL4nuauFZ9HHgOrRwf0aheD59WP51ff5nZQVyttOI_Z5Ben2WLfMejsv8g/w426-h640/Warner-8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeCeK4Awb-cPiXeAgdpDLpA9iLM0HNv7XqzA6zfhaoU3XKcgqnTe8qkb52YMtnP7xelzXdHR5QAcoz3HB0lh0GMA9KQsXMNVbz3YIzivQYeW8pGgmYABZ8vAvEYDH1_VaIUmrmHsntlEEjUmnb7BQkRAjjy9G-79HfytKh4ELz5-WxiIIBDsoHARn1A/s6000/Warner-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeCeK4Awb-cPiXeAgdpDLpA9iLM0HNv7XqzA6zfhaoU3XKcgqnTe8qkb52YMtnP7xelzXdHR5QAcoz3HB0lh0GMA9KQsXMNVbz3YIzivQYeW8pGgmYABZ8vAvEYDH1_VaIUmrmHsntlEEjUmnb7BQkRAjjy9G-79HfytKh4ELz5-WxiIIBDsoHARn1A/w426-h640/Warner-10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzODOBLfWhRyZyXl11kfbinPD_3pJ8CXD-BPqrjNgdJ0796N-qRZTxm-lxBbTlS19__hPbWYk7iqm1FyLXzimJ6cln0EqN4VGnZmB79ANs7-qeOkt82h-CTBNZwrtFDuuY-BTpeT9EgvjNFqaNSQ7H-H_p8Uah48HhU8hwyRrp1tiM2rekROZj9TEfQ/s6000/Warner-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzODOBLfWhRyZyXl11kfbinPD_3pJ8CXD-BPqrjNgdJ0796N-qRZTxm-lxBbTlS19__hPbWYk7iqm1FyLXzimJ6cln0EqN4VGnZmB79ANs7-qeOkt82h-CTBNZwrtFDuuY-BTpeT9EgvjNFqaNSQ7H-H_p8Uah48HhU8hwyRrp1tiM2rekROZj9TEfQ/w426-h640/Warner-11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmQHhi1oNQeU44iMsDGSYXAzWDnuj9yaFzqfGTUonPf8obLq7curWZNxUi-cXy9Xnzluc-alC7we0WxxWc6DnwjQxUktOThMzqt-b6ctCMpH7q3ilMytrAVhwOECfbXy_ZTfhAiXYGMOoG84-AJV-CwlzBQ7EDL62D8lZ3EUdxWofOr5REJYrSNdN2A/s6000/Warner-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmQHhi1oNQeU44iMsDGSYXAzWDnuj9yaFzqfGTUonPf8obLq7curWZNxUi-cXy9Xnzluc-alC7we0WxxWc6DnwjQxUktOThMzqt-b6ctCMpH7q3ilMytrAVhwOECfbXy_ZTfhAiXYGMOoG84-AJV-CwlzBQ7EDL62D8lZ3EUdxWofOr5REJYrSNdN2A/w426-h640/Warner-12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSprOFGgH45OGmRwL5cxE1fkpOxWs-jH3DY25w_R6M9O94vYSX0cFI6ACSxi9uBtI5CUmSg_-lL4Ddlljr5d-NbqILTRegqg5_qz7Ck7V55UcKrQUiNCwhV7yxELPRoxnmKgDC9bgfpy1wK3GhNr0WNjg3tUjWWCOUTSt1QTXTBpP9hNURXNJZG9-2w/s6000/Warner-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSprOFGgH45OGmRwL5cxE1fkpOxWs-jH3DY25w_R6M9O94vYSX0cFI6ACSxi9uBtI5CUmSg_-lL4Ddlljr5d-NbqILTRegqg5_qz7Ck7V55UcKrQUiNCwhV7yxELPRoxnmKgDC9bgfpy1wK3GhNr0WNjg3tUjWWCOUTSt1QTXTBpP9hNURXNJZG9-2w/w426-h640/Warner-15.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After another hour, at 5:20AM, Miranda elected to be checked again where it was determined that she was dilated to 4.5cm. She was far out of the excitement emotional signpost and certainly at the serious signpost, intently focusing through each contraction. Shortly after she was checked, Miranda began to question if she was going to be able to achieve the completely natural birth that she had wanted (self-doubt). She was very tired, but Joey and I encouraged her to continue on. The nurse lead us to the delivery room and stayed with us even though her role was as a triage nurse that night. We were so grateful she stayed with us as long as she did. She was so kind and supportive and had the most wonderful energy about her.</p><p><br /></p><p>We turned on the faucet to the tub and Miranda climbed in at 6:15AM. Joey continued giving her hip squeezes as well as he could. I brought out my tennis ball and applied pressure to her sacrum. The two of us continued to encourage her as best we could. Then, Miranda looked up at me and said, "I want it." I wasn't sure what she meant at first, so she clarified, "I want the epidural." She was in such a clear state of mind and she told me that she had been thinking and praying about it and said that this was the one situation that she had decided that she would be okay with an epidural - if she had not slept well and was exhausted.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3H3ozWiv4oEyc91xX-c1MLR9ziu9TQ9qGujBQbtiB8mxTnoH2AdCawbPShsaBQu04Icrh-WZzBkvr6CiXfV1vUoZXHltq6U2pf-_-jbq7UPPk2csE2OCPdVnVhz-ktXqpBPr2_KYDf8ePUmFPCaDWjxiIlxLJ1jB4andDKk2WO97Ghk4J8hA9opySg/s6000/Warner-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3H3ozWiv4oEyc91xX-c1MLR9ziu9TQ9qGujBQbtiB8mxTnoH2AdCawbPShsaBQu04Icrh-WZzBkvr6CiXfV1vUoZXHltq6U2pf-_-jbq7UPPk2csE2OCPdVnVhz-ktXqpBPr2_KYDf8ePUmFPCaDWjxiIlxLJ1jB4andDKk2WO97Ghk4J8hA9opySg/w426-h640/Warner-18.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dGLqtt7MxqurP3W3xc1cUdTSJyO9_TA-zR8KBwGy8MiFTjRI-avCQxuqDtKGk1VoBjAJ0MZejbinzuyJQj7e92MTQeVsjFhkDERBpunl2gw1B50p2kWl7NXtvOJ4k5njsS9eVJM6IfLP-OYcI64dQB-IK3w8lm_5URgbZNDlR0_lsgH8IKDw3nhgPQ/s6000/Warner-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dGLqtt7MxqurP3W3xc1cUdTSJyO9_TA-zR8KBwGy8MiFTjRI-avCQxuqDtKGk1VoBjAJ0MZejbinzuyJQj7e92MTQeVsjFhkDERBpunl2gw1B50p2kWl7NXtvOJ4k5njsS9eVJM6IfLP-OYcI64dQB-IK3w8lm_5URgbZNDlR0_lsgH8IKDw3nhgPQ/w426-h640/Warner-20.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u8c4FCvCFZ-WA4FWieoWpGt1pnjgnpxntKaRT9eEKX4IneQIw89iCy8cRSXSV5YFdgo1dKCGXYG2WlarzaNOxV4v5XmiVAaFMy3cCjvtl843KHaD_pWw4wE1puxBmUhQovyGW751W9dOwXWsGvcw2gbYOdKog4XcNgcQTXYbrlHw6en6BvcLR5udCQ/s6000/Warner-21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u8c4FCvCFZ-WA4FWieoWpGt1pnjgnpxntKaRT9eEKX4IneQIw89iCy8cRSXSV5YFdgo1dKCGXYG2WlarzaNOxV4v5XmiVAaFMy3cCjvtl843KHaD_pWw4wE1puxBmUhQovyGW751W9dOwXWsGvcw2gbYOdKog4XcNgcQTXYbrlHw6en6BvcLR5udCQ/w426-h640/Warner-21.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>She was afraid that I would be disappointed in her. I reassured her that I was not, but I encouraged her to try going just a little bit longer and asked her if she would be willing to keep going if when they checked her, she was dilated to an 8. She agreed, and at 6:48AM, she was determined to be 7cm dilated. She was exhausted, and she knew that with a little rest, she would be fresh and strong for the second stage of labor - pushing. I was proud of her for enduring as long as she had and for making an informed decision for her and her baby.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX_8s-pxoZWV1ihiFEyV8PokGEQ39E7M81CGhpjxEyfRsgsU-Ji9bSjtCJbwVHu9bPX15UhW4PYUth80-dig69thIpp4FFszEGdrCs4VF-6jbgR2Vi9jyIkC5ED8FDxv83xjDE_fv9TiN-mpzxWpyZrayY2P8ymzUuQ2YEgkbUcFASNYk6oJonwh8JQ/s6000/Warner-25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX_8s-pxoZWV1ihiFEyV8PokGEQ39E7M81CGhpjxEyfRsgsU-Ji9bSjtCJbwVHu9bPX15UhW4PYUth80-dig69thIpp4FFszEGdrCs4VF-6jbgR2Vi9jyIkC5ED8FDxv83xjDE_fv9TiN-mpzxWpyZrayY2P8ymzUuQ2YEgkbUcFASNYk6oJonwh8JQ/w426-h640/Warner-25.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The epidural was placed at 7:27AM and Miranda was noticeably more relaxed and confident. Though baby Warner's heart rate began to fluctuate, decreasing at 8:00AM, Miranda's midwife was patient and we tried moving in different positions so that we could see if baby's heart rate would improve. I was so impressed with the midwife who was patient and was truly committed to Miranda's birth preferences. That patience paid off and baby Warner's heart rate improved.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn9K5LrvyaeAYWFB4ypLPE0HQHlM-6ew-aIAo8PCsYs5JZRdUiTJT3zBeLbzbgMEedhpAKOoiUWZ4pF1VRy1bXt4a-TsOmsn5ls8GkU9D93PMSQgndx-R-3howrt9nPNO571hX8nHrhiSL3i37itTd8fGTuoy0-cLTZdqt_vVxPeMUxBTpobNDylhjg/s4898/Warner-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn9K5LrvyaeAYWFB4ypLPE0HQHlM-6ew-aIAo8PCsYs5JZRdUiTJT3zBeLbzbgMEedhpAKOoiUWZ4pF1VRy1bXt4a-TsOmsn5ls8GkU9D93PMSQgndx-R-3howrt9nPNO571hX8nHrhiSL3i37itTd8fGTuoy0-cLTZdqt_vVxPeMUxBTpobNDylhjg/w640-h426/Warner-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW_y_0e6atG2PpICOicmOr8QOMp1SLExAFEIghyAnwVQgNjprLJAc1f4GMUxOddWXRCJACrgEbK1TFx2ExBfgOj7FoOmoWVii6tdREn_5lk9ZTmM4IUm-_DijTUQoudKaeuQPYX9wa4YzbNd5FvK_AcHdAw9--hqh8z0WQ7Ihgf8mwi5kw8N9-e4Gog/s6000/Warner-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOW_y_0e6atG2PpICOicmOr8QOMp1SLExAFEIghyAnwVQgNjprLJAc1f4GMUxOddWXRCJACrgEbK1TFx2ExBfgOj7FoOmoWVii6tdREn_5lk9ZTmM4IUm-_DijTUQoudKaeuQPYX9wa4YzbNd5FvK_AcHdAw9--hqh8z0WQ7Ihgf8mwi5kw8N9-e4Gog/w640-h426/Warner-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHpBWog1Y95DUk3RCRs28-CmZufUZKOGCDhivmi4feuGNoapjHQ4VnscWwpCtTIWQdEO0PlHNdaJ2NvhEpbJu9l3_OgJBZW72743pHbxyN6BnzM_qW26RXctHQBDa8VdkOW8qrL3fqMOPmvJgKloqbWa9VSrIpFPZSUaSUW4MC57SHOIhCxTcVAFO-w/s5113/Warner-28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5113" data-original-width="3409" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHpBWog1Y95DUk3RCRs28-CmZufUZKOGCDhivmi4feuGNoapjHQ4VnscWwpCtTIWQdEO0PlHNdaJ2NvhEpbJu9l3_OgJBZW72743pHbxyN6BnzM_qW26RXctHQBDa8VdkOW8qrL3fqMOPmvJgKloqbWa9VSrIpFPZSUaSUW4MC57SHOIhCxTcVAFO-w/w426-h640/Warner-28.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5AD0CsmD_kK_RQ6tnXyLQf6Za6LPGXzwDt86SsEKC5wqzq9zA4DajMs_TB2ff_fRARAa7pX6Ur7b10My6JVSmqjcXinOAc3ZCBs462sPMAfIVOGuxpNy3CrlOBb829WgnWm502CbTJ4M-y01oZtZM-AkeagSM16iNsPx7oUOo7qKfuzz4SOr2M6a0A/s5899/Warner-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5899" data-original-width="3933" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5AD0CsmD_kK_RQ6tnXyLQf6Za6LPGXzwDt86SsEKC5wqzq9zA4DajMs_TB2ff_fRARAa7pX6Ur7b10My6JVSmqjcXinOAc3ZCBs462sPMAfIVOGuxpNy3CrlOBb829WgnWm502CbTJ4M-y01oZtZM-AkeagSM16iNsPx7oUOo7qKfuzz4SOr2M6a0A/w426-h640/Warner-32.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>At 8:30AM, the rest of Miranda's mucous plug came out, and by 11:12AM Miranda was ready to begin practice pushing. That practice pushing quickly turned into real pushing. Joey was cheering for Miranda and Warner ash Miranda pushed. "C'mon Warner!" he shouted, then prepared himself to catch their baby. Miranda did beautifully, trusting her body and feeling the sensations of pressure that she could feel, and less than 20 minutes later, exactly at 11:30AM, Warner was born, caught by his father and given to his mother immediately.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCqjTvsoflCkSYFNkQxhYhb7QDiGh6pewfDDkDVwHn4_ZT_nMQ_Lcgl8jSxszYIZudApxCF8aun4cv1XYO-0xD4Xu04cCtEZgv7cJjWyqG2piy1fZQYDVk6bcK2V0vR9JkcJajW5bQJ9bAmdj6nL-IWU6j0Ql8rLQ0Twdz07bSv1Bzxv_C4Fk_PkA2g/s6000/Warner-37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCqjTvsoflCkSYFNkQxhYhb7QDiGh6pewfDDkDVwHn4_ZT_nMQ_Lcgl8jSxszYIZudApxCF8aun4cv1XYO-0xD4Xu04cCtEZgv7cJjWyqG2piy1fZQYDVk6bcK2V0vR9JkcJajW5bQJ9bAmdj6nL-IWU6j0Ql8rLQ0Twdz07bSv1Bzxv_C4Fk_PkA2g/w426-h640/Warner-37.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHqh9LDsWpZSOSJ5FBH92c_6KWVRYuTF2Pk7NN8w8YReax0DfGUz_J8nzUbpdMjfAfbn9OOwQoMBEjCh3WaZ8gFVyTInt9G4a_RhBuiCLZ7q5kSg9MhhSiK9DJkBsYfT-O19XsCvk_rloWO8xbjOj_saoLnm231FLdKoCcDnjPeLUG-LRHdARJit0tQ/s4682/Warner-38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3121" data-original-width="4682" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHqh9LDsWpZSOSJ5FBH92c_6KWVRYuTF2Pk7NN8w8YReax0DfGUz_J8nzUbpdMjfAfbn9OOwQoMBEjCh3WaZ8gFVyTInt9G4a_RhBuiCLZ7q5kSg9MhhSiK9DJkBsYfT-O19XsCvk_rloWO8xbjOj_saoLnm231FLdKoCcDnjPeLUG-LRHdARJit0tQ/w640-h426/Warner-38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ftP7c3arwDy7R8n6NtOot0m6HYG4kqlAP25ylr6YkulOw8-fM_0NTjrX19_-2hyuzx1SIyw7V-_Z4uWYF045dnid_RVTXjFWrtGqceiFDX-NYzTGFyRfeDqOSfoJf19tvK8BiB4Xlr1ZnCvHPXJL-zlcwtWYwytbn7pSoxZWhv5QEdTsDMB-UtB_8g/s6000/Warner-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ftP7c3arwDy7R8n6NtOot0m6HYG4kqlAP25ylr6YkulOw8-fM_0NTjrX19_-2hyuzx1SIyw7V-_Z4uWYF045dnid_RVTXjFWrtGqceiFDX-NYzTGFyRfeDqOSfoJf19tvK8BiB4Xlr1ZnCvHPXJL-zlcwtWYwytbn7pSoxZWhv5QEdTsDMB-UtB_8g/w426-h640/Warner-40.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzj-Hp6YtO1jrKOdnp2Bww93Kw8Bo545RtoWPdtfISO21b8WhiuDt20_29L1zCSZxw2R7DzpFxWeNMYQfxqnZX00nEFEB8fkfEP_0rxu1S6A3pT_vbb-BLG9nif4k_T5MtDWdD2L9JnrzGoMXQrOcfcOCqDPiAmdbW6hkAV5zABPkSc86-V6zT3JeFQ/s6000/Warner-53-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzj-Hp6YtO1jrKOdnp2Bww93Kw8Bo545RtoWPdtfISO21b8WhiuDt20_29L1zCSZxw2R7DzpFxWeNMYQfxqnZX00nEFEB8fkfEP_0rxu1S6A3pT_vbb-BLG9nif4k_T5MtDWdD2L9JnrzGoMXQrOcfcOCqDPiAmdbW6hkAV5zABPkSc86-V6zT3JeFQ/w426-h640/Warner-53-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfF24YQbnJ4NFQNJ7Ww5QuhqwGkKgQ7scozqcoEdEm9PGwGqD6jVkqOfdPFtNxwb0Az2jxA0_4BvRwwq6iyhxW8xdnv2EC2SflSKVix6oGz3gWRowpAZRqtn2sM7Aw3L05Iz8fxJYPO2Lk89wNMuH7HPZXXkulnFg6BkJ9OcdPRhPW47Loh52Cp-0tQ/s6000/Warner-54-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfF24YQbnJ4NFQNJ7Ww5QuhqwGkKgQ7scozqcoEdEm9PGwGqD6jVkqOfdPFtNxwb0Az2jxA0_4BvRwwq6iyhxW8xdnv2EC2SflSKVix6oGz3gWRowpAZRqtn2sM7Aw3L05Iz8fxJYPO2Lk89wNMuH7HPZXXkulnFg6BkJ9OcdPRhPW47Loh52Cp-0tQ/w426-h640/Warner-54-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I am not necessarily a crier at births, but this one, I absolutely did. I was so proud of all the hard work that Miranda, Joey, and little Warner had done, and I was so happy that Miranda was able to have her VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and begin bonding with her baby immediately. Miranda sang to Warner and Joey stood near as they got to know their new baby. He was perfect, and I said a prayer of gratitude in my heart. Birth is a miracle.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3COb2-OqpSq9AQPv7ylCoHSfOUBjkHAzXn7J4c1IaPBCQp9T64M7Sv4EF0-BIWGg1NieaTLEAJISkS9T91iFf_No8q6hkfPim6vRaqIr29xIOFznDArIv5luGm4kG8-P6HLk3BCK6AGhbn7QNSJURu9XeYD3KvD9IarDbzE7QKDV7APbs_q7g6Hou-Q/s6000/Warner-55-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3COb2-OqpSq9AQPv7ylCoHSfOUBjkHAzXn7J4c1IaPBCQp9T64M7Sv4EF0-BIWGg1NieaTLEAJISkS9T91iFf_No8q6hkfPim6vRaqIr29xIOFznDArIv5luGm4kG8-P6HLk3BCK6AGhbn7QNSJURu9XeYD3KvD9IarDbzE7QKDV7APbs_q7g6Hou-Q/w426-h640/Warner-55-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaMimvE3I299ERpgCcEAr1xDTjfntE4r5odcKp4ZpLZh6f0F8ld8NMzWDQb9dVSHAdn6qbVDhbRglpkUB1jyZxwO6-k3ISEwEVIOnfr0HXYPEzG-TDcU7Gv5Fdj-YrZpdm_Kysb7-AvC94eQYLqNVBiTeJpkOhdPBwYCOR8DTilMtkhv6y9cDjE5RiQ/s4958/Warner-58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4958" data-original-width="3305" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaMimvE3I299ERpgCcEAr1xDTjfntE4r5odcKp4ZpLZh6f0F8ld8NMzWDQb9dVSHAdn6qbVDhbRglpkUB1jyZxwO6-k3ISEwEVIOnfr0HXYPEzG-TDcU7Gv5Fdj-YrZpdm_Kysb7-AvC94eQYLqNVBiTeJpkOhdPBwYCOR8DTilMtkhv6y9cDjE5RiQ/w426-h640/Warner-58.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mhabOyQyIJkGuEBaCDse8S46KvFdWXqlttli2JMs3ccPFEkmmu_WYGwQHeL5jiug9D_ATFOWCOch5vXVmSx_qt5BtFrhcjvpIPBuBzh7Zj3c139i6PNM5hPQTJw9yVeaTLiopWVwmc2GmleXX-mqZR_Fbf29lQdM0uryMGNXK4ybTa4562RqPeoHgA/s6000/Warner-60.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mhabOyQyIJkGuEBaCDse8S46KvFdWXqlttli2JMs3ccPFEkmmu_WYGwQHeL5jiug9D_ATFOWCOch5vXVmSx_qt5BtFrhcjvpIPBuBzh7Zj3c139i6PNM5hPQTJw9yVeaTLiopWVwmc2GmleXX-mqZR_Fbf29lQdM0uryMGNXK4ybTa4562RqPeoHgA/w426-h640/Warner-60.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc-qk0k6ZZy4HWvT6lfhF6sxKbfPpJDrTakpaJnsfemL9eBztkwHh61VhkRQIgUjQwXBgs-69v8szMboF9uK83hXUJdK_AxF4aGCMSv-URsn8c1PdKr-yABfeRE66FFzULk8e-QHcik0hWUircf3GQf4WKetXvKyml6Mbp1gIBzgyAS7l-nI_ggDjCg/s6000/Warner-61.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc-qk0k6ZZy4HWvT6lfhF6sxKbfPpJDrTakpaJnsfemL9eBztkwHh61VhkRQIgUjQwXBgs-69v8szMboF9uK83hXUJdK_AxF4aGCMSv-URsn8c1PdKr-yABfeRE66FFzULk8e-QHcik0hWUircf3GQf4WKetXvKyml6Mbp1gIBzgyAS7l-nI_ggDjCg/w640-h426/Warner-61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv686HBdVddzLx_TKuJlE8LzOym83fKD_OgYhUBhncPbkwM--fBFIO_MpKm-RBpSfS0DPzB0lxHfZks4kdrXwjGC6EUqPnZiYEv1zyLBRVISheDwfF4d1K-wRBMEB7mGOIOjlqOj48SKrK37tLkV-k245xssHJ0Kn9WdxXNyjo3j_nLqKpP3MZZ641A/s6000/Warner-62.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuv686HBdVddzLx_TKuJlE8LzOym83fKD_OgYhUBhncPbkwM--fBFIO_MpKm-RBpSfS0DPzB0lxHfZks4kdrXwjGC6EUqPnZiYEv1zyLBRVISheDwfF4d1K-wRBMEB7mGOIOjlqOj48SKrK37tLkV-k245xssHJ0Kn9WdxXNyjo3j_nLqKpP3MZZ641A/w640-h426/Warner-62.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl22ZlW4m3UcK-lOdrU_nazjpLMYwrQ1YVqbT_2VKtU80sjZuekpAnks5neYVkjeS-Tu6Y3p-z7VSAL30xhdu_lgsptc5e586pAPKK4kn5bZ5L1RYKCwZ3tdBVcjeNLYQYmrT3AP0iAfEFCTRMPluf9QgTZBKhUwAUZU_6mSkwcLakzlw0RVWP7ndsg/s5517/Warner-64.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3678" data-original-width="5517" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl22ZlW4m3UcK-lOdrU_nazjpLMYwrQ1YVqbT_2VKtU80sjZuekpAnks5neYVkjeS-Tu6Y3p-z7VSAL30xhdu_lgsptc5e586pAPKK4kn5bZ5L1RYKCwZ3tdBVcjeNLYQYmrT3AP0iAfEFCTRMPluf9QgTZBKhUwAUZU_6mSkwcLakzlw0RVWP7ndsg/w640-h426/Warner-64.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh24II5XiaSUqIFRT6OqEY0FXwgN2cfNrpmIE6vON1UztSI41UpI6FcJOKTwJSk8406NyDRGDnP31gX05-78jDuPgCRuzd2SWJA8_PkbYHDygJ4ZeWF8m0k9MSL7oxJI0NiZYNb-wJP2j6t1yzkjMpFfshMpPgT5og6EeTT_AyGCqhl4i-hz37KFA5PQ/s5481/Warner-66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3654" data-original-width="5481" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh24II5XiaSUqIFRT6OqEY0FXwgN2cfNrpmIE6vON1UztSI41UpI6FcJOKTwJSk8406NyDRGDnP31gX05-78jDuPgCRuzd2SWJA8_PkbYHDygJ4ZeWF8m0k9MSL7oxJI0NiZYNb-wJP2j6t1yzkjMpFfshMpPgT5og6EeTT_AyGCqhl4i-hz37KFA5PQ/w640-h426/Warner-66.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw7IshZj54ZSEM6SngBX4YEHQFn9iHRG07-OgbvSSdOIsqA1s9xU98kQbD5BAb16GamMszAMJ_OC8xK0-bsnBk_hZdRtoOwFPptFwEZA0XrTWzcZgwnE7P9mzYGDiHRmNsVUXZoi5cJNUWtkgcIRLHN9kmuQvYMuBw7XGZp2yXadpKrrRzNj7153IGQ/s5487/Warner-68.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3658" data-original-width="5487" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaw7IshZj54ZSEM6SngBX4YEHQFn9iHRG07-OgbvSSdOIsqA1s9xU98kQbD5BAb16GamMszAMJ_OC8xK0-bsnBk_hZdRtoOwFPptFwEZA0XrTWzcZgwnE7P9mzYGDiHRmNsVUXZoi5cJNUWtkgcIRLHN9kmuQvYMuBw7XGZp2yXadpKrrRzNj7153IGQ/w640-h426/Warner-68.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXNvCS5DT3yB_ShGwXiZrrjTqHBTy2FxegWz46sZVI1rjvFY5FVwC6Y8KVuXRBKT0NKzTMdeYmBDA_yDWDzIpN5fwN8aCNPUOkvTi-Hafz9SMyLPBGC2v_x4cyYjTOFxa01fy_i3nQDiMfHbpp8Kse481pvn2iD9EvRKbqk7yOvQoyIGA73g5NVzBcw/s6000/Warner-71.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXNvCS5DT3yB_ShGwXiZrrjTqHBTy2FxegWz46sZVI1rjvFY5FVwC6Y8KVuXRBKT0NKzTMdeYmBDA_yDWDzIpN5fwN8aCNPUOkvTi-Hafz9SMyLPBGC2v_x4cyYjTOFxa01fy_i3nQDiMfHbpp8Kse481pvn2iD9EvRKbqk7yOvQoyIGA73g5NVzBcw/w426-h640/Warner-71.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5750" data-original-width="3833" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRvgRW575fHwSOGGJ8EnNPw58tUlvZiCfm_aDRU8OVbZ6iik5_I66zNVa4HzuO4_eS9YU55slo0atXhjcDBQ30rOzDPV2p5lPlSU-yS3tZ-TY0Vs-ICptJyCB2pI5uGB35GxKnPp44jKVvFg0oudBViRDbqpWtlFU9XLxEzR_wRlXAnitjTkbVRU-pg/w426-h640/Warner-73.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXzh-heMSZZZXgt9KcaP8G22fNrgIDPXvr5hzqY2RiuzwzAZ-12rxDRDB4jfdnk4b1U-0nUWdOOKEeo0rKMX5Ir4JnINX8gOtNiJFclA2CRPIvtRq28452rSnPxY2Cc0sS74-cMnh2CIgOF_jo8aYkTqsZJhdruxc-CsCN7vvp5K2NGJ7d5fwjNHWbg/s6000/Warner-76.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXzh-heMSZZZXgt9KcaP8G22fNrgIDPXvr5hzqY2RiuzwzAZ-12rxDRDB4jfdnk4b1U-0nUWdOOKEeo0rKMX5Ir4JnINX8gOtNiJFclA2CRPIvtRq28452rSnPxY2Cc0sS74-cMnh2CIgOF_jo8aYkTqsZJhdruxc-CsCN7vvp5K2NGJ7d5fwjNHWbg/w426-h640/Warner-76.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPPhfI1-jRTAiC0XBSOb91AmxlPfVV5gtN8IdhSnwpSlsv_EcGpdnyQzlUGqnibQ62qlQwoy9QcBNdYqucz88hYFTX79N7egSCMLPQHPP7J9fmIujJg5EuWh-VOE5zyw4wtWMQHvckfaG1OCG3fMlfEQ0pA8VrkKYBnOPH2xDMLCCUVLWc1lp4Dbj5Q/s5429/Warner-77.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5429" data-original-width="3619" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPPhfI1-jRTAiC0XBSOb91AmxlPfVV5gtN8IdhSnwpSlsv_EcGpdnyQzlUGqnibQ62qlQwoy9QcBNdYqucz88hYFTX79N7egSCMLPQHPP7J9fmIujJg5EuWh-VOE5zyw4wtWMQHvckfaG1OCG3fMlfEQ0pA8VrkKYBnOPH2xDMLCCUVLWc1lp4Dbj5Q/w426-h640/Warner-77.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BzihD6Hl1lSTbUWXKkKqFRjlThkWIuGNMSP0EQj8d6Ro3X2HnyYsFYsjmGGyr7NtGlDbSadBrqMMPPblppbXsVFEhwQi-0J1fWn_guGVNZJRFioLvpBGV_gyzcPbX21QY-5fmFZLUwLrZPk0lDJWZrkSn_2qOTmfEzfy5th0pPsvEPP1vvXdBAHMPQ/s4945/Warner-79.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4945" data-original-width="3297" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BzihD6Hl1lSTbUWXKkKqFRjlThkWIuGNMSP0EQj8d6Ro3X2HnyYsFYsjmGGyr7NtGlDbSadBrqMMPPblppbXsVFEhwQi-0J1fWn_guGVNZJRFioLvpBGV_gyzcPbX21QY-5fmFZLUwLrZPk0lDJWZrkSn_2qOTmfEzfy5th0pPsvEPP1vvXdBAHMPQ/w426-h640/Warner-79.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1Ib2Tsdm8OgszkfnCUZ68oq99q2DLpGrcLjRphLkkCc3ilqUuFjInAG6mjn5VvkL4CVudcbMgybh608X10GPJeAeKGH2fvk6oGkKpEmLvCgdMUlYU9OnrBRwrCOZqSiFn07Q6JoD4pMTrfQX3yl_gkIiGR31Hmyzs2ttIeICbA9cZV_HlPiTD19u6A/s5242/Warner-80.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5242" data-original-width="3495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1Ib2Tsdm8OgszkfnCUZ68oq99q2DLpGrcLjRphLkkCc3ilqUuFjInAG6mjn5VvkL4CVudcbMgybh608X10GPJeAeKGH2fvk6oGkKpEmLvCgdMUlYU9OnrBRwrCOZqSiFn07Q6JoD4pMTrfQX3yl_gkIiGR31Hmyzs2ttIeICbA9cZV_HlPiTD19u6A/w426-h640/Warner-80.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lajEGFJo9KdsrCypxQuFc0Vqoplpo_AqQhzypFw71zzerACdJXXWusHhzycKW-c3R94-oT5KGq-reIXwLrufkgvPPz8w8wCFP47k_N6MKAQHnzG9yyuT8k_-rK42ySzhROtYmLg1FJuFBeLzU_tuC_Uf0sXoGmC645AIriVcZkNK1c8XzTAHIw3-oA/s6000/Warner-81.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lajEGFJo9KdsrCypxQuFc0Vqoplpo_AqQhzypFw71zzerACdJXXWusHhzycKW-c3R94-oT5KGq-reIXwLrufkgvPPz8w8wCFP47k_N6MKAQHnzG9yyuT8k_-rK42ySzhROtYmLg1FJuFBeLzU_tuC_Uf0sXoGmC645AIriVcZkNK1c8XzTAHIw3-oA/w426-h640/Warner-81.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I stayed a little while afterward to make sure I got some pictures and that their needs were met. Warner took a little time to latch on, but Miranda remembered how to breastfeed and was very patient.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ3dAA3mCz2EWGmPQNbZ89awuq2LcN0jj-Y2U3xOhf6zwlK-DijbTQIrhQam-jyp5enZfqtLXyEGw4psNqb_Vk3qhy_EuvDiodVLwLKcxGW0WrYx48dvhsS2AIoAA7QvIFkwyQlnlsTpkPOnngg7HlVTOePUPrX0zVLF2ZWQkb1fingGNTDfVoloY0Q/s6000/Warner-82.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ3dAA3mCz2EWGmPQNbZ89awuq2LcN0jj-Y2U3xOhf6zwlK-DijbTQIrhQam-jyp5enZfqtLXyEGw4psNqb_Vk3qhy_EuvDiodVLwLKcxGW0WrYx48dvhsS2AIoAA7QvIFkwyQlnlsTpkPOnngg7HlVTOePUPrX0zVLF2ZWQkb1fingGNTDfVoloY0Q/w426-h640/Warner-82.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9Ng_sUpukNIrh9MZX-7VIytRVofTElfcpKfS73NWpWHH3EjoiIst6MDcVUWMk3axJNOOIRLXo30RfNo2ER8umz0GTHQ2meY04UJ9-5IzroQgk23uZ0TMFKxEQn_oLkMfMDhAlrwF5s9dLpFNZWfDDyGWo0hFhU9beJIanLJSk3uvd7W9ml1fLnOhlg/s6000/Warner-93.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9Ng_sUpukNIrh9MZX-7VIytRVofTElfcpKfS73NWpWHH3EjoiIst6MDcVUWMk3axJNOOIRLXo30RfNo2ER8umz0GTHQ2meY04UJ9-5IzroQgk23uZ0TMFKxEQn_oLkMfMDhAlrwF5s9dLpFNZWfDDyGWo0hFhU9beJIanLJSk3uvd7W9ml1fLnOhlg/w426-h640/Warner-93.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A day later, I was able to meet them at their home when they introduced little Warner to his big sister. It was a beautiful experience. I will always maintain that the moment the older siblings meet the new one is the closest to Heaven we can get here on Earth. I feel so much joy in family together-ness.</div><p><br /></p><p>Congratulations Miranda, Joey, and big sis!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2047TXDs4DXuecr6qVtswMDKMoSRzS2-85qlpyfPbFLu2Y8T3BOHo9giQiv5UUQsD9iyHrzc0D5_BtFBpFKwsZaWMWyD9S34zEO8qNXecEinvWDsPtXxQeB_e5xN4EvQ4uFTq2wuwdkiH8hqyp4SuT83Lcnj32WPAu2L5Rx-n2lXVthXyq98Jr2y0g/s5777/Warner-96.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5777" data-original-width="3851" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2047TXDs4DXuecr6qVtswMDKMoSRzS2-85qlpyfPbFLu2Y8T3BOHo9giQiv5UUQsD9iyHrzc0D5_BtFBpFKwsZaWMWyD9S34zEO8qNXecEinvWDsPtXxQeB_e5xN4EvQ4uFTq2wuwdkiH8hqyp4SuT83Lcnj32WPAu2L5Rx-n2lXVthXyq98Jr2y0g/w426-h640/Warner-96.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-60230978341908669242022-08-03T13:30:00.002-06:002022-08-03T13:30:43.106-06:00Doula Chats | Second Prenatal Positions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllBgS0t-E9XwGtSpCC_su3CoYn7PIFkDkAG6ARMJbRb__v8yORtcj4jhkAG_wbBlHsqTYyJUBEuCOuc52yPOxMAk2u4V4ogg6QFPGCn3LG8yo6TQ6CTC50rtV3adjR06G7PnjwlT8aZ4VcNPfCYDjblz1v2-uGoAeYWDYUYvwGdZ2kJcT-5nIKiCdGw/s8534/2nd%20Prenatal-01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllBgS0t-E9XwGtSpCC_su3CoYn7PIFkDkAG6ARMJbRb__v8yORtcj4jhkAG_wbBlHsqTYyJUBEuCOuc52yPOxMAk2u4V4ogg6QFPGCn3LG8yo6TQ6CTC50rtV3adjR06G7PnjwlT8aZ4VcNPfCYDjblz1v2-uGoAeYWDYUYvwGdZ2kJcT-5nIKiCdGw/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-01.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Somewhere around 37 or 38 weeks, we will have our second prenatal visit. At this visit, we talk a little more in-depth about your birth, what your provider is saying, and what we can expect/prepare for. This is also when I teach you and your husband a few positions to try during labor that can help you relax, stretch, and/or help your baby to re-engage if we notice contraction patterns are inconsistent.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSGFygoE8zRLmJ2tXZtzj4p64KvcCnKBRllKdsG5Mxc-MzJzwqasmBA0iHmBBmD4VIm10fDJtc-G2t-GFJoFxQEscXh2OVxUI8K3SjLIW_RIgKh3wY-r1ZrCL1E8G-XYDX9yomd9U9DZiQpeK9hAFCGdv3DP3KtZtHFJqsyQnQgqvN2sX28Hx9C1kxw/s8534/2nd%20Prenatal-05.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSGFygoE8zRLmJ2tXZtzj4p64KvcCnKBRllKdsG5Mxc-MzJzwqasmBA0iHmBBmD4VIm10fDJtc-G2t-GFJoFxQEscXh2OVxUI8K3SjLIW_RIgKh3wY-r1ZrCL1E8G-XYDX9yomd9U9DZiQpeK9hAFCGdv3DP3KtZtHFJqsyQnQgqvN2sX28Hx9C1kxw/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-05.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/three-ways-to-body-balance/" target="_blank">Three Balances:</a></b> The Three Balances are three positions/stretches/movements that stretch your pelvic floor, release the fascia (the webbing throughout your body between your skin and your muscles), and create space in your lower uterus, allowing tendons to loosen and your baby to re-engage into a more progressive position. <a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/three-ways-to-body-balance/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read more about the Three Balances.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY06GakUndAuQjVpa40yN-HfsBWAnBf6epytPatYPHSonLlJsAjgXsGMfp6-zpMrD2S_6gnsRziGL1H5CFRTb3eCQhBdQUM4PkprMrDjqdRbtDXwbmktTJ3AQABflIpWzihkgCtJPeegGWhmFFeBDYDOZlKrqNfFzO_xhNypD--pqyCCtMZbePbyatBQ/s8534/2nd%20Prenatal-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY06GakUndAuQjVpa40yN-HfsBWAnBf6epytPatYPHSonLlJsAjgXsGMfp6-zpMrD2S_6gnsRziGL1H5CFRTb3eCQhBdQUM4PkprMrDjqdRbtDXwbmktTJ3AQABflIpWzihkgCtJPeegGWhmFFeBDYDOZlKrqNfFzO_xhNypD--pqyCCtMZbePbyatBQ/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-02.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/side-lying-release/" target="_blank">Side-Lying Release:</a></b> This position is a good one to do with assistance, but can be done without. Just be sure you have a chair to hold on to for balance - just in case. Using a comfortable, but flat surface (ideally at least as long as your body), lay on your side, your hips about four finger-widths away from the edge (your pregnant belly will probably be hanging off the edge a little), stack your shoulders and your hips, flex both of your feet, then lift the leg on top and let it release and hang in front of your body. You should be on a surface tall enough to truly allow your leg to hang, and the goal is to completely relax. Stay in this position for at least 5 minutes. <b>Be sure to do this on both sides so that you can effectively stretch both sides of your pelvic floor. </b><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/side-lying-release/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read more about the Side-Lying Release.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQeBPvHTbbIlYa4cECYKoic3ru2HAIov3ofKtzFYBhrWkPx-tOTvecSldcmQmu5P4R28YKrbLy3uCjkVl0_49bq-9xqDtJ7j0_eG-jN8zz3q2GlLi0dgV8_tdrmmwiaQddUoCu_CJ-_lYgAmqeuMAuVd5J774KN43puz8Z6K0Rv3jB2LcAWPdmGhAzg/s8534/2nd%20Prenatal-04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQeBPvHTbbIlYa4cECYKoic3ru2HAIov3ofKtzFYBhrWkPx-tOTvecSldcmQmu5P4R28YKrbLy3uCjkVl0_49bq-9xqDtJ7j0_eG-jN8zz3q2GlLi0dgV8_tdrmmwiaQddUoCu_CJ-_lYgAmqeuMAuVd5J774KN43puz8Z6K0Rv3jB2LcAWPdmGhAzg/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-04.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/the-jiggle/" target="_blank"><b>The Jiggle or Ripple:</b></a> Between our skin and our muscles is the fascia. A web-like system that spans our entire bodies, like the white webbing you see on an orange after you peel it. When this fascia is relaxed, it allows your muscles to unwind and relax as well. The Jiggle/Ripple is best when it is performed by the husband or doula. It can be used during the SLR, but can be used when mom is lying on her side. The husband or doula places his/her hand on your hip or backside and gently vibrates his/her hand. Too hard and you'll be reaching the muscle, too soft and you'll only be reaching the skin. Try to move your hand as if you are making <i>ripples</i> on water. Do this for several minutes in one spot, then move to another and continue for another several minutes. <a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/the-jiggle/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read more about the Jiggle/Ripple.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNFa4MxNS2F4yZGDlkE2DRtxDz2CX4EWoxrzIsEi-vHWny8SO3vuHvYo93X8_uLG6DBtmC_HKyIN2R9vMvsKO7eaqjSlGv9XAGgpbIh6Vq4d3mmx6W-66_6SDOejq-BO6bd9GL0V0_wyWomReP53lgJpY0g2KTQnh0VvQYxtmUXO8jyTKpOr7_G5tfQ/s8534/2nd%20Prenatal-03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNFa4MxNS2F4yZGDlkE2DRtxDz2CX4EWoxrzIsEi-vHWny8SO3vuHvYo93X8_uLG6DBtmC_HKyIN2R9vMvsKO7eaqjSlGv9XAGgpbIh6Vq4d3mmx6W-66_6SDOejq-BO6bd9GL0V0_wyWomReP53lgJpY0g2KTQnh0VvQYxtmUXO8jyTKpOr7_G5tfQ/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-03.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/forward-leaning-inversion/" target="_blank"><b>Forward-Leaning Inversion:</b></a> The Forward-Leaning Inversion gives your body and your baby a chance to kind of re-set. We might try this position if we notice an inconsistent contraction pattern or think that baby may be mal-positioned for any other reason. It is accomplished by beginning on a raised surface, like a bench, couch, stairs, or chair. Start on your knees, then lean over and place your hands on the floor one at a time, then transition from there to your forearms/elbows. Relax your head and take three deep breaths before coming up, one hand at a time, until you're upright again. The more you practice this, the more your body and brain will get used to being in an upside-down position and the better you will get. You can do this once daily for about 30 seconds (3 deep breaths), or if asyncliticism or other poor-positionings of the baby is suspected. <a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/forward-leaning-inversion/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read more about the Forward Leaning Inversion.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc0IXk1DU32GDEtmGmU9JqMQqOhy83-9sZ8F-RfAYzW4ISfduvqkJmkaKe2YDRbjvKlg8pSMHOwjDbjgA3IgYqI55DdngBa1Oc7-k2f9e8pBv796TvG_y6NLaFTdJhqlsfUd-UvJBWDstZYcUGaGhERXRIjEI8f3h9Pp_bhFlsiS10IUl4ZhGKD8W3A/s4801/2nd%20Prenatal-09.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4801" data-original-width="4800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQc0IXk1DU32GDEtmGmU9JqMQqOhy83-9sZ8F-RfAYzW4ISfduvqkJmkaKe2YDRbjvKlg8pSMHOwjDbjgA3IgYqI55DdngBa1Oc7-k2f9e8pBv796TvG_y6NLaFTdJhqlsfUd-UvJBWDstZYcUGaGhERXRIjEI8f3h9Pp_bhFlsiS10IUl4ZhGKD8W3A/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-09.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/other-techniques/open-knee-chest-start-over/" target="_blank"><b>Open-Knee-Chest:</b></a> This position is best achieved with the help of one or two others. Begin on your knees, then bend over to lay your chest and face on the floor, slide your chest a little further forward, then rest your chest on a pillow (not your face). The first helper takes the scarf and wraps it across your pubic bone, below your belly NOT over it, and pulls. The second helper - if available - can stand at your head so that you can use the helpers ankles to hold your shoulders in place. This position helps to open the top of your pelvis, but will ONLY help if it is maintained for 40 minutes. This is another option to help baby to re-engage. To learn more, <a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/other-techniques/open-knee-chest-start-over/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/other-techniques/shake-the-apple-tree/" target="_blank"><b>Shake the Apple Tree:</b></a> Shaking the Apple Tree can be done while you are leaning over on a bed, on your hands and knees, or standing. Have your husband or coach wrap a scarf across the mother's bottom and shake! He can also use his hands. This helps relax the muscles and can be done for as much as 10-20 minutes depending on how much you like it!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i3BX84IVJy3Cisy_lrwtd1sC9vWgl2u9N7nJVNnq_ZwZEmo0vaWgSATCsii0DSErLx0FQrSmjL-KAfMWRuuyYRYX399fSIbutCBJQMU09h-R_eyzQ2HdFmwzkKcXsyUzholxwk2j1oITrkza_uuq1TbsyKwxvajnUxXi7BWI7H7kQrzbvUdOJpVa0g/s4801/2nd%20Prenatal-08.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4801" data-original-width="4800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0i3BX84IVJy3Cisy_lrwtd1sC9vWgl2u9N7nJVNnq_ZwZEmo0vaWgSATCsii0DSErLx0FQrSmjL-KAfMWRuuyYRYX399fSIbutCBJQMU09h-R_eyzQ2HdFmwzkKcXsyUzholxwk2j1oITrkza_uuq1TbsyKwxvajnUxXi7BWI7H7kQrzbvUdOJpVa0g/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-08.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/abdominal-lift-tuck/" target="_blank">Abdominal Lift and Tuck:</a></b> Another great position for if baby is not ideally positioned, or even if they aren't fully engaged, possibly on the outside of the pelvic lip. Stand with your back against the wall, interlace your fingers and place against your pubic bone pushing in and lifting up as the contraction begins, then releasing as the contraction ends. This position is only really helpful if it is done for 10 consistent contractions. It can also be done with the assistance of your husband who puts his own back up against the wall, you put your back on him, and he laces his fingers under your belly on your pubic bone, then presses in and lifts. You let yourself relax as he does this. Begin at the beginning of a contraction, release at the end, repeat for 10 contractions.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuALemGErF_0nWufnMFLJcPU9WXKhGbRdngM7lrDqfw-wVSM90lyd3KiNFAhnqZq_i5fbNfv8Zt2agPldwAa34swlnVFtVqhqUFM3Mn2eOrGgIIq2OFdssx3eI68lG3AMSjxSWcfKcs97RF1eMoOifiDI3J88wUFa24nnGrzzUQlD0oprdQ_WH_UMP-A/s4801/2nd%20Prenatal-07.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4801" data-original-width="4800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuALemGErF_0nWufnMFLJcPU9WXKhGbRdngM7lrDqfw-wVSM90lyd3KiNFAhnqZq_i5fbNfv8Zt2agPldwAa34swlnVFtVqhqUFM3Mn2eOrGgIIq2OFdssx3eI68lG3AMSjxSWcfKcs97RF1eMoOifiDI3J88wUFa24nnGrzzUQlD0oprdQ_WH_UMP-A/w640-h640/2nd%20Prenatal-07.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #a86473;">Counter Pressure: </span></b>Counter Pressure is amazing for relieving pressure in certain areas of the pelvis during birth, but you must be intentional about its use. You may be doing a double hip squeeze at the top of the pelvis, but baby hasn't engaged low enough and you are actually hindering the baby's progress because your hip squeeze effectively relieves pressure, but also closes the top of the pelvis. The same goes for pressure on the back at the top of the sacrum.</p><p>Both of these counter pressures must be administered by another person, but because all of my assistants were otherwise engaged at the time I had to take these pictures, I chose to just show you with my own hands the general area that you'll want your birth team to administer pressure. You will be able to tell them exactly where during labor, and how hard they should be pressing. AGAIN, reserve these counter pressures towards the end of labor when you are well-established and your baby is likely to be positioned at a lower station.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #a86473;">Double Hip Squeeze:</span> </b>Teammate, place your hands on either side of the mother's hips, trying to find the place where her pelvis kind of curves in and press. Don't worry about hurting the mother, and lean your body in to help you get more pressure if she asks for it. She will be able to tell you if your hands are in the right place or if you are pushing enough. Be sure to save this counter-pressure for when you know baby is well engaged. Pushing on the top of the pelvis in this position helps relieve the pressure in the outlet of the pelvis as it helps to open it up and create more room for the baby. If your baby is not well engaged, you are making the inlet smaller which is not helpful for baby's progression.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #a86473;">Sacral Pressure:</span> </b>I like to use a tennis ball for this one to save my own wrist/palm from fatigue. Place the tennis ball right at the top of the sacrum and use the heel of your hand to press down. This is especially good for mothers with back labor as oftentimes the tip of the sacrum or tailbone is what is carrying a lot of pressure, so pushing on the top of the sacrum helps to move that out of the way. As with the Double Hip Squeeze, save this for when baby is well-engaged.</p><p><br /></p><p>And there you have it! The major positions I like to go over with you at your Second Prenatal visit! There are other positions that you may wish to use during labor. My main purpose is to go over the ones that take a little extra time to explain and practice so that we can get it sorted out before you go into labor and you know exactly what I'm talking about when I say "shake the apple tree."</p><p><br /></p><p>Best of luck, Mamas! I am so excited for you!</p><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div><p><br /></p>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-7006795513078666002022-07-25T18:32:00.003-06:002022-07-25T18:53:39.234-06:00Doula Chats: Emotional Signposts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt8WGw0Lq81H8v8cea5U6a5bmvgWkvBYxasISi6dn5QQjuSzFH3uVcP2KnHDlLmaqy-JLkfOy3anB5G-5-9xWDb6GoHCnJ0eeTUi51p1UzWdTuQXA-47byDbyIRH2RwwKGB54udxeHOvcKQCi_YgHjOzMOTcB-GIYDJf3_cJu_m_445KsVR-QKbnJmQ/s8535/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4051" data-original-width="8535" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt8WGw0Lq81H8v8cea5U6a5bmvgWkvBYxasISi6dn5QQjuSzFH3uVcP2KnHDlLmaqy-JLkfOy3anB5G-5-9xWDb6GoHCnJ0eeTUi51p1UzWdTuQXA-47byDbyIRH2RwwKGB54udxeHOvcKQCi_YgHjOzMOTcB-GIYDJf3_cJu_m_445KsVR-QKbnJmQ/w640-h304/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts-02.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How do we predict your exact due date? Dilation? Effacement? Baby’s station? Contraction patterns? Unfortunately, none of these can tell us exactly what day your baby will come. What about how long your birthing time will be?</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just like we can’t predict what day you’ll have your baby, we can’t predict how long your birthing time will be, but we can observe and pick up on different clues throughout your birthing time that can give us an idea of how things are going. How? Dilation, effacement, baby’s station, and contraction patterns can be helpful clues, but these numbers can change rapidly or very slowly. I’ve personally been one of those mothers who went from 7cm dilated to delivery in 15 minutes! I’ve also seen mothers sit at 8cm dilated for hours. A better clue is what we call emotional signposts.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are 3 stages of labor - 1st stage/labor, 2nd stage/pushing, 3rd stage/delivery of placenta. Within the first stage of labor, there are three phases - early labor, active labor, and transition. </span>Each phase is accompanied by a specific kind of emotional reaction. This is what we call the emotional signposts and what can give us hints as to when your baby will be born.</p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSewWJkj4Pwf5qeDbEopI6LIeSc6mnniqMks3zE7w79b4o7VeHDmZZCiOwWOt295dZcD_7MBB37lOZd0DmhofzIjBLoPJuevGpplTd6GkAlnfBbFJBYXXszKyogqzl9MMJ5HcrJ011wcx5bWXbJJ1vJf70JtDhLNMm3LsViR82e458U350hLc4cT4_ig/s4051/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts_Excitement.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4051" data-original-width="2701" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSewWJkj4Pwf5qeDbEopI6LIeSc6mnniqMks3zE7w79b4o7VeHDmZZCiOwWOt295dZcD_7MBB37lOZd0DmhofzIjBLoPJuevGpplTd6GkAlnfBbFJBYXXszKyogqzl9MMJ5HcrJ011wcx5bWXbJJ1vJf70JtDhLNMm3LsViR82e458U350hLc4cT4_ig/w426-h640/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts_Excitement.png" width="426" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Contractions lasting about 30-45 seconds</i></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You recognize a pattern to your surges and feel excited that the culmination of 9 (plus or minus) months is coming to an end and you’ll be meeting your baby soon. You might be tempted to go to the birthing center or hospital, but it will be better if you wait as this phase *can* last a while. Instead, continue with your daily tasks, read a book, watch TV, eat a light meal, go for a short, easy walk, take a picture, or even take a nap if you can. If it’s in the night, do your best to sleep, or take a warm epsom salt bath if you cannot. This is not the time to do lunges, squats, or other rigorous activities that will wear you out. Conserve your energy for later.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOrZBfFgtplhvPWtCJvIXV9fYm09aww_L9LegHQDeO5MxFclaViIYRygtibjirLrZQ94CANF3OV4fd79SIkq_qhbowBkw2Vo9p29blreHFnjWP5wYZNyiOW6K-O78W47fi1WSx2EHpKghfSuoFQ1mQ_NRXIwSctvUtS5WyvzKKfq0Ey8o-8AVB9nBzw/s4051/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts_Serious.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4051" data-original-width="2701" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOrZBfFgtplhvPWtCJvIXV9fYm09aww_L9LegHQDeO5MxFclaViIYRygtibjirLrZQ94CANF3OV4fd79SIkq_qhbowBkw2Vo9p29blreHFnjWP5wYZNyiOW6K-O78W47fi1WSx2EHpKghfSuoFQ1mQ_NRXIwSctvUtS5WyvzKKfq0Ey8o-8AVB9nBzw/w426-h640/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts_Serious.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Contractions lasting about 60 or more seconds</i></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as you can’t smile for the camera anymore, you know you’re no longer at that first emotional signpost. You can’t simply pause and wait for the surge to pass anymore. These surges require your focused efforts and concentration on letting go and relaxing through the contractions. You don’t rush off to the hospital or birthing center immediately, but choose (with your doula and your coaches support) to stay home and get some of the serious work done at home. You are intensely determined as you focus inwardly on yielding to the sensations in your body. Husbands, this is when you start rubbing her back, encouraging her to totally relax, and serving her in whatever way she needs at that time.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ7E2vOiDTxiDkLZMEQLZH1kj_Zi2x32H173ffxckJK9hjzY0slDEpDuG88zUwuPbBF8HMQV9ZueRxmMplMqvYKRWFrSEM570pzw8tKN33xRd8AxLKm8v7Rd_wlRZ5Q5-pF6Ic6wiPhYwEzJCCwTJtV_WS76LL99LTwq0Y6Y_sKqMxTSaTf154X8MyQ/s4051/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts_Self-Doubt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4051" data-original-width="2701" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ7E2vOiDTxiDkLZMEQLZH1kj_Zi2x32H173ffxckJK9hjzY0slDEpDuG88zUwuPbBF8HMQV9ZueRxmMplMqvYKRWFrSEM570pzw8tKN33xRd8AxLKm8v7Rd_wlRZ5Q5-pF6Ic6wiPhYwEzJCCwTJtV_WS76LL99LTwq0Y6Y_sKqMxTSaTf154X8MyQ/w426-h640/Doula%20Chats%20Emotional%20Signposts_Self-Doubt.png" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Contractions lasting about 70, 80, or 90 seconds, rest periods of 1.5-2 minutes</i></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ironically, it’s when you question whether or not you can actually do this that you’re almost done! Your surges are continuing just as they have been, but possibly longer than before, and the uterine muscles are working hard to open your cervix those last couple of centimeters At this point, when people ask you questions, your answers will be less sure. You might respond with “I don’t know,” or “I’m not sure.” You also might say things like, “I don’t think I can do this,” or “I don’t want to do this anymore.” You may even ask for an epidural. It is your birth team’s job to remind you that you are close to being done. That you CAN do this and to do just 10 more, or 5 more. You’ve been doing a great job. They don’t let you give in to the self-doubt. They remind you to breathe intentionally, as big of breaths as you can. You may feel like the surges are overlapping and coming right on top of each other, but the truth is that they’ve been doing this for a while now and you’ve been coping beautifully. You focus on letting go and relaxing like your life depends on it. Your sensations can not overpower you because they are a part of you, and finally, after all that hard work, your baby is finally in your arms!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrYbNo8j0KnrarpvIMavrZZImGSfIPrgtBss5_uDXhBecFaxVXSqCbPE7_ncwCrTd7ZKnaXRajO5bN0dnRxBUv15Xffyypm9gC_ydHK-7-gHmc14QSyOTAIP_E9S-Kqt528R7Mcdb7JreUM2XsWt8K76r8UoKyav9_eiYDgK5nGzJDyCtlZrsQeG2iQ/s2560/Eko%20Zpaae-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrYbNo8j0KnrarpvIMavrZZImGSfIPrgtBss5_uDXhBecFaxVXSqCbPE7_ncwCrTd7ZKnaXRajO5bN0dnRxBUv15Xffyypm9gC_ydHK-7-gHmc14QSyOTAIP_E9S-Kqt528R7Mcdb7JreUM2XsWt8K76r8UoKyav9_eiYDgK5nGzJDyCtlZrsQeG2iQ/w426-h640/Eko%20Zpaae-11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not every mother will experience the signposts as outlined here. Some mothers progress so quickly that they skip the a signpost because they are what Susan McCutcheon call "Speedsters," or "Putter-ers." Regardless of which signpost you’re at, remember to breathe and let go. You can always let go just a little bit more. You’ve got this, mama. You’re going to be amazing.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reference: <i>Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way</i> Revised Edition by Susan McCutcheon</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div><p><br /></p>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-19136344104423866802022-07-18T13:25:00.001-06:002022-07-18T13:38:28.343-06:00Doula Chats: 4 Positions for Body Birth Prep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq_rFqQIfz4im3U6MuXxoXZE5bhsLpRtTBIqV7u6bFhyeGN-alJ4KywHPynRTRiMpErZvTk83xHfXBjvRWXJk239UsBxECo4IDI0BI1_QUfDGqMKKZJpJp4RBUFOQvj6T0RbE-w-FwliKxBfxgnhWZGIxVeh9fodVxgQ4p6fJnr7ABuxv2y0rLKTsKA/s4801/4%20positions-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4801" data-original-width="4800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq_rFqQIfz4im3U6MuXxoXZE5bhsLpRtTBIqV7u6bFhyeGN-alJ4KywHPynRTRiMpErZvTk83xHfXBjvRWXJk239UsBxECo4IDI0BI1_QUfDGqMKKZJpJp4RBUFOQvj6T0RbE-w-FwliKxBfxgnhWZGIxVeh9fodVxgQ4p6fJnr7ABuxv2y0rLKTsKA/w640-h640/4%20positions-07.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Over the past couple of months I have been intrigued with learning about what can be done during pregnancy that will lead to better birth outcomes beyond taking your prenatal vitamins. We know that birth is a physical event and is often compared to running a marathon, so it only makes sense that just as training for a marathon will help you successfully complete all 26.2 miles with better recovery, training for childbirth will result in the same.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Obviously, "training" for birth will look differently from training for a marathon. We can't practice birthing like we can practice running. Instead, we can stretch our bodies and practice strengthening and releasing muscles that will help us during birth.</p><p>There are a multitude of pregnancy-friendly exercises that you may want to try. The following four positions are focused on releasing and strengthening the muscles directly correlating to childbirth. For more ideas on pregnancy exercises, I suggest following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mamastefit/">@mamastefit</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebellemethod/">@thebellemethod</a> on instagram. And <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgKfLqqMXWh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">click here</a> to watch a reel with all these positions made by yours truly. ;)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZyaZyivREx7k2JtxwgohkXZ7xFH4mFat2JlJUrM2dQJ50J3g6Mj5TYn8Dhm9uQtivOff1JPEyTcgeRazIdis4be9GUr49mGoezOI-o7ohyUSW9AohptMCy89Nnt3KyA0EuiXdrgCwriCFxUuHEKoXFZ2kwrGp6hOYSQGIESxUno7wkg6RWCTFinCpQ/s8534/4%20positions-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZyaZyivREx7k2JtxwgohkXZ7xFH4mFat2JlJUrM2dQJ50J3g6Mj5TYn8Dhm9uQtivOff1JPEyTcgeRazIdis4be9GUr49mGoezOI-o7ohyUSW9AohptMCy89Nnt3KyA0EuiXdrgCwriCFxUuHEKoXFZ2kwrGp6hOYSQGIESxUno7wkg6RWCTFinCpQ/w640-h640/4%20positions-02.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Instead of slumping back into your couch or favorite chair to watch a show, try Tailor Sitting. This position is basically the same as sitting "cross-legged" or "criss-cross applesauce." Don't worry if your knees can't relax close to the floor (yet!). If you need extra support, you can sit up against a wall, or sit on a yoga mat or rolled up towel. If you want more of a challenge, try taking a deep breath as you gently pressing down on your knees towards the floor for about 5 seconds, then releasing.</p><p><br /></p><p>Why?</p><p>• It helps promote good posture and can reduce back pain and improve circulation</p><p>• Improving posture improves position of uterus allowing for more room for baby to move into a more favorable position for birth.</p><p>• Gain strength in pelvis, hip, and thigh muscles</p><p>• Improves flexibility in the inner thighs and groin</p><p>• May help prevent uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence postpartum</p><p>• Helps prepare your body for extended periods of time keeping your legs apart</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1WFQBwR4s8IRprAtv1XKw1euyVSPn2GPbmEBp9O9ovWE4CgSwV8RR2mEAOI2_6Ku8IxDSXJemVIv3o3aQ99zJHhgKoqhh34Vs-lZxlw-dagyIkjA0VwqQtYQCcpI-3dMDJSx5Q34j7oaa3VFAhHQq-CjbqINaOM0ifA3Q-RWr9cueXwui8ABGYaRHA/s8534/4%20positions-03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1WFQBwR4s8IRprAtv1XKw1euyVSPn2GPbmEBp9O9ovWE4CgSwV8RR2mEAOI2_6Ku8IxDSXJemVIv3o3aQ99zJHhgKoqhh34Vs-lZxlw-dagyIkjA0VwqQtYQCcpI-3dMDJSx5Q34j7oaa3VFAhHQq-CjbqINaOM0ifA3Q-RWr9cueXwui8ABGYaRHA/w640-h640/4%20positions-03.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Pelvic tilts are basically the cat and cow positions in yoga, but don't focus as much on arching your back in the cow pose, or arching your shoulders in the cat pose.</p><p><br /></p><p>Why?</p><p>• Relaxation</p><p>• Helps with fetal positioning by creating room</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41cra21TS5GKQGADojEZAGNuzc7N1DpqnDtC7kx379YGUsmF2Dz4eMxzWBt_jOTNX4ABo5ZVHwTiJiFTmmIVr0KD__Hmi4DkdqzAyBIsw-YajPjU_pXQepvMYHqsaOkz6IyLjaItnWba4E2ohinxJ_fIqpV9fEJBMEUitCfADYqqb9MfRWZmgP4M6QA/s8535/4%20positions-04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8535" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41cra21TS5GKQGADojEZAGNuzc7N1DpqnDtC7kx379YGUsmF2Dz4eMxzWBt_jOTNX4ABo5ZVHwTiJiFTmmIVr0KD__Hmi4DkdqzAyBIsw-YajPjU_pXQepvMYHqsaOkz6IyLjaItnWba4E2ohinxJ_fIqpV9fEJBMEUitCfADYqqb9MfRWZmgP4M6QA/w640-h640/4%20positions-04.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Stand with your feet about a foot apart with your heels flat on the floor, lean slightly forward, and drop gently down into a squatting position. Leaning forward helps you keep your balance. If you can't keep your heels flat at first, don't worry. Just keep practicing. The tendons in the back of your ankles will lengthen and you will be able to keep them flat eventually. Keep your knees wide apart and come up bottom-first (if you're not lifting anything). Helps to deflect baby forward out of pelvic ring. You avoid tamping the baby down into the bony pelvis and impeding circulation to your legs. You can push on your thighs to help you stand. You can use a rebozo or your partner to help you if you need.</p><p><br /></p><p>Why?</p><p>• Helps stretch the perineum, making it more flexible</p><p>• Also helps prepare your body for extended periods of time keeping your legs apart</p><p>• When you squat, the bottom part of your pelvic bone spread wider apart creating as much as 1.5-3 cm more room!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a0S2x6UPOD8MAEkT4-wB3gkw0o0cy1YDNWLnYLtzd_rsWbOwCnbtulCCKT0RczuzoqJbMiljyceBrK15Y876_3EQwKmHFMQOGc0CuZpkRQEIGKyKu73Br4DYNIkjAlTBzcdg3HX8WALk2rS5p8pxeba8yl2TXCwl9HFDANUz0liKQphhIzUFm5ykEQ/s8535/4%20positions-05.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8535" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5a0S2x6UPOD8MAEkT4-wB3gkw0o0cy1YDNWLnYLtzd_rsWbOwCnbtulCCKT0RczuzoqJbMiljyceBrK15Y876_3EQwKmHFMQOGc0CuZpkRQEIGKyKu73Br4DYNIkjAlTBzcdg3HX8WALk2rS5p8pxeba8yl2TXCwl9HFDANUz0liKQphhIzUFm5ykEQ/w640-h640/4%20positions-05.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Stand next to a wall, chair, or railing if you need support, stand with your feet hip-width apart, shift your weight onto the left leg, and swing the right leg forward and backward as high as you can. Swing for 1 minute, then switch legs.</p><p><br /></p><p>Why?</p><p>• Stretches/opens the hip and leg muscles, increasing flexibility</p><p><br /></p><p>As with any position, be sure that you are going at your own pace and that you aren't over-extending yourself. Further flexibility will come with time and practice.</p><p><br /></p><p>References:</p><p>https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/tailor-sit#takeaway</p><p>https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/techniques/other-techniques/pelvic-tilt/</p><p>https://greatist.com/move/pregnancy-workouts-routines-to-keep-you-active#2</p><p><i>Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way</i> by Susan McCutcheon - Book</p><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div><p><br /></p>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-9249495810801629942022-06-28T00:49:00.001-06:002022-06-28T00:49:23.125-06:00Doula Chats: Epidural Alternatives<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pjywS-cCZceHukUb0zhlAGfF4pq7BHFQvGfM4GffClzgjAz7cDU0GSgiPu5MrGJOrg6zOSq3_LTquyYZOzP5XhANeeAznf_T7Wf-81xxLVvPlarYnufEmBL7zA8TfDuNauXuiMYmZ4syka_vGUthLjqYPVifsZXorOTZoB-d_2bNG-E-Wnf5WVwHbA/s8534/Epidural%20Alternatives-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5101" data-original-width="8534" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pjywS-cCZceHukUb0zhlAGfF4pq7BHFQvGfM4GffClzgjAz7cDU0GSgiPu5MrGJOrg6zOSq3_LTquyYZOzP5XhANeeAznf_T7Wf-81xxLVvPlarYnufEmBL7zA8TfDuNauXuiMYmZ4syka_vGUthLjqYPVifsZXorOTZoB-d_2bNG-E-Wnf5WVwHbA/w640-h382/Epidural%20Alternatives-03.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my previous post having to do with epidurals, I gave a few different suggestions on how to prepare to birth without one. To take it a step further, here is a list of discomfort measures that may be available to you instead of the epidural.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXL3Ur4HgatbIeFwB_yLTWHHoBB-X6UAGwHemLEP83C5a-dvytBX5Amx75H7AdQrQzyOhkL_ZG6F9lIJaEZLH3t0gBcMt8Rdhl6biJpOOQ74qkOONR3cLcRvxkL9HzcTP5Vc4fbE0XaQaaqBGJHMy2uRWVzEokIUcm8hEcMkkMyS5Yk7nvK5EdEzecw/s8534/Epidural%20Alternatives-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXL3Ur4HgatbIeFwB_yLTWHHoBB-X6UAGwHemLEP83C5a-dvytBX5Amx75H7AdQrQzyOhkL_ZG6F9lIJaEZLH3t0gBcMt8Rdhl6biJpOOQ74qkOONR3cLcRvxkL9HzcTP5Vc4fbE0XaQaaqBGJHMy2uRWVzEokIUcm8hEcMkkMyS5Yk7nvK5EdEzecw/w640-h640/Epidural%20Alternatives-02.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hydrotherapy</b> - I see this method at nearly every birth I attend. Whether the mother spends time in the shower or in the tub, the unique ability of water to provide comfort is undeniable.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjqmfWO1QjjI7w-Zal5Il9PDeTvwwT_5KPn1M46RRJw9qmLEWPw5HKo4AMpyzsU-P0JF26uMXpf9UEFqdhdyK7nbYzpIPC_NR_j1E0U8FsXVky6RBmWN5ifXLNJmiNdxB9pY5aaBe-6W_WUCUO8t7QVpbvs_ghd3t7AlEhP4Jd1YyICljmtcA9BjBQA/s2048/DSC05991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjqmfWO1QjjI7w-Zal5Il9PDeTvwwT_5KPn1M46RRJw9qmLEWPw5HKo4AMpyzsU-P0JF26uMXpf9UEFqdhdyK7nbYzpIPC_NR_j1E0U8FsXVky6RBmWN5ifXLNJmiNdxB9pY5aaBe-6W_WUCUO8t7QVpbvs_ghd3t7AlEhP4Jd1YyICljmtcA9BjBQA/w502-h754/DSC05991.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Counter-pressure</b> - This method is amazing for mothers because it helps to create more space in the pelvis, relieving pressure. I wrote an instagram post a little while back with more information on how this method works that you can <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW4qJMYllEh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">read here.</a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNKK8z75nUhScDtNBBskHXX35sF7zJmf3rnR_12cFcYWA2h3Q9o5d9nOIV9S5sVM1nUjEGbPiciARPksMNcmlnd-bxpuls6TmULnMlPBUDjsI58iB7l82FDTdB9o-mqG_xd7aibAtovexCrDVjSQYivEDNboSerRVDYrhAfGCkQO5BXbOXPIghZ4kdw/s2048/DSC05968%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="744" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNKK8z75nUhScDtNBBskHXX35sF7zJmf3rnR_12cFcYWA2h3Q9o5d9nOIV9S5sVM1nUjEGbPiciARPksMNcmlnd-bxpuls6TmULnMlPBUDjsI58iB7l82FDTdB9o-mqG_xd7aibAtovexCrDVjSQYivEDNboSerRVDYrhAfGCkQO5BXbOXPIghZ4kdw/w495-h744/DSC05968%20(1).jpg" width="495" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gate Control Theory</b> - This complex theory addresses how sensations of pain are transmitted to the spinal cord which, basically, acts as the gateway to the brain. The idea is to use distractions to stop the passage of those pain signals because there are other sensations to focus on as well, like the feeling of pressing a comb into your hand or using a tens unit to generate small, electric shocks.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Nitrous</b> <b>Oxide</b> - Listen to Evidence Based Birth Episode 15 or read the <a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/nitrous-oxide-podcast/">transcribed version here</a> to learn more.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hypnosis</b> - The two major branches of Hypnosis for discomfort management in regards to birthing are Hypnobabies and Hypnobirthing. Hypnobabies is an intensive regimen of practicing, rehearsing, and re-training your brain so that you can fully focus on your labor and eliminate any feelings of pain. Hypnobirthing also helps to retrain your brain to think only positive thoughts surrounding birth, but does not include specific cue words that induce hypnosis and is not quite as intensive as Hypnobabies. Both are wonderful options and I often encourage my clients to take a Hypnobirthing course if they do not feel that they can commit to the strict requirements of Hypnobabies.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Acupressure</b> - Acupressure is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that focuses on specific points on the body that correlate with desired results elsewhere in the body. By applying pressure to the LI4 point (the space -dorsum - between the thumb and the pointer finger of the hand) <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289495/#:~:text=Acupressure%20is%20a%20non%2Dinvasive,relief%2C%20and%20shorten%20delivery%20time.&text=It%20increases%20the%20intensity%20of,reduces%20the%20duration%20of%20delivery.">studies have shown</a> a decrease in labor discomfort.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Massage</b> - Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qdDqFtp3SQ">this video</a> from Evidence Based Birth or read the <a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/massage-for-pain-relief-during-labor/">transcribed version here </a>to learn more.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aromatherapy</b> - Some of my favorite oils to use during labor are peppermint, lavender, citrus (orange), and lemon. I have also heard wonderful things about Clary Sage.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Conscious/Controlled Breathing</b> - Conscious and Controlled Breathing is wonderful way of centering yourself in the present moment. Letting go of distractions and feeling sensations as they come, then pass. I often encourage my clients to think of breathing deeply and giving their breath to their baby.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Positioning</b> - Birthing babies is all about positioning. The more space your baby has to progress in the proper direction, the smoother your birthing time will be. Noticing where your baby is located (high, mid, low) will help you to know which positions will benefit you most and create more space so that baby can progress, as well as relieve some of the pressure for you.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd5ubtwMrXJMzFU1OMGRdgVXEQ0sSMp07NBRWvRgoklbr-gr09AhwBiXvSql3dlTT-WQRjIZAYJHlAdJPFJ16Tx4ZOGmcbBVOd_wCDHaBPV7atOirJX7g2uY4agQoVD7oQs2iAG-LSEzIx7HZmWGnVVFUpUk44sYsqplS3YvPKJlX7mNTol15adkciQ/s4898/Warner-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="4898" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmd5ubtwMrXJMzFU1OMGRdgVXEQ0sSMp07NBRWvRgoklbr-gr09AhwBiXvSql3dlTT-WQRjIZAYJHlAdJPFJ16Tx4ZOGmcbBVOd_wCDHaBPV7atOirJX7g2uY4agQoVD7oQs2iAG-LSEzIx7HZmWGnVVFUpUk44sYsqplS3YvPKJlX7mNTol15adkciQ/w640-h426/Warner-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Affirmations</b> - The mind is a powerful tool. Thinking positive, calming thoughts that uplift and encourage you will help your mind be able to let go of stress, which will lead to less tension, and a more peaceful and painless birth.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Music</b> - I have heard worship music, rap, and everything in-between! Whatever makes you feel inspired. There are some doulas, like my friend Jacquelyn Smith, with specific training in the psychology of music and use it to create playlists for mothers in each phase of labor. I have not experienced this yet myself, but it sounds intriguing.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">____________________________________________________</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we wrap up this section on Epidurals and their alternatives, the most important thing to remember is that the more relaxed, happier, fearless, and calmer you are, the better you will progress. For some, this may look like having an epidural, and for others it may be reliance on some of the alternatives. Whatever your choice is, always remember to consider the Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, and your own Intuition. You will know what is right for you and your baby.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*See* ya next week!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-49893697822280465622022-06-06T19:38:00.005-06:002022-06-06T19:39:47.594-06:00Doula Chats: How to have an Unmedicated Birth<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_m2nI3LAd67tYyQLh04o7RYk3CEJAmyA_uLK5zT7mhXDmDRfWuSs8yXc0QTbmwYp16fRE5G0Lb9MT-NJBXLXhvT-JT6Hgb17dbcpo0iicjMGQ-DDIFnyy3w4QerOQ4bjJ7GWWTX6s38qi_ITDi6CRTq4CvBhRoU27ZtSMjIoSgnmZ4sM_l3-6wiHxA/s3600/How%20to%20have%20an%20unmedicated%20birth-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="3600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_m2nI3LAd67tYyQLh04o7RYk3CEJAmyA_uLK5zT7mhXDmDRfWuSs8yXc0QTbmwYp16fRE5G0Lb9MT-NJBXLXhvT-JT6Hgb17dbcpo0iicjMGQ-DDIFnyy3w4QerOQ4bjJ7GWWTX6s38qi_ITDi6CRTq4CvBhRoU27ZtSMjIoSgnmZ4sM_l3-6wiHxA/w640-h256/How%20to%20have%20an%20unmedicated%20birth-02.png" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I don’t know how women do it without the epidural. They must have super-powers.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I don’t think I could do it without one. My pain-tolerance is super low.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure you've heard this before. Maybe you've even said this yourself. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But having a baby unmedicated has much less to do with your pain-tolerance </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and much more to do with your preparation. Mothers who *purposefully* birth </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">their babies unmedicated spend time reading books, taking classes, listening to podcasts, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">following birth education instagram accounts, and often-times hire a doula </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">because research shows that women who hire a one are </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">10% more likely to successfully birth unmedicated.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/#:~:text=How%20many%20people%20use%20doulas,et%20al.%2C%202007)" target="_blank">Reference</a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69YOx3rOD85ztLmCExhrzwmsRX5R9IsnTpKNGPTkyWT5sBYSJiNu60KGT3qW-7QzkxU6jl-kh8PbIlX1hBzhHmY_AFK3uzQnYts60bQ5H9xYnsYk9opuJoKIppSG3066zu0p2OwvseurlXpMAbncPkXmkPrFxopmdqJvph0PI0d-QCnzVth9Yinr4Sg/s6000/Warner-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="953" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69YOx3rOD85ztLmCExhrzwmsRX5R9IsnTpKNGPTkyWT5sBYSJiNu60KGT3qW-7QzkxU6jl-kh8PbIlX1hBzhHmY_AFK3uzQnYts60bQ5H9xYnsYk9opuJoKIppSG3066zu0p2OwvseurlXpMAbncPkXmkPrFxopmdqJvph0PI0d-QCnzVth9Yinr4Sg/w634-h953/Warner-18.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So what exactly are these mothers and fathers looking at? What are they doing to prepare? Here are some of my suggestions:</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Shift your Paradigm</u></b> - Contractions are not painful, they are powerful.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Fear Clearing</u></b> - Meditation, repeating positive affirmations to yourself over and over, creating a boundary for positive birth stories only, prayer, scripture study, etc. Fear clearing is something that you especially learn about and focus on in Hypnobirthing which is a course I highly recommend.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Birth Education</u></b> - The more you understand physiological childbirth, and your options, the more control you will have over your birth experience. You will no longer be a bystander, but an empowered, and well-informed woman of strength and purpose. Here are some birth education classes, books, podcasts, videos, and instagram accounts that you may be interested in exploring:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc5n7YA0VzZhXz9NF5eyVUPli7GZmjaqhSW-zRKdabLZuZeoKzE4i_fbplABFAodWeEAjqUJL98g3qznRo6n0c7x_PwE2r63w9176QlCrzOc8F0z6Speno0kmqORF46msx-0AZqtKkcJ1h9bMCKjANXBAybYyugS9AqjdlNfwsFHAEtpWgZW11jUBTQ/s2550/How%20to%20have%20an%20unmedicated%20birth_Artboard%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="2550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc5n7YA0VzZhXz9NF5eyVUPli7GZmjaqhSW-zRKdabLZuZeoKzE4i_fbplABFAodWeEAjqUJL98g3qznRo6n0c7x_PwE2r63w9176QlCrzOc8F0z6Speno0kmqORF46msx-0AZqtKkcJ1h9bMCKjANXBAybYyugS9AqjdlNfwsFHAEtpWgZW11jUBTQ/w640-h640/How%20to%20have%20an%20unmedicated%20birth_Artboard%203.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><u>Books:</u> </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Birthing from Within</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> by Pam England and Rob Horowitz, </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">The Birth Partner</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> by Penny Simkins | </span><u style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Film:</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">"The Business of Being Born" | </span><u style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Instagram Accounts:</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">@mamastefit, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">@theautonomymommy | </span><u style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Childbirth Classes:</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Hypnobirthing, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Hypnobabies, </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Pain Free Birth | </span><u style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Podcasts:</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">Birthing Instincts, </span>Doing it at Home</span></div><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Hire me</u></b> - Doulas can help you know where to start in your preparation as well as fill in the gaps that you may have missed. We spend time getting to know you and your family so that we can help you have the kind of birth experience that you’re wanting. It is my job to give you the tools, then support your decisions by remembering them and doing everything I can to make sure that they are honored.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Choose your Health Provider carefully</u></b> - Physiological birth-educated/supportive providers understand that introducing interventions is often the gateway to an epidural. It’s a good idea to ask healthcare providers what their positions are on various intervention subjects such as when they typically suggest induction to their clients and how they approach induction.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Be selective of your birth team</b> <b>and your place of birth</b></u> - Who is present at your birth plays a major role in how your body progresses during labor. A good rule of thumb when deciding who to invite to your birth is to ask yourself “would I feel comfortable pooping in front of this person?” If the answer is no, then they should not be at your birth. Being embarrassed or nervous about someone seeing you in this way will only stress you out, which leads to tension, which leads to longer labors. The same applies to your place of birth. If you are uncomfortable, you will tense up, and that is not productive for birth.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Practice</u></b> - Practice the different breathing techniques, hypnosis, positions, etc. that you’ve learned about through your research and education.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Be Confident</u></b> - You never know what you’re capable of until you do it. Why not you? Every other woman in the history of forever before epidurals birthed without one. So can you, regardless of what others may have said to you. All it really takes to birth unmedicated is to say to yourself over and over again, “I CAN.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Teach your husband how to help you</u> </b>- One of my biggest jobs as a doula is teaching husbands how to support their wives in labor. Men are willing, and want to help, but they’ve never experienced childbirth before and don’t know what to do. That is why we invite them to childbirth education classes. We have them read affirmation cards, and teach them the different counter-pressure points. He is your biggest cheerleader and having him whisper in your ear “just one more,” or “you can do this,” can make all the difference.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPTxSNGsy3Q8oQq34cBUQTlBaz8eYcYjLD4k__JQCAmPVpISqtdhQXOeAzqoy53it0qyMhGIXChllZeFLfRBGhauUkvyDin6flwYM4HA92wPmImG29WPildjkcvbGdOFZFl-zItihJCRN_9dOGQd0AxvZt4yhUEVnBYhpE35QKt2w6EB3rXk0dPk8GA/s2028/DSC02805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="2028" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPTxSNGsy3Q8oQq34cBUQTlBaz8eYcYjLD4k__JQCAmPVpISqtdhQXOeAzqoy53it0qyMhGIXChllZeFLfRBGhauUkvyDin6flwYM4HA92wPmImG29WPildjkcvbGdOFZFl-zItihJCRN_9dOGQd0AxvZt4yhUEVnBYhpE35QKt2w6EB3rXk0dPk8GA/w640-h426/DSC02805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I often hear mothers say they want an unmedicated birth, but they’re not sure if they can handle the pain, or if their pain-tolerance is high enough, but you don’t know what you’re capable of until you do it.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tara Martinsen, my friend and fellow doula once said, “This power is coming from you. It’s not an outside force, it’s something that you are creating… which means you are equipped to meet it.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know you can do this. Trust in yourself. Trust in God. He will not fail you.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-16132190734776390652022-06-01T10:57:00.011-06:002022-06-01T11:06:50.934-06:00The Birthing Center Birth of Eko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW9WY5tqJY4sfZHhuOe4EJDCbguOtcQztiwVWPt7u5mGmHM9O6WoGeqmst_qDKeIspFPDENhj68QAyYWaeW0PZiqLyK2pTZDUtGX4_gdW5otA1RBdDrdT0c9YCsRLmZ0fbqrtjsvTn9ViQwLjByzVtckiyaLlSxSV5HY4yjsnKRv_sdwHxeZ1WOHnog/s2048/DSC06000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW9WY5tqJY4sfZHhuOe4EJDCbguOtcQztiwVWPt7u5mGmHM9O6WoGeqmst_qDKeIspFPDENhj68QAyYWaeW0PZiqLyK2pTZDUtGX4_gdW5otA1RBdDrdT0c9YCsRLmZ0fbqrtjsvTn9ViQwLjByzVtckiyaLlSxSV5HY4yjsnKRv_sdwHxeZ1WOHnog/s16000/DSC06000.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>I arrived at the birthing center at about 2:30PM. Kelli was in early labor, meeting each wave with calming, deep breaths, and smiling between waves. Leera was right by her side, along with her mother. There was rap music playing and the lights were dimmed low. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>*disclaimer: the following birth photos and video include footage of baby crowning and mother laboring without clothing. I have been given permission by the mother to share the photos and video in this post.</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJZLU4avG8uLLEzHFGLXYM6x4IFHxPUTQaPklserYleZruUaoPStSkqdoc9XcHrFPGJEnIi0AZdvdlnG0O7jdRgQxX36sAMYUvOleGxsWeZtcFLxhcsEt-zfakGRtofANV981MwHduZPoRypKTsaBDOx99zmlUF2tP1RouXuv6sGKt_xvZUNiQsrYiA/s2048/DSC06770.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="961" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJZLU4avG8uLLEzHFGLXYM6x4IFHxPUTQaPklserYleZruUaoPStSkqdoc9XcHrFPGJEnIi0AZdvdlnG0O7jdRgQxX36sAMYUvOleGxsWeZtcFLxhcsEt-zfakGRtofANV981MwHduZPoRypKTsaBDOx99zmlUF2tP1RouXuv6sGKt_xvZUNiQsrYiA/w639-h961/DSC06770.jpg" width="639" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aJN_WbI3TBeo1gSryYe-6I6A87AMvl0mKDiXBf3rn8HI3X2hz540TTPBUB8wCdgr-HJ_aLzCtNC0EHGGJtfcECpGt8cyC2lxtJG22NEbEsVi_9pCCNlaLEWTuZXWCEpj1PZQwfFqCUk3Kon4qlI62wojpasVan0y3eE4FvNra38kjoI88Oc3lXMwlA/s2560/Birth%20Center.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="959" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aJN_WbI3TBeo1gSryYe-6I6A87AMvl0mKDiXBf3rn8HI3X2hz540TTPBUB8wCdgr-HJ_aLzCtNC0EHGGJtfcECpGt8cyC2lxtJG22NEbEsVi_9pCCNlaLEWTuZXWCEpj1PZQwfFqCUk3Kon4qlI62wojpasVan0y3eE4FvNra38kjoI88Oc3lXMwlA/w638-h959/Birth%20Center.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsfUeDjpQkubntmVtH5Af8UUjJcmr1lCmkfe4Q7lPP77ljc3-b9lqoolcTi9AVwGuLj72F4vcjcibwjXRAmJyHN2G-imUDKV1K1kzHS2JCOD1HshLnbEO1FfCUXNjBhp-PAv-xJIW4s2bfInCdQyX0qHJfk1GAzI8iroQIL8t43_lwLTquFjIKgPpzg/s2048/DSC06794%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="961" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsfUeDjpQkubntmVtH5Af8UUjJcmr1lCmkfe4Q7lPP77ljc3-b9lqoolcTi9AVwGuLj72F4vcjcibwjXRAmJyHN2G-imUDKV1K1kzHS2JCOD1HshLnbEO1FfCUXNjBhp-PAv-xJIW4s2bfInCdQyX0qHJfk1GAzI8iroQIL8t43_lwLTquFjIKgPpzg/w640-h961/DSC06794%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaONElzQ4CF9a_mxBbpNF6S38gxddBFwz0Ra0vWfi5OayEH06gXHUvh15V5sT6_fPnWOQW4S19JsP7Ez2GdWzhhNoBK8wwo6fOPGeX82PCGLWYw7KRvyCvM8qEKrx8tlIi6QvCe5tifjnxCBeoMPTg-zV6uvHEg3CYh85AqjTCq30oSrt_O9rYijK5w/s2048/DSC06805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaONElzQ4CF9a_mxBbpNF6S38gxddBFwz0Ra0vWfi5OayEH06gXHUvh15V5sT6_fPnWOQW4S19JsP7Ez2GdWzhhNoBK8wwo6fOPGeX82PCGLWYw7KRvyCvM8qEKrx8tlIi6QvCe5tifjnxCBeoMPTg-zV6uvHEg3CYh85AqjTCq30oSrt_O9rYijK5w/w640-h426/DSC06805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Leera was the perfect birth partner, never complaining, always positive, always supportive, even when the tub faucet broke and the birthing center was flooded with water and we needed to move across the street to The Nest - another building owned by Babymoon mostly used for birthing classes. Birth is always full of surprises!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyAHmyh9vN1v7EO_YwNCJmSzAn5X3vSUlgM7nyAXRX7EPX7BKCyB1mYROUO8tE8UEwMlzcrqTys-EUVTRI1HeYP3uO7WKJ1-qPYdqxmhX19Q29OlSKjxDYL6TNrv9yPD1SU4cCfqqAs7sW_wdRkN9JbW5H7ye5BG1FPJSTFBtYm3fokVyPKPVLcT1gw/s2559/eko-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1705" data-original-width="2559" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyAHmyh9vN1v7EO_YwNCJmSzAn5X3vSUlgM7nyAXRX7EPX7BKCyB1mYROUO8tE8UEwMlzcrqTys-EUVTRI1HeYP3uO7WKJ1-qPYdqxmhX19Q29OlSKjxDYL6TNrv9yPD1SU4cCfqqAs7sW_wdRkN9JbW5H7ye5BG1FPJSTFBtYm3fokVyPKPVLcT1gw/w640-h426/eko-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqxpBZHBkAwwZkUSQ6YNQl0N1f_VOgurrJs8SedJbe5Mx1nh7jgkJ8JsZNqgW88XUi1A71a7lpuzr50xC2yX7NNK9TXb14_8WKFzJ45prrWcrYxs2O-RdlAXNdyQtu53jp_0lIOEwIda2uzLI6gKbwKYt3G-wcnwHguiWagKC3Q8JAlWCKz8t7twlBQ/s1329/DSC06824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="886" height="958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqxpBZHBkAwwZkUSQ6YNQl0N1f_VOgurrJs8SedJbe5Mx1nh7jgkJ8JsZNqgW88XUi1A71a7lpuzr50xC2yX7NNK9TXb14_8WKFzJ45prrWcrYxs2O-RdlAXNdyQtu53jp_0lIOEwIda2uzLI6gKbwKYt3G-wcnwHguiWagKC3Q8JAlWCKz8t7twlBQ/w638-h958/DSC06824.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGuam2_oorvP7JgUeiwrKPJug041FA2UUyf2zlppTzzRn7BFab3R5lSUPaiAjLzjWO87-nZeFVLaj8Grg-wImR9TrKjNpbwbWZeqOjCp69T0LhFqb729Mg-tZE6elmaHxd_-rfMe3hZnt5GywH_D8zxF80-xoosBOF8fzWS3rck4BqyKaEjy7at6WZg/s2048/DSC06828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGuam2_oorvP7JgUeiwrKPJug041FA2UUyf2zlppTzzRn7BFab3R5lSUPaiAjLzjWO87-nZeFVLaj8Grg-wImR9TrKjNpbwbWZeqOjCp69T0LhFqb729Mg-tZE6elmaHxd_-rfMe3hZnt5GywH_D8zxF80-xoosBOF8fzWS3rck4BqyKaEjy7at6WZg/w640-h426/DSC06828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZstHxu0Yv4u_wrr6Ysn0lRDhMiOvay7vH4EYgcFUE4Sx8vNL7ZefNcMNYseUUkWaIFjhURL-NdmpUFcnS7yLTHt2xQIoRuiRp7Ep-n28shrSJV3jwiivA250BANVf5iYRJGDKLU5X7HhpBB5izM4JxJrhCxpNLDVkFJ9Cedqdep6DOukIQFPSX-2vFA/s2048/DSC06833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1364" height="959" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZstHxu0Yv4u_wrr6Ysn0lRDhMiOvay7vH4EYgcFUE4Sx8vNL7ZefNcMNYseUUkWaIFjhURL-NdmpUFcnS7yLTHt2xQIoRuiRp7Ep-n28shrSJV3jwiivA250BANVf5iYRJGDKLU5X7HhpBB5izM4JxJrhCxpNLDVkFJ9Cedqdep6DOukIQFPSX-2vFA/w638-h959/DSC06833.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>As night began to settle in, Kelli agreed to receiving fluids to help with her surges that had become less consistent. The fluids helped and Kelli was able to get some rest.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlgLkvP91z6A6jMzqznl31awV_RjBhDlrs9eArruCkY7rczS3vrd2vcdvKTxlofef7WBg_6eZBbfyWcrzWq3UOdJaaiWALJW2Spw8YlDtVJ3bJu-lGvMff4HKK1N30nSiIrJEMIHbaCs3KJRA6qsp-GNrd-V9g2WwspOEAKC9OqtyCFG4rYMYL_Ry7A/s2277/nest-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2277" data-original-width="1518" height="965" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlgLkvP91z6A6jMzqznl31awV_RjBhDlrs9eArruCkY7rczS3vrd2vcdvKTxlofef7WBg_6eZBbfyWcrzWq3UOdJaaiWALJW2Spw8YlDtVJ3bJu-lGvMff4HKK1N30nSiIrJEMIHbaCs3KJRA6qsp-GNrd-V9g2WwspOEAKC9OqtyCFG4rYMYL_Ry7A/w642-h965/nest-1.jpg" width="642" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPkOujjBefJXufBVNRilA51NCuQ8vkR7gX1j5nir_HkfA1IxubWe0huI82-h5JfIaAyAieoZals4721hln5tEcw8L7jDaeaQVB_rPXOnA3hwwOs7gxlWSZBggapfTaAGkHoBHZ1HVjjL6FBbXDmgKgT3UsAD8QPPjChI09Jx7wG8xrrYeliNH9n7oLw/s2560/walk-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPkOujjBefJXufBVNRilA51NCuQ8vkR7gX1j5nir_HkfA1IxubWe0huI82-h5JfIaAyAieoZals4721hln5tEcw8L7jDaeaQVB_rPXOnA3hwwOs7gxlWSZBggapfTaAGkHoBHZ1HVjjL6FBbXDmgKgT3UsAD8QPPjChI09Jx7wG8xrrYeliNH9n7oLw/w640-h426/walk-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After a walk or two around the block, and some more resting on the bed, the birthing center was cleaned up, the pipes corrected, and we were taken back to the original room where we had begun. Over the next several hours, Kelli would transition from shower, to bathtub, to bed, Leera always by her side.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30A-D7tYFaiqn9C33bb_fQ7auZM1P8uuolo7i1wla2ue6I5TTCsV8A9m69uWC4EfGQT5R78gBBMVgYpiwek6T1XYIwFW0dK_8nHK0q5fKYDKfBITEQ8jtW4Zuo4kMAusZBiGJ0nkbKgbR2T30pYViUSN0ssmKh55i88ORQaWeUFrHN1RxTsJJX6G6Sg/s2048/DSC05991.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30A-D7tYFaiqn9C33bb_fQ7auZM1P8uuolo7i1wla2ue6I5TTCsV8A9m69uWC4EfGQT5R78gBBMVgYpiwek6T1XYIwFW0dK_8nHK0q5fKYDKfBITEQ8jtW4Zuo4kMAusZBiGJ0nkbKgbR2T30pYViUSN0ssmKh55i88ORQaWeUFrHN1RxTsJJX6G6Sg/w638-h958/DSC05991.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1twwHolCRB0wCZQeQ8QMOy71p9kgq6WKRNxIuYr6AHVzbRfDJNA4YrA3Y0PObYx-hS_rdi7OnVmReWX3ltfnDnkVFI0iuVHx_4CjDEyypgYvxW6a7aqyRfQgYVDI5TLI_bJjLNY5MtJR0dvSAjFtsVwkYtvsfWwVfHiqIv3AmfekP3xYgtlUsjDEHg/s2048/DSC06844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1twwHolCRB0wCZQeQ8QMOy71p9kgq6WKRNxIuYr6AHVzbRfDJNA4YrA3Y0PObYx-hS_rdi7OnVmReWX3ltfnDnkVFI0iuVHx_4CjDEyypgYvxW6a7aqyRfQgYVDI5TLI_bJjLNY5MtJR0dvSAjFtsVwkYtvsfWwVfHiqIv3AmfekP3xYgtlUsjDEHg/w638-h958/DSC06844.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9MLegfoxpd1TCXpEEQFs6w_lL9ydxWhMJ00Z3XX8jDY05PNxzKglhoDzb99uK_OXE_JUklkLagB9OO573LYyNS4BbkcOJ-GiS8VOvbCNGwIy8pRbXtwjLhoBSihvD3KtLuRfZgwR-HFvXxHdp2CFQsfZrVuCkPJzWVwYRFlhuCteJ4GHBTf3st1jKw/s2048/DSC05955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9MLegfoxpd1TCXpEEQFs6w_lL9ydxWhMJ00Z3XX8jDY05PNxzKglhoDzb99uK_OXE_JUklkLagB9OO573LYyNS4BbkcOJ-GiS8VOvbCNGwIy8pRbXtwjLhoBSihvD3KtLuRfZgwR-HFvXxHdp2CFQsfZrVuCkPJzWVwYRFlhuCteJ4GHBTf3st1jKw/w638-h958/DSC05955.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs4-usuR-erTqhcZrDUHkfVe7NnaLC-xdD2iTZSm2xPb8q3mnG2JONUmn-sfoQGtS694h9YIZiZRFilE7EQuAFnLsTadQHO5sWitOOPn0Il-pR8kf2IMjmdGIW1471ZKzaAXeJh9DF-3M5NZCu_fJtsjaBakJmAEhNfqjy8yD_z-ihSG_TZrHpstRGg/s2048/DSC05975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs4-usuR-erTqhcZrDUHkfVe7NnaLC-xdD2iTZSm2xPb8q3mnG2JONUmn-sfoQGtS694h9YIZiZRFilE7EQuAFnLsTadQHO5sWitOOPn0Il-pR8kf2IMjmdGIW1471ZKzaAXeJh9DF-3M5NZCu_fJtsjaBakJmAEhNfqjy8yD_z-ihSG_TZrHpstRGg/w640-h426/DSC05975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zL9EIVKWIi1gsds5jXFoxmga8vHraQJbcspx8JnVdQgpo8qsSxR6v5mLfILSEk373PzaMpNr6E5WN8648bGUSqRSRI4e8tYsgRZNhHfB5VJfxYpXG9ogjLX4BMzkZfH5FMJU599-MOMxnsMde_cGX42RL3y8V1LmQxA4smfaXQQvW-t76ggvvWZ2eg/s1852/DSC06013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1852" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zL9EIVKWIi1gsds5jXFoxmga8vHraQJbcspx8JnVdQgpo8qsSxR6v5mLfILSEk373PzaMpNr6E5WN8648bGUSqRSRI4e8tYsgRZNhHfB5VJfxYpXG9ogjLX4BMzkZfH5FMJU599-MOMxnsMde_cGX42RL3y8V1LmQxA4smfaXQQvW-t76ggvvWZ2eg/w640-h426/DSC06013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1K0Z7qRv_bYpLeEycdfYyCzfb0t38S8qe_3gryVQKSyS1mob3q8YqCNrGhyaYYmT80lIzel4Uv_67vCVlySnFkGDARqlZ6RKzztd-M691_q-7gownBeTePaWOdx2M4fwPOMjy39594U25Pn2ReEu6kjEZnqqAsV_8hdaGXEEEIzXEw0qZWXajwaQ4qw/s2048/DSC05968%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="963" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1K0Z7qRv_bYpLeEycdfYyCzfb0t38S8qe_3gryVQKSyS1mob3q8YqCNrGhyaYYmT80lIzel4Uv_67vCVlySnFkGDARqlZ6RKzztd-M691_q-7gownBeTePaWOdx2M4fwPOMjy39594U25Pn2ReEu6kjEZnqqAsV_8hdaGXEEEIzXEw0qZWXajwaQ4qw/w641-h963/DSC05968%20(1).jpg" width="641" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_E8kiQLrXnkQmx9xdsMcg74E0faniGMQXEpt7EWJKyPUcnzcGK-4OZGatSWq1sZKbXtMd-M6GZwaMM1j92l32gVRSBkag--MmopPga04L5he22HJ4Jj60EVdK4MmlSxlFbqzlxLBnGQ-5kTFPBCD2h2YMfa6sgo0mNV73wQjDoK0CPemwhl91ax7RCA/s2048/DSC05963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_E8kiQLrXnkQmx9xdsMcg74E0faniGMQXEpt7EWJKyPUcnzcGK-4OZGatSWq1sZKbXtMd-M6GZwaMM1j92l32gVRSBkag--MmopPga04L5he22HJ4Jj60EVdK4MmlSxlFbqzlxLBnGQ-5kTFPBCD2h2YMfa6sgo0mNV73wQjDoK0CPemwhl91ax7RCA/w640-h426/DSC05963.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After spending some time in the bathtub, the midwives brought Kelli the birthing stool and she began pushing. Kelli's mother counted as Kelli breathed deeply and pushed with her surges. She made some progress on the birthing stool, but decided to try pushing on the bed.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasrnBNKZTI1ejPIRZjoTvu_Z6QMqHrxdkL-xs-ohfZWuMVtOEtxS50IgRu3itd7muhNRoy846x5MJsf8cHU_FpReTE0joEO5_36HQirQddRbsag5xj_b4CFCb32W6uwMow66KRwAsrre9v81LSBVjnQ7rkNQAFwA27ENUmQz5CY4wuy4YrUBM5RyyZw/s2071/blurred%20nipples-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="2071" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasrnBNKZTI1ejPIRZjoTvu_Z6QMqHrxdkL-xs-ohfZWuMVtOEtxS50IgRu3itd7muhNRoy846x5MJsf8cHU_FpReTE0joEO5_36HQirQddRbsag5xj_b4CFCb32W6uwMow66KRwAsrre9v81LSBVjnQ7rkNQAFwA27ENUmQz5CY4wuy4YrUBM5RyyZw/w640-h426/blurred%20nipples-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv2riD_gQVMLD26ewRMTMzgihfI9IIxbg15zehLJsdWRDHtmVCYrEPpfWxuONOZZ_c14UMsU8VF2WMqhAsFkncQJARcz3dEGJ1-Gke4rez3CH3FtFTZkiXQPnxrZ218k0ZpTNapIYuX4FSCAIt4usDgqjk1VeECqIjYtmh5R-syE3h7UFbe56_6GCSA/s2560/Eko%20Zpaae-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="961" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv2riD_gQVMLD26ewRMTMzgihfI9IIxbg15zehLJsdWRDHtmVCYrEPpfWxuONOZZ_c14UMsU8VF2WMqhAsFkncQJARcz3dEGJ1-Gke4rez3CH3FtFTZkiXQPnxrZ218k0ZpTNapIYuX4FSCAIt4usDgqjk1VeECqIjYtmh5R-syE3h7UFbe56_6GCSA/w640-h961/Eko%20Zpaae-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8BVd0-NTMUENSZurt9-U2h5m0eq1h28HORrsD5Fum3EGmMpBGADcDTNPiPE2FoZU_m9VKeDYvLVPkzKzbRC4u6RD70X9nX3nTqduo2abO-Zi1LBynrVRKPya6dSKXM_22I7Y7zTotOTqUt2RhmYTPEzbKO21neuXi3govKGYl0sro7Ykm01S0yOQbg/s2446/Eko%20Zpaae-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="2446" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8BVd0-NTMUENSZurt9-U2h5m0eq1h28HORrsD5Fum3EGmMpBGADcDTNPiPE2FoZU_m9VKeDYvLVPkzKzbRC4u6RD70X9nX3nTqduo2abO-Zi1LBynrVRKPya6dSKXM_22I7Y7zTotOTqUt2RhmYTPEzbKO21neuXi3govKGYl0sro7Ykm01S0yOQbg/w640-h426/Eko%20Zpaae-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It had been a very long night, and Kelli was beginning to feel very tired and a little disheartened. Her mother asked the midwives to check her to see how progressed she was. Kelli affirmed that this was what she wanted and had decided that if she was progressed enough, she would stay. Otherwise, she would want to transfer to the hospital for pain-relieving medication. She was at an 8, and decided to stay.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlxR67M0Pl_iM0bF_m2GccTTNqTcEHGqr3YP8rVbEJI64CqsN6Gy_zjln0toyRc1wNZS8Lif0GmBAs12jcRUR5f0hw4UU6m3CDrxWsuJrs3OgdYQqAsQny5pdjn-bdBnnWWw6QzpZwbUVPaXawfAlvI6rlWTasHBejh8RKNnTMXiXJBRCKOFNhig9LA/s2560/Eko%20Zpaae-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="964" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlxR67M0Pl_iM0bF_m2GccTTNqTcEHGqr3YP8rVbEJI64CqsN6Gy_zjln0toyRc1wNZS8Lif0GmBAs12jcRUR5f0hw4UU6m3CDrxWsuJrs3OgdYQqAsQny5pdjn-bdBnnWWw6QzpZwbUVPaXawfAlvI6rlWTasHBejh8RKNnTMXiXJBRCKOFNhig9LA/w640-h964/Eko%20Zpaae-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Kelli continued to amaze us with her endurance, and after nearly 24 hours of labor, baby Eko arrived at 10:43AM.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TH6EtLqstdVGfB1_Edam8Ej7hsxKAiZ9rBEa-8CzPe9jmTfPUL3pFEF4eYWvZ4Ismci2yuMODJSVxaV6-ljH_aCBYoUglVdA8zJZaxs8SDPb_0FjaOkQRGvkx8ddEenAgkvXzs0XJUYezwpRwonvCe4PCpqe2n0AikyLPGbeghrjDGV219_p_72M2g/s2560/Eko%20Zpaae-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TH6EtLqstdVGfB1_Edam8Ej7hsxKAiZ9rBEa-8CzPe9jmTfPUL3pFEF4eYWvZ4Ismci2yuMODJSVxaV6-ljH_aCBYoUglVdA8zJZaxs8SDPb_0FjaOkQRGvkx8ddEenAgkvXzs0XJUYezwpRwonvCe4PCpqe2n0AikyLPGbeghrjDGV219_p_72M2g/w630-h946/Eko%20Zpaae-9.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I am always amazed at how quickly emotions turn from exhaustion to elation. It's like all of the efforts of the last day evaporated. It didn't matter that she was tired or that she had spent the last day surrendering to her birth as her body performed its designed purpose. All that mattered was that her baby was finally here in her arms, and the two of them were in Leera's arms.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC50WoYheIQTb5ZZB1HiKI3PJWyA3ywvgeeDBc1473HRmmCOF5cyJvrvYnLFzXG3BhxGw93zox8qEDUny8nNXQEODCBq7DFh8Y0Dlg5JEs-NC570lZerxl1QxWD-dF66nbCOUvNfIU5Dx1v_-_8zDZXFCc-jiKqQC-vm8Ihrc4u_u8hq_Zm_yL86NxQ/s2278/Eko%20Zpaae-14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2278" data-original-width="1519" height="922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfC50WoYheIQTb5ZZB1HiKI3PJWyA3ywvgeeDBc1473HRmmCOF5cyJvrvYnLFzXG3BhxGw93zox8qEDUny8nNXQEODCBq7DFh8Y0Dlg5JEs-NC570lZerxl1QxWD-dF66nbCOUvNfIU5Dx1v_-_8zDZXFCc-jiKqQC-vm8Ihrc4u_u8hq_Zm_yL86NxQ/w613-h922/Eko%20Zpaae-14.jpg" width="613" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKa-cF1iv8BRnCgNAdjmGmAciGb5ScZbCsQm3PKmLqy7LzNS4vuZ_u4zyKxM5XZ_YYApNBgR9-F8FhaSNybzm85wiylOQ9srdK6OVPea4i4sIPmwPyJim2gscInHVyspoPDQbujcyoBdrkY0WEvy9SqeIzFUl8qfR2BtBZYTebPSD6bZerAsf3SRKIw/s2560/Eko%20Zpaae-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKa-cF1iv8BRnCgNAdjmGmAciGb5ScZbCsQm3PKmLqy7LzNS4vuZ_u4zyKxM5XZ_YYApNBgR9-F8FhaSNybzm85wiylOQ9srdK6OVPea4i4sIPmwPyJim2gscInHVyspoPDQbujcyoBdrkY0WEvy9SqeIzFUl8qfR2BtBZYTebPSD6bZerAsf3SRKIw/w612-h920/Eko%20Zpaae-11.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leera had tears in his eyes. Liquid pride. He had stood as a sentinel, the protector of Kelli as she delivered their son, and he would always hold that position.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVoz-fd8_ONenpWRY49ypNMeblUeLmXH2bB-MKUOi5wDciWt0UoPudXR4rBAXOmQJ2yrIPNf318e4tvU8s4lkNeX0LlKbBxTnlgcW8yuDRko5A02esB0qnSVLgFfnQADk5epnYXilRYgN8lrlr0TdEE_kaylXfA4q9eK_d6VwPcYS9ZzRJBzN_ujlZg/s1727/Eko%20Zpaae-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1727" data-original-width="1152" height="919" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVoz-fd8_ONenpWRY49ypNMeblUeLmXH2bB-MKUOi5wDciWt0UoPudXR4rBAXOmQJ2yrIPNf318e4tvU8s4lkNeX0LlKbBxTnlgcW8yuDRko5A02esB0qnSVLgFfnQADk5epnYXilRYgN8lrlr0TdEE_kaylXfA4q9eK_d6VwPcYS9ZzRJBzN_ujlZg/w611-h919/Eko%20Zpaae-12.jpg" width="611" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>As I packed up my things to leave, I hugged the family and thanked them for allowing me to be a part of their birth. It's such an honor to be invited into these intimate moments.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/632463185?h=05bf48f268&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="The Birth of Eko ZaavaloBari Kpea" width="640"></iframe><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a doula, birth photographer, and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a birth documenter for your birth? Visit <a href="http://susanjoyaz.com">susanjoyaz.com</a> and leave an inquiry!</div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-26873415231276051392022-05-31T14:05:00.003-06:002022-05-31T16:06:39.412-06:00Doula Chats: Epidural Potential Risks and Benefits<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj1WICDHH-3sX64dYVnJFXXlooDhJe1RDtsy3SvGyg6gkuW6ln0dp4It2dPhN-scdNfizAqCIn0yrB4DUHMBegnvUXddAWHS4P89SddMnfJzXEVCaI7_tI1xAVPUr9GHz5mL139udYM81jD6ibm0py8wkOtVY11Qu6j6oSOUPzMgoXtnybEEf3Nk7Sw/s3456/Artboard%202@4x.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3456" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj1WICDHH-3sX64dYVnJFXXlooDhJe1RDtsy3SvGyg6gkuW6ln0dp4It2dPhN-scdNfizAqCIn0yrB4DUHMBegnvUXddAWHS4P89SddMnfJzXEVCaI7_tI1xAVPUr9GHz5mL139udYM81jD6ibm0py8wkOtVY11Qu6j6oSOUPzMgoXtnybEEf3Nk7Sw/w640-h454/Artboard%202@4x.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Possibly one of the hottest topics between mothers who are expecting is Epidurals. Before we talk about whether or not an epidural will help you to have the birth experience that you want, let’s talk about what an epidural is beyond the basic, “I get it, and I don’t feel contractions anymore.”</span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An epidural is a kind of anesthetic that is used especially in childbirth to produce loss of sensation below the waist (Oxford Languages). It is accomplished by an anesthesiologist who inserts a small tube (epidural catheter) via a needle into a space in your spinal column near the nerves that carry pain messages to your brain. Anesthesia medicine then flows through to tube into that space. Administering the epidural is typically not painful and works with great effectiveness in eliminating feeling from the waist down. Ideally, the anesthesiologist will administer just enough anesthesia to remove the feeling of painful contractions but still allow you to feel pressure and be able to move your legs in slow, small movements.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACKB-IXSPxNoIjO4woZFwaAxsfF3SRMulQiaEqAcrsIhD_vfYbjyaFyNRuDbrMEhThirSDbuYUpNGSZ6f3lPbJ4Z9OLhESn6XrkHAfeKq8OUCALDj2cr46EysvWTmMvcT8iDrLZQ18X1kxSwV4rAkIobeMGBELYtddYonR1sDMXs4ygujp1m7aS_E6g/s1224/Artboard%208@2x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1224" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACKB-IXSPxNoIjO4woZFwaAxsfF3SRMulQiaEqAcrsIhD_vfYbjyaFyNRuDbrMEhThirSDbuYUpNGSZ6f3lPbJ4Z9OLhESn6XrkHAfeKq8OUCALDj2cr46EysvWTmMvcT8iDrLZQ18X1kxSwV4rAkIobeMGBELYtddYonR1sDMXs4ygujp1m7aS_E6g/w640-h640/Artboard%208@2x.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqzaXvN6osv8aSrDbkx3TCucdJL9LMbE_O64Grd8JaS_iQsa6MBdbgsRt8pm5w5eFNwGLFsO5givxIc_90vk7PXZd97lvO6n2qmvvARNxy_uCnjhh2H-iK7QBrMeqG9BVzEbXTYdMd4N0HuruB8-P3bexjT_CNQdCjaFVtjc-yO7DDUZ-YGfP56xi5A/s1224/Artboard%203@2x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1224" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqzaXvN6osv8aSrDbkx3TCucdJL9LMbE_O64Grd8JaS_iQsa6MBdbgsRt8pm5w5eFNwGLFsO5givxIc_90vk7PXZd97lvO6n2qmvvARNxy_uCnjhh2H-iK7QBrMeqG9BVzEbXTYdMd4N0HuruB8-P3bexjT_CNQdCjaFVtjc-yO7DDUZ-YGfP56xi5A/w640-h640/Artboard%203@2x.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVj9Bsqv-9JyygSrudFIUjhdESaQxVPXmNzXHcIe1Ej2g_ne2OyjUZj47YlYPEtTYbKkFKNn2aRdawpD2uFZZ3qoVJ8EUX6NTQsS_6-WlOs6FiT8kShFrIRm7nFE29F5bK2E66cmr9OmGLjMAF3N8xrXz7PagV4IddleKqnfoARATWyF3aug6Ni2Ihw/s1224/Artboard%207@2x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1224" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVj9Bsqv-9JyygSrudFIUjhdESaQxVPXmNzXHcIe1Ej2g_ne2OyjUZj47YlYPEtTYbKkFKNn2aRdawpD2uFZZ3qoVJ8EUX6NTQsS_6-WlOs6FiT8kShFrIRm7nFE29F5bK2E66cmr9OmGLjMAF3N8xrXz7PagV4IddleKqnfoARATWyF3aug6Ni2Ihw/w640-h640/Artboard%207@2x.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My Opinion:</b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our bodies were divinely designed to create, carry, birth, and sustain life. An epidural can be a wonderful tool for those mothers who are exhausted and need rest and/or want help relaxing, but it is not a necessity for physiological childbirth, and it is not something that mothers should request immediately upon admittance to the hospital. It is important that mothers understand the benefits and potential risks of the epidural and know that their best chance of avoiding a c-section and additional interventions is by putting it off for as long as they possibly can.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was pregnant with my first child, I believed that I would go into the hospital and walk out with a baby. I thought it would be nice to try having the baby without an epidural and went as long as I felt like I could. I got the epidural as soon as I reached that point, and had my baby a little while later. It was a sweet experience, but I didn’t feel that immediate bonding or connection that I had expected to feel. That I did feel with the next three births that I had without the epidural.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Allowing our bodies to experience childbirth unhindered is an incredibly empowering thing. After each of my epidural-less births, I felt what I describe as the best runner’s high you’ll ever have. I had transformed and grown and accomplished something incredible, and my relationship with my husband had grown. I had depended on him to hold my hand, tell me I was strong, and encourage me to do “just one more.” He became my coach, my teammate, and my cheerleader. Those moments are foundational in our marriage.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Choosing to birth without the epidural may not be the right choice for you, and I would say that you’re very likely to have an uncomplicated and beautiful birth experience with one. I am not totally against medicalized childbirth. I believe that God has inspired men and women to discover these methods for the purpose of helping others, and that when these tools are used wisely AND INTENTIONALLY, with full understanding of the attached risks and benefits, they truly are a blessing.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I encourage each expectant mother to study her birth options, including the benefits and potential risks associated with that option and decide what feels right to them.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember that you are doing the best you can under the current circumstances and that you can do this.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Resources:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effects-of-epidurals-on-the-second-stage-of-labor/</p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://evidencebasedbirth.com/epidural-during-labor-pain-management/</p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effect-of-epidurals-on-breastfeeding/</p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.pennysimkin.com/weighing-the-pros-and-cons-of-the-epidural/</p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-72232447296224059032022-05-23T23:53:00.005-06:002022-05-31T16:14:13.489-06:00Doula Chats: Home, Birthing Center, or Hospital?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-NRWRoZt07sC5ycFIR70wNgoIZtcNc3B4bTagtIsNfBX3YZWtPKh-KGl1vA-zWN-SgKpaPO6FI07WRtMk9zDnV7hA1WGYVTs47b7OBpOWckbZChbtA8GMQpLlh0LJcor1_16z7wYfVWtmL7__QVSWjJcQFAqlKx7WiVAQWK5cdGGUQE1UuqIO3zfTQ/s6000/Warner-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-NRWRoZt07sC5ycFIR70wNgoIZtcNc3B4bTagtIsNfBX3YZWtPKh-KGl1vA-zWN-SgKpaPO6FI07WRtMk9zDnV7hA1WGYVTs47b7OBpOWckbZChbtA8GMQpLlh0LJcor1_16z7wYfVWtmL7__QVSWjJcQFAqlKx7WiVAQWK5cdGGUQE1UuqIO3zfTQ/s16000/Warner-12.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LYR4w4w0XE3VqGexKvPfMX-2TVuKBEumdodNwyp4ROlEqPFE_GExNdd0vH5vtaib5MZCw0ITr-lYPrgtT6v-Cnkq09qhtWPJ7ErqoLELiBOaYjOhV-1QbqiGhHbIurJdiPuepRWSgbPIuR9n91ioYczboOOplQCZNh8kbp7Lt70NwFaIRgtbZ44MpA/s3600/Places%20of%20Birth-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LYR4w4w0XE3VqGexKvPfMX-2TVuKBEumdodNwyp4ROlEqPFE_GExNdd0vH5vtaib5MZCw0ITr-lYPrgtT6v-Cnkq09qhtWPJ7ErqoLELiBOaYjOhV-1QbqiGhHbIurJdiPuepRWSgbPIuR9n91ioYczboOOplQCZNh8kbp7Lt70NwFaIRgtbZ44MpA/w640-h454/Places%20of%20Birth-02.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ll never forget how my eyes widened when I found out as a 21-year-old student teacher that one of my students had been born at home ON PURPOSE. *shock and awe* Honestly, it had never occurred to me that birth happened anywhere BUT a hospital.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The truth is that birth can happen anywhere. Women’s bodies are divinely designed to carry and birth babies as another one of her physiological processes. The choice of where to birth has more to do with the kind of experience she wants to have and where she feels the most comfortable. Most families plan to birth in a hospital, a birthing center, or home for various reasons as each location comes with benefits and drawbacks.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where you decide to birth should be a result of your research and your gut feeling/consultation with God. Here are some observations I’ve gathered over the years as I’ve attended hospital, birth center, and home births that may help give you some direction as you decide where you want to give birth.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*IMPORTANT NOTE* If you are considered high-risk by your provider, the safest place for you to birth is in a hospital.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn2IpvdRi4ltfD-SQCMKuc6IkaP7BzUCtw-nGH4mbUlD0iUFIhsb4lQ27CBmlmpT8BdcqXBCgymO25IfhQQ16C2jCPtHgThd5rUS630eR7PbLNt7YujANjj0MKdExbafkPrn0Ol9npr71bM4LMEBjJZrROoWP5wtGOW3NZjYkpNu_cc_tVGRsnC6T-g/s3600/Places%20of%20Birth-05.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn2IpvdRi4ltfD-SQCMKuc6IkaP7BzUCtw-nGH4mbUlD0iUFIhsb4lQ27CBmlmpT8BdcqXBCgymO25IfhQQ16C2jCPtHgThd5rUS630eR7PbLNt7YujANjj0MKdExbafkPrn0Ol9npr71bM4LMEBjJZrROoWP5wtGOW3NZjYkpNu_cc_tVGRsnC6T-g/w640-h454/Places%20of%20Birth-05.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R_izTFUqAIHDVs1uqt3OB_giqRDEQ0xfyeMkMjBXwGdEUpu7MRUIUDWolRkQOycS3At-4cObo1POnv36V6OVviYJKCZG-Rb1mQ1y0BwgDXrCybC2pIFPoQCJCpeLFqAHPe9f4WXEATO6oFUg_MeqUtpJ_Xe-esqu04UKkvj__3pmyvA5Qh-8pfs4IQ/s3600/Places%20of%20Birth-03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3R_izTFUqAIHDVs1uqt3OB_giqRDEQ0xfyeMkMjBXwGdEUpu7MRUIUDWolRkQOycS3At-4cObo1POnv36V6OVviYJKCZG-Rb1mQ1y0BwgDXrCybC2pIFPoQCJCpeLFqAHPe9f4WXEATO6oFUg_MeqUtpJ_Xe-esqu04UKkvj__3pmyvA5Qh-8pfs4IQ/w640-h454/Places%20of%20Birth-03.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi5-np_8bP8SxHvpYXI5yyPg5C--K3FfaWJ7kerlg8xfHDc_8k8peazVMkmFMfbkaO9m5P3Nd8b7v2eyDawFy6nlBgR1rDkKnBiNcuIOAp_5Kums0HqSTCfGUlCchXbHsbL8Yqeg84b6eiD0cZVvG6SjTkQx5JmQYAx7mKpk_3Qy3qwXknzpWWVao5w/s3600/Places%20of%20Birth-04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi5-np_8bP8SxHvpYXI5yyPg5C--K3FfaWJ7kerlg8xfHDc_8k8peazVMkmFMfbkaO9m5P3Nd8b7v2eyDawFy6nlBgR1rDkKnBiNcuIOAp_5Kums0HqSTCfGUlCchXbHsbL8Yqeg84b6eiD0cZVvG6SjTkQx5JmQYAx7mKpk_3Qy3qwXknzpWWVao5w/w640-h454/Places%20of%20Birth-04.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Depending on your birth goals, some of these items would be considered benefits, and some would be considered drawbacks. For instance, if your goal is a medicalized birth, a hospital birth is definitely your best option as you have all the medical interventions right at your fingertips. If your goal is an unmedicated birth, you’re much more likely to achieve it in a birthing center or at home where those medical interventions are not available.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>My Opinion</u></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love home births. I love being able to see a mother birth in her own space where she feels totally comfortable and safe, unconcerned about noises she makes, or positions she wants to labor in. I love that she gets to invite her closest family and/or friends and that she has a more intimate relationship with her provider, and possibly one of the things I love the most is that right after her baby is born, she can crawl into her bed and immediately begin recovering without having to worry about traveling anywhere.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But a home birth is not for everyone, and I have attended incredible hospital and birthing center births as well that have brought me to tears. The best thing you can do is to prepare yourself, decide what kind of birth experience you want, what you feel is safest for you and your baby, and ask the Lord to help guide you. After that, you move forward with confidence, excitement, and faith in Him and in yourself.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You’re going to be amazing.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-63109562417194142462022-05-17T12:47:00.000-06:002022-05-17T12:47:13.781-06:00Doula Chats: Unmedicated Birth Mindset<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplFzTZe_x6M8s5IfCjWhZoR3lcb7So85DDkFlHu-vQnkRgoMyYylzKKQYBDvAf5cO8388mBbT63tGR9vchFTJeyppfNsiRO5MDj6NdXnzI6O-r4c-GGBpQTd_ZwztlMEC07CWbBRlw7_-4na_acfuIZWL8qs3eTNP7nxqVOgG-Drby1sceglqcYGg4w/s2551/unmedicated%20mindset-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2551" data-original-width="2551" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplFzTZe_x6M8s5IfCjWhZoR3lcb7So85DDkFlHu-vQnkRgoMyYylzKKQYBDvAf5cO8388mBbT63tGR9vchFTJeyppfNsiRO5MDj6NdXnzI6O-r4c-GGBpQTd_ZwztlMEC07CWbBRlw7_-4na_acfuIZWL8qs3eTNP7nxqVOgG-Drby1sceglqcYGg4w/w640-h640/unmedicated%20mindset-02.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An unmedicated birth happens one wave at a time. When each comes, you have a choice: believe that you can, or believe that you can't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">During my unmedicated labors, transition always came and it was always then that I wondered why I was doing this. I was in a hospital. It would be so much easier to call for the epidural. I had nothing to prove.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">But then I remembered how amazing it felt afterward. How all of this wouldn't matter then. I listened to my husband's voice telling me "just one more," and I knew in my mind that I could do this, even though I said out loud, "I don't want to do this."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's not until we descend below the wave, surrendering our consciousnesses to the sensations of birth that we're then able to emerge from it.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4756zhlzCoIjA44gf9JIJrupW7zM8ldg1zwdO-xGOfHF0q418HWF6eeiCJ8irZTknWZK9ez0R-QPAqp09eFeDZZormlYmhSUwj_SuU9MKjtQXSQpm8zWRquhIOV5iChlyWcAuvFzhzMlTo5LFspNThB6gXxVszyc0v21DnR_Ze39RTt7HdRgloZzZg/s640/Alexa%202014-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4756zhlzCoIjA44gf9JIJrupW7zM8ldg1zwdO-xGOfHF0q418HWF6eeiCJ8irZTknWZK9ez0R-QPAqp09eFeDZZormlYmhSUwj_SuU9MKjtQXSQpm8zWRquhIOV5iChlyWcAuvFzhzMlTo5LFspNThB6gXxVszyc0v21DnR_Ze39RTt7HdRgloZzZg/w640-h428/Alexa%202014-01.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.susanstange.com/2014/07/alexa.html">Alexa's birth 2014</a> - first unmedicated birth</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIWha-3nyn8zChc8tz9hpq9agqJALBhp110e1uSGwXpu0WFAipK5DcwMv_t0lWi2FNbI2ljtURTOumqM-vbQII8Xd2jyN-nhvR7GxYbKX3vyO9fbKEpSz5qf2BRnTI6Afs-cD8gecVG05_xZtzS2b3trTu4jtSd-E9ihrGmMN8TVN9Ds_I8P4ZsK65Q/s640/Barrett%202016-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIWha-3nyn8zChc8tz9hpq9agqJALBhp110e1uSGwXpu0WFAipK5DcwMv_t0lWi2FNbI2ljtURTOumqM-vbQII8Xd2jyN-nhvR7GxYbKX3vyO9fbKEpSz5qf2BRnTI6Afs-cD8gecVG05_xZtzS2b3trTu4jtSd-E9ihrGmMN8TVN9Ds_I8P4ZsK65Q/w640-h426/Barrett%202016-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.susanstange.com/2016/02/barretts-birth-story-part-i-labor-and.html">Barrett's birth 2016</a> - second unmedicated birth</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1wv7rG6Z38CjTXvDAnwwbuuGoM5f8n8EGKxmo2PWDFVYY9XdijZ2clUPaVduBNIU4FCWABSM8Qnik0JVc3YLCsqQLSKZLxLgv0Uq4WHCzF1QTwVtX0Kxdr9qzxLQKJWk7kulNFR5xahOyNLW7IJVgNpM3ueSPS-GjJuhshkIUZl37yhSJCaPzeedIQ/s720/Elise%202019-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1wv7rG6Z38CjTXvDAnwwbuuGoM5f8n8EGKxmo2PWDFVYY9XdijZ2clUPaVduBNIU4FCWABSM8Qnik0JVc3YLCsqQLSKZLxLgv0Uq4WHCzF1QTwVtX0Kxdr9qzxLQKJWk7kulNFR5xahOyNLW7IJVgNpM3ueSPS-GjJuhshkIUZl37yhSJCaPzeedIQ/w640-h426/Elise%202019-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.susanstange.com/2019/03/family-elises-birth-story.html">Elise's birth 2019</a> - third unmedicated birth</span></i></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>You can do this.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-54283336870183678852022-05-13T10:45:00.006-06:002022-05-13T10:45:59.634-06:00Doula Chats: How Fathers can Prepare<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c4DZdanfXe_bNmoYrsp7HdJuc2eMZ1HJtwNjz-rtje5kGX0R5bphZx-hHlxkyrfXu-kHbI6F1WeNbEQBUzJzXYyjWlzwDviowi5hZbpPUYuOZERDKLmsjPFpq9HBgFmlTkidpnPgxHLvgzmOkrvz3zXrot7AGANvC0Z3DSXGy2UT66AFMwzqBY_4Hg/s3600/How%20Fathers%20can%20Prepare-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c4DZdanfXe_bNmoYrsp7HdJuc2eMZ1HJtwNjz-rtje5kGX0R5bphZx-hHlxkyrfXu-kHbI6F1WeNbEQBUzJzXYyjWlzwDviowi5hZbpPUYuOZERDKLmsjPFpq9HBgFmlTkidpnPgxHLvgzmOkrvz3zXrot7AGANvC0Z3DSXGy2UT66AFMwzqBY_4Hg/w640-h454/How%20Fathers%20can%20Prepare-03.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the things that I always stress with my clients is that I do not replace fathers. In fact, I have often heard of mothers hiring doulas specifically for the role they play in supporting fathers. So often they want to help, but they may not know where to start.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some suggestions!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxgr52_GZ07zuykPgZgSu7MzeALSi9MZjp5r0k9rYkqWYdMTTnuVWHMolX-31IIx5PCHfjHTMdrgAYq-1rEmBQbzkmsQwm_SX-Y2W38P16N3GVvyCIwc7yIwZWAVgUsAFOvuJrPfrKRm9piecCm20YSgECrxsDfXmg1vr22qajUDbRWM4186WzVCRVg/s2048/DSC05963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxgr52_GZ07zuykPgZgSu7MzeALSi9MZjp5r0k9rYkqWYdMTTnuVWHMolX-31IIx5PCHfjHTMdrgAYq-1rEmBQbzkmsQwm_SX-Y2W38P16N3GVvyCIwc7yIwZWAVgUsAFOvuJrPfrKRm9piecCm20YSgECrxsDfXmg1vr22qajUDbRWM4186WzVCRVg/w640-h426/DSC05963.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">During Pregnancy</span></span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>It’s important that fathers listen to the mother’s birth preferences and remember them. When mother is busy focusing on surrendering to birth, father can be the one who answers personal questions about her health, her wishes, and desires.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Take a childbirth education class with her so that she feels confident in your understanding of birth and preparation for it.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Help her make decisions by doing some of the research on various subjects related to the birth on your own. Be open-minded about her ideas and supportive of her choices. Here are some great websites for online research:</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com"><span class="s3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>https://evidencebasedbirth.com</b></span></a></span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b><a href="https://www.thevbaclink.com"><span class="s3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>https://www.thevbaclink.com</b></span></a></span> (VBAC/c-section)</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><a href="https://www.spinningbabies.com"><span class="s3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>https://www.spinningbabies.com</b></span></a></span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><a href="https://www.acog.org"><span class="s3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>https://www.acog.org</b></span></a></span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><a href="https://www.motherboardbirth.com"><span class="s3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>https://www.motherboardbirth.com</b></span></a></span></span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><a href="http://www.milescircuit.com"><span class="s3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>http://www.milescircuit.com</b></span></a></span></span></li></ul><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Encourage her to rest when she needs and build her up with encouraging words and compliments.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Read childbirth education books like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1558329102/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ZXDMSXZ2AR1KNNMRSZ1C" target="_blank"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">The Birth Partner</span> </a>by Penny Simkin and <span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/055338516X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_520DNQWK2SQECDDVAKQW" target="_blank">Husband-Coached Childbirth</a></span> by Robert A. Bradley.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>At my second prenatal meeting with my clients, I always teach mothers and fathers the different labor and birthing positions, as well as counter-pressures for discomfort. Practice these positions together so that you feel confident in using them during labor.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>If you’re planning on a hospital birth, be sure that the car is filled with gas, know where her bags are, and know how to get to the hospital.</span></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJhUHdJRIX6GXe1Kr4Tm2nm6sMk5TriZ_5QxK6_Z0e18EhkTB_zN1uZL7GGI3T9UUgOsRhxcER1w93xf9PXMNMpyUWcxsegq0ZeJvOQFFmQWELszd0pMk2OZEI5VSx1iAWJD2Ytt8u9u2_68JK_YIzl1JgBbleRSVAGjXZcVskz8t1OniWqWL-Yf0QQ/s2048/Phillip-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJhUHdJRIX6GXe1Kr4Tm2nm6sMk5TriZ_5QxK6_Z0e18EhkTB_zN1uZL7GGI3T9UUgOsRhxcER1w93xf9PXMNMpyUWcxsegq0ZeJvOQFFmQWELszd0pMk2OZEI5VSx1iAWJD2Ytt8u9u2_68JK_YIzl1JgBbleRSVAGjXZcVskz8t1OniWqWL-Yf0QQ/w640-h426/Phillip-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">During Labor</span></span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Use those labor and birthing techniques that you’ve been practicing, and become like Mother’s shadow.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Make sure she’s drinking water and getting snacks (make sure you are, too!)</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Remind her to go to the bathroom frequently.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time contractions for her.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Be there to whisper in her ear how amazing she is, read or recite her favorite affirmations, turn on her favorite meditation tracks/music.</li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Be her cheerleader.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Apply a double hip squeeze, sacrum pressure, and other counter-pressure points.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Help get that Oxytocin flowing. Make her laugh, slow dance with her, hold her, massage her back, run your fingers through her hair, rub her feet or her back, connect with her emotionally, spiritually, and physically.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Talk to her about the baby and what you’re most excited about.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Pray with her.</span></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBlLrusR-hTUSsMEt2ESPK4JokGeWIOj3Nj9JwQQY3eCWHaXgEiEuGchbtlRksRncKukFtzlTkKsAPHXqB3-ClpA8YoQ7WpOva_Z-6y_wkI6koLca8NGx_Nrz7indlSrBDaAgdzneoKabXdTZrsN7xVK5RkdPEVRfa8Ib7QTKJJrpAR6RIA3cM1rOBQ/s2048/DSC04897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBlLrusR-hTUSsMEt2ESPK4JokGeWIOj3Nj9JwQQY3eCWHaXgEiEuGchbtlRksRncKukFtzlTkKsAPHXqB3-ClpA8YoQ7WpOva_Z-6y_wkI6koLca8NGx_Nrz7indlSrBDaAgdzneoKabXdTZrsN7xVK5RkdPEVRfa8Ib7QTKJJrpAR6RIA3cM1rOBQ/w640-h426/DSC04897.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Immediately Postpartum</span></span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Feed her.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Tell her how proud of her you are.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Continue to keep the Oxytocin flowing (helps contractions continue and get the uterus back to its normal size) by kissing her, hugging her, holding her hand, etc.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Be in charge of corresponding with family members and friends who the two of you want to notify of the birth.</span></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6og3StVqOeP-CNP3nib8oXtIX2YDcSz5rLNiZMKwmIp_js83oTkLz6BZOmKfaIlueZ1wpo2MIpxRyp_4sxP_B8mBmrx0ux4vh-Vp_n3srTZ_k2lqrKwbjbujBfuk4naDkYjh-MnIdoMAXJVL6E5Qh0Q8oTZW4PE_zhFvT5Ezb1JnHLKx7yLzhNwOi3g/s6000/Zelda-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6og3StVqOeP-CNP3nib8oXtIX2YDcSz5rLNiZMKwmIp_js83oTkLz6BZOmKfaIlueZ1wpo2MIpxRyp_4sxP_B8mBmrx0ux4vh-Vp_n3srTZ_k2lqrKwbjbujBfuk4naDkYjh-MnIdoMAXJVL6E5Qh0Q8oTZW4PE_zhFvT5Ezb1JnHLKx7yLzhNwOi3g/w640-h426/Zelda-50.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Later Postpartum/4th Trimester</span></span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Ask her about her feelings/emotions and be on the lookout for signs of postpartum depression, anxiety, rage, OCD, and other postpartum emotional/mental disorders. Visit <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/postpartum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know%3famp=true" target="_blank">this website</a> for more information.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Sit with her as she calls for professional help with postpartum disorders. If necessary, make the phone call yourself.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Give her time to herself. Let her shower or nap, and change all the baby’s diapers (at least most of them).</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Play with your older children, care for them, and help them be included.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Guard her healing time by helping her set, and keep boundaries.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Take over the household chores.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span>Encourage Mom to rest, follow the 5-5-5 rule; 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days near the bed. Visit <a href="https://www.seattleschild.com/lying-in/" target="_blank">this website</a> for more information.</span></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the things I love most about birth is that it is an incredible opportunity to strengthen familial bonds. When I gave birth to my second daughter, my husband became my coach, my cheerleader, and my teammate. That experience has become foundational in my relationship and my marriage.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best of luck moms and dads!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"></i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-8969163034591641482022-05-03T00:21:00.003-06:002022-05-03T01:16:21.432-06:00Doula Chats: Midwife or OBGYN?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHBUWltughrTZG6QjTAq5S6_s-S4tCQUY77nPod7b1NqgnUVLQiol8OyySrPOe1ObR1slxKcKfadlKzcYUOvq7f315X43J6B85eSpMoEGD2g-B_H7rFpRQNKEwV3I12FNnwKcJjbV42zGXFRD3kgLBa48E_R9o8gY-pYbCuhNShPYWGcsdvAvQ3SdGw/s8534/Doula%20Chats-Midwife%20or%20OGYN-03.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6134" data-original-width="8534" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHBUWltughrTZG6QjTAq5S6_s-S4tCQUY77nPod7b1NqgnUVLQiol8OyySrPOe1ObR1slxKcKfadlKzcYUOvq7f315X43J6B85eSpMoEGD2g-B_H7rFpRQNKEwV3I12FNnwKcJjbV42zGXFRD3kgLBa48E_R9o8gY-pYbCuhNShPYWGcsdvAvQ3SdGw/w640-h460/Doula%20Chats-Midwife%20or%20OGYN-03.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout all of history, Midwives have served women as they have entered motherhood, but within the last century or so, Obstetric Gynecologists (OBGYN) have become a normal part of birth. Though they both operate as medical caretakers for women, their method of care is very different.</span><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-1xKb7MdgFPbsRU_ztCe56F2b_yv00yxjxbqy7EE1xlv1VQBCcXQQJEOx_z5A0cCXdQpegS28lO6NeKuYKXSh1LPzOmEMZl0XCVKYsLSucAS-KlNgT9Z8T_4Ewu7KVyMCG1dGr7k_GCxbGNalgA7iBCmfHMxrBtiliSv3NEKqXPer4lDEWJr0WBHAw/s8534/Doula%20Chats-Midwife%20or%20OGYN-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-1xKb7MdgFPbsRU_ztCe56F2b_yv00yxjxbqy7EE1xlv1VQBCcXQQJEOx_z5A0cCXdQpegS28lO6NeKuYKXSh1LPzOmEMZl0XCVKYsLSucAS-KlNgT9Z8T_4Ewu7KVyMCG1dGr7k_GCxbGNalgA7iBCmfHMxrBtiliSv3NEKqXPer4lDEWJr0WBHAw/w611-h611/Doula%20Chats-Midwife%20or%20OGYN-02.png" width="611" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>METHOD OF CARE: MIDWIFE</u></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfjSEm7c1lCdFgkU3ck9E_VJt37RyKvmLfdvA0yZMUx1XHrxLUiqQPvs83Ss1WFkl4lEGikweQvMW8uriLpkEDg7PHz6RS5uLCYVsF94noH1606JgGqPTu_jZ7hB9r1g0w10M1NgmGKzas8mFAkqOzzQrhBKF6AauodU-Xf0aZ7rykdvUkeRGH4ko-A/s2048/_T0A5248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfjSEm7c1lCdFgkU3ck9E_VJt37RyKvmLfdvA0yZMUx1XHrxLUiqQPvs83Ss1WFkl4lEGikweQvMW8uriLpkEDg7PHz6RS5uLCYVsF94noH1606JgGqPTu_jZ7hB9r1g0w10M1NgmGKzas8mFAkqOzzQrhBKF6AauodU-Xf0aZ7rykdvUkeRGH4ko-A/w640-h426/_T0A5248.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Midwives serve mothers in a client-centered way. They treat the mother as a whole person, asking various questions about her health - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Midwives understand that much of birth is tied to a mother’s mental and emotional state. The better Mothers are supported in these ways, the more she trusts her midwife, the safer she feels, and the more likely the mother is to reach her birth goals and have a safe, and positive birth experience.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although midwives are typically associated with unmedicated births - and studies show that low-risk mothers under the care of midwives are associated with decreased intervention and c-sections - there are midwives who serve mothers in hospitals who desire a medicated birth. Regardless of whether the mother chooses medicated or unmedicated birth, it is commonly heard from mothers that their experience under the care of a midwife was more connected, and more personal than that with the OBGYN.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Note: There are three levels of midwifery credentials. Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Certified Midwife (CM), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). For more information on what they are, click here.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-a-midwife-twins#:~:text=A%20midwife%20is%20a%20trained,deliver%20babies%20at%20a%20hospital"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-a-midwife-twins#:~:text=A%20midwife%20is%20a%20trained,deliver%20babies%20at%20a%20hospital</span></b></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>METHOD OF CARE: OBGYN</u></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNpe3xKRjpzt3dJrwUivtib7E6tSrtQdAeHTmv1rri8aCEbA9eX-q7CIr6zoI51TndTLHLkJsvX-BolQ04b9lhxZURajMV7quW_kcm0RVAibsFMH4I4ejJo7cHLXZGlJQ2HFRHCBjvwwYOy-932yYSOWjOSGKgIxR2mOoZuDMpjbkEDJS7SDV11cE1g/s2048/_T0A2758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNpe3xKRjpzt3dJrwUivtib7E6tSrtQdAeHTmv1rri8aCEbA9eX-q7CIr6zoI51TndTLHLkJsvX-BolQ04b9lhxZURajMV7quW_kcm0RVAibsFMH4I4ejJo7cHLXZGlJQ2HFRHCBjvwwYOy-932yYSOWjOSGKgIxR2mOoZuDMpjbkEDJS7SDV11cE1g/w426-h640/_T0A2758.jpg" width="426" /></a></b></div><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The method of care with an OBGYN is what I would describe as formal. Typical low-risk pregnant mother’s appointments usually last somewhere around 15 minutes and cover health concerns and current physical status of the mother and the baby. Rarely do OB’s take time to ask you how you’re feeling emotionally, how your family is doing, or other personal questions having to do with your emotions, though there are some OB’s out there who do ask those questions. At low-risk births, the doctor may come in once, maybe twice to see how things are going, but are largely uninvolved unless an intervention is needed or asked for. Depending on the circumstance, this may be just a phone call, and the doctor doesn’t arrive on site until the mother feels pressure to push.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That being said, with the ability to perform Cesarean sections, hysterectomy, removing ovarian cysts and other surgical procedures, an OBGYN is a capable provider for birth, and conceivably the best option for those with additional health problems, especially for those mothers considered high-risk. However, it is important to note, that if your doctor is not on-call when you go into labor, whatever doctor is on call will be the one to catch your baby and perform any deemed necessary interventions.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">MY OPINION:</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the midwifery model of care because I love the connection between members of the birth team and the birthing mother. I love the idea that mothers bring their babies into this world surrounded by friends who are more invested and more intimately involved, rather than a stranger.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think that mothers who desire an unmedicated birth and are low-risk are most likely to achieve it and have a positive birth experience with a midwife, whether they are in a hospital, birthing center, or at home. And for those women who are afraid of the “what-ifs,” an in-hospital midwife is a wonderful option as the on-call doctor is available for those emergencies.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those who choose to have an OBGYN instead of a midwife because they are high-risk or just feel more comfortable with an OB should do their research and take time to learn about the various providers available to them so that they can find one who agrees with their philosophy of birth. If they do not, or if you thought they did and later discover some red-flags, it is time to find a new one.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever you decide, decide with intention. Think about the birth experience you want and take your time interviewing providers until you find the one who will help you achieve your goals.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best of luck, Mamas!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">References</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-a-midwife-twins#:~:text=A%20midwife%20is%20a%20trained,deliver%20babies%20at%20a%20hospital"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-a-midwife-twins#:~:text=A%20midwife%20is%20a%20trained,deliver%20babies%20at%20a%20hospital</span></b></a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/midwife-vs-obgyn#the-difference"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/midwife-vs-obgyn#the-difference</span></b></a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/midwife-vs-obgyn-whats-the-difference/"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/midwife-vs-obgyn-whats-the-difference/</span></b></a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599830"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599830</span></b></a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://www.raleighob.com/differences-between-a-midwife-and-ob-gyn/"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.raleighob.com/differences-between-a-midwife-and-ob-gyn/</span></b></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________________________________</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></div></i>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-38346923878954945962022-04-25T15:13:00.007-06:002022-04-25T17:25:20.170-06:00Doula Chats: Fetal Monitoring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ObkbPewPHfNVzJMSmZqvXWjSj8BBbj5dVSCKg4CMHGNA6asRUhyYLVAlhamJfAw0be8dg-YbYmZVV4taxD8C8m3Uo2YUlMlT4Pixw5Uls51VTgNc8ri9vX9UNMO34sKj99rjwdX5DdZSHis0Ymuu8PquDQjdk4obSYJx3rr1p9WSVAifUBKcqeXndg/s8534/Fetal%20Monitoring-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8534" data-original-width="8534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ObkbPewPHfNVzJMSmZqvXWjSj8BBbj5dVSCKg4CMHGNA6asRUhyYLVAlhamJfAw0be8dg-YbYmZVV4taxD8C8m3Uo2YUlMlT4Pixw5Uls51VTgNc8ri9vX9UNMO34sKj99rjwdX5DdZSHis0Ymuu8PquDQjdk4obSYJx3rr1p9WSVAifUBKcqeXndg/w640-h640/Fetal%20Monitoring-01.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is fetal monitoring? What valuable information do we gain from fetal monitoring, and what are the risks and benefits? What are my options with fetal monitoring?</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fetal monitoring is when providers use tools to measure the baby’s heart rate and/or the intensity of your contractions. How often this monitoring is done and how it is measured depends on your preferences, the policies of your birthing location, and the preferences of your provider.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Hospitals/OBGYN</u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStchWTbAaw1a5UDdex-FMhqr8xnU1orc-4VIt1zb32UNKjKkm7AWkXyFPETcuCWs2VfXv5kWIJQG5WVyBzqRc8tTTo7OGn2aa6w7iX9ICPLBb3k6jiAk-zccziTMqIlAEa8xmWveexO6I4B4qczaB1BORf29nYyOy4-5gOb5D4c6WoqLUv1G7l1UreA/s1707/_T0A9196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStchWTbAaw1a5UDdex-FMhqr8xnU1orc-4VIt1zb32UNKjKkm7AWkXyFPETcuCWs2VfXv5kWIJQG5WVyBzqRc8tTTo7OGn2aa6w7iX9ICPLBb3k6jiAk-zccziTMqIlAEa8xmWveexO6I4B4qczaB1BORf29nYyOy4-5gOb5D4c6WoqLUv1G7l1UreA/w640-h640/_T0A9196.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In hospitals, typical fetal monitoring looks like a wide elastic band with button holes attached to a round disc and a wire leading to a Cardiotocography machine - “CTG” for short. This machine measures your baby’s heart rate as well as the intensity of your contractions.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Standard policy for most hospitals is to place this machine on your belly continuously throughout your labor - especially if you have chosen to have an epidural - or every so often for at least a half an hour at a time.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQW5fXj3fG9lXeFy9zA2ma498UBVgkg4gUJEn7RlfwTlUwEvyGxASdVuqyppVKm_i6SZw1BvAjebrG8YithREjQQrBBseCIWxF3grDomeFvjLjTwWAwUU_e1NkREvwEKcrscnAHX0LWDTh7_kuYD6_zAhlBOxS8PIuQ2l92JD1J87fYK4gJkC2MhKmQ/s2048/_T0A5372.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQW5fXj3fG9lXeFy9zA2ma498UBVgkg4gUJEn7RlfwTlUwEvyGxASdVuqyppVKm_i6SZw1BvAjebrG8YithREjQQrBBseCIWxF3grDomeFvjLjTwWAwUU_e1NkREvwEKcrscnAHX0LWDTh7_kuYD6_zAhlBOxS8PIuQ2l92JD1J87fYK4gJkC2MhKmQ/w640-h426/_T0A5372.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>Birthing Centers/Midwives</u></b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_JN6wvjSJnQR0fvJvfielJ266-7HAWn_4MZsgzp9oOmr7TFTUGn6DJvcBOeQe2QoGivPeypgRJETIsvSszXDk-KY8OaP2fRQwvF8Jub7K65Wtiu0kgmd2kO_31d0YQuVpMzZy8dQVrIqFcTLvWnLdIyXCAXNXpoBYguULGxXKI-P3BqboFcBQQO6HQ/s2048/DSC06796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_JN6wvjSJnQR0fvJvfielJ266-7HAWn_4MZsgzp9oOmr7TFTUGn6DJvcBOeQe2QoGivPeypgRJETIsvSszXDk-KY8OaP2fRQwvF8Jub7K65Wtiu0kgmd2kO_31d0YQuVpMzZy8dQVrIqFcTLvWnLdIyXCAXNXpoBYguULGxXKI-P3BqboFcBQQO6HQ/w640-h426/DSC06796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Birthing centers typically do not have CTG machines and the midwives tend to be more hands-off with fetal monitoring. They will usually perform monitoring using a handheld doppler and depend on you to tell them the intensity of your contractions. How often they do it may depend a little on your situation, and also largely on your own personal preferences.</p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>What are my options?</u></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether you’re birthing at the hospital, in a birthing center, or at home, you have options.</span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>None</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Handheld Doppler</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Intermittent</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Continuous (with an option of wireless)</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Internal</span></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Which option is right for me?</u></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The answer to this question is the same answer to many other questions about your birth… It depends on what kind of birth experience you want. Here are some important notes to consider:</span></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Continuous monitoring means you will be confined to your bed so that the monitor will stay in place UNLESS your hospital provides you the option for a wireless monitor.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Monitoring often provides too little information and should not be depended on to make all decisions and has not be proven to decrease the rate of stillbirths and perinatal deaths.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Fetal Monitoring is an intervention and can lead to additional interventions in order to prevent possible negative outcomes.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Internal fetal monitoring can not be accomplished unless the amniotic sac is already broken.</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Studies have shown that the rate of cesarean deliveries rises with the use of internal fetal monitors.</span></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>My Opinion:</u></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am always supportive of mothers who go with their gut. It is important to me that my clients have been informed of what their options for their birth are so that they can make the decisions that feel right. If the mother is interested in having a low-to-no intervention birth, she should choose to either have no monitoring or monitoring with a handheld doppler. In my experience, the continuous monitoring via the elastic belt and CTG machine, is a hassle. Oftentimes, the nurses have a hard time placing the monitor in the right position to pick up the baby’s heartbeat, and once they do, they don’t want you to move, otherwise they’ll lose the heartbeat and have to replace it. This can complicated labor because movement is so important in labor.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you’re at a birthing center or having a home birth, continuous monitoring will not even be an option, so your choice is more in regards to whether to have monitoring at all. I would choose to have it intermittently.</p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyfvR1JzcJ8j780aQI-iHPIIqQrfl_XKZvEJNsOxvnsFjFUwnt4j0aoWkqaTx7s-9U3PJYGOSkXR_aPcJ_sBhMQmoweqSkbAgTFe1y85D9-umdC0zwsyjgyRgZFI5ja-hOMiMcR5AXogccoEzaI4AAk6FoqyCSE_1ImZx3otlH5oAOC9rvE0eXYaRog/s6000/Zelda-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyfvR1JzcJ8j780aQI-iHPIIqQrfl_XKZvEJNsOxvnsFjFUwnt4j0aoWkqaTx7s-9U3PJYGOSkXR_aPcJ_sBhMQmoweqSkbAgTFe1y85D9-umdC0zwsyjgyRgZFI5ja-hOMiMcR5AXogccoEzaI4AAk6FoqyCSE_1ImZx3otlH5oAOC9rvE0eXYaRog/w426-h640/Zelda-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for stopping by and learning more about your birth options today! Always remember that you have options and to go with what feels right to you. Good luck, Mamas!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">References:</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006066.pub3/full?highlightAbstract=foetal%7Cmonitor%7Cmonitoring%7Cfetal">Cochrane Review</a></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/fetal-heart-rate-monitoring-during-labor">ACOG</a></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/fetal-monitoring-podcast/">Evidence Based Birth</a></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2"><i>*Susan Joy is a Doula and Birth Documenter serving the families of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan, and other cities in the East Valley. The information presented here is not medical advice. All medical decisions should be made after discussion with your medical provider.*</i></span></p>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-12991591392463718492022-03-15T13:48:00.005-06:002022-04-08T13:40:44.610-06:00Mommy + Me Minis 2022I love being a mom. I love that I get to develop loving and intimate relationships with these little people who I admire just as much as they admire me - if not more. It's these looks of adoration that I love to have photographed.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ9DuxYwRC5QCqxdYdaD_3qoLPiSzbUJQYiBfDJZUBjPUsp-ynLRrFw2HLcFzXFLLlcD27xgU_L_zJv267Z9MXIxhARGtOlp52sBHCklkW36s4rqaWFbPdZXe7MvHl05HvolCrbSzYRn6ef8TGoOJti33VtSIHw1MjmhvSEDtXeuQRq4dxVcslVqmjug" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ9DuxYwRC5QCqxdYdaD_3qoLPiSzbUJQYiBfDJZUBjPUsp-ynLRrFw2HLcFzXFLLlcD27xgU_L_zJv267Z9MXIxhARGtOlp52sBHCklkW36s4rqaWFbPdZXe7MvHl05HvolCrbSzYRn6ef8TGoOJti33VtSIHw1MjmhvSEDtXeuQRq4dxVcslVqmjug=w225-h400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjTZ01olqHDysTzM80hcEE2Bo4HxMEzAg8mnSwT-hC0Isj0pHus9UTUv4z-yrQ06vDAJH74FiPpnrWJ6Agy2hs49tSJIyGoodkdexP4Jn7trPHK_LxVRnyUV0cagJsc79bp2Vmp0wF08q3rdI6e-CFoFLQ_-hxNT6d8LM1BBBsBpMflMsyLaIeiQcKTw=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjTZ01olqHDysTzM80hcEE2Bo4HxMEzAg8mnSwT-hC0Isj0pHus9UTUv4z-yrQ06vDAJH74FiPpnrWJ6Agy2hs49tSJIyGoodkdexP4Jn7trPHK_LxVRnyUV0cagJsc79bp2Vmp0wF08q3rdI6e-CFoFLQ_-hxNT6d8LM1BBBsBpMflMsyLaIeiQcKTw=w225-h400" width="225" /></a><br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span></div></div><div>Every time I hand my camera over to my husband and pose with my children, I find a way to sneak in a tickle with them because that's how I get their real-est smiles, and that's what I want to remember. Playing with them is what brings about my my real-est smile, too.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqakEhe-fyPvo9V-fn1Vr0i8sFqBRzel58JK8wiZYPrlTTUwW2AMRgUgFUMxjNXpHiP19fMyV5kS4f2ML885yE0SthfnRLWa2YaPWNjfbeAXUQHf80KcdIF5sV-yb4JYTyV3bbh4B3InmhhH31UOekWYkRCV9e_lXmFf--CCLN-BUPZI3DSPBDQoyx_w=s1350" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqakEhe-fyPvo9V-fn1Vr0i8sFqBRzel58JK8wiZYPrlTTUwW2AMRgUgFUMxjNXpHiP19fMyV5kS4f2ML885yE0SthfnRLWa2YaPWNjfbeAXUQHf80KcdIF5sV-yb4JYTyV3bbh4B3InmhhH31UOekWYkRCV9e_lXmFf--CCLN-BUPZI3DSPBDQoyx_w=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That's why I love doing these Mommy + Me Sessions. That bond that Mothers have with their children is unlike any other and is sacred, but it can be so easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of every day life. These Sessions allow Moms to dress up with their littles and set aside responsibilities and distractions for a few minutes to just connect with their children.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so excited to announce that I will be offering Mommy + Me Sessions this year on Thursday April 14, Friday the 15, AND Saturday, April 23! Each session is 20 minutes and begins each half an hour starting at 3:00 and ending at 5:00. Visit my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/susan.joy.az/" target="_blank">instagram</a> and tap the events bubble to see which slots are available.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWcgznsjtiLmQ2GNTDaTBcAYXvLnb9EYeBU4lmBxfDBuF4eZePRnVVDUa-kWNRMmMOvvDCnd5_MCTajQj02BBE_560-i_Yo76X08kGxSbAneki5PECyGUDDZeSZ1agHgR-EhwzwmD305oUlmEioOc2kJd-z-VHn9lvJX3SvyFxuiPmv4897Xgte8VFhQ=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWcgznsjtiLmQ2GNTDaTBcAYXvLnb9EYeBU4lmBxfDBuF4eZePRnVVDUa-kWNRMmMOvvDCnd5_MCTajQj02BBE_560-i_Yo76X08kGxSbAneki5PECyGUDDZeSZ1agHgR-EhwzwmD305oUlmEioOc2kJd-z-VHn9lvJX3SvyFxuiPmv4897Xgte8VFhQ=w225-h400" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu0ajM0aYiAAH86e20KTgN6__q0baVHcgZ5B69_dIVmECHuy0wTK3J6z0ux22zmRU-cd2brec5eD3p3G0h56QYqFUSgWLnT3EQs_Ke301BsuqHZH2Lk8cmy2GfHMUTDHUaFobqa9RxObjbjWLy-K_ApTgibJ_yhQKVXlOe14tdu7OITnNJAZiMQeIr4Q=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu0ajM0aYiAAH86e20KTgN6__q0baVHcgZ5B69_dIVmECHuy0wTK3J6z0ux22zmRU-cd2brec5eD3p3G0h56QYqFUSgWLnT3EQs_Ke301BsuqHZH2Lk8cmy2GfHMUTDHUaFobqa9RxObjbjWLy-K_ApTgibJ_yhQKVXlOe14tdu7OITnNJAZiMQeIr4Q=w225-h400" width="225" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Your connection with your child is special. It is worth capturing and remembering as it is right now. I hope I can help you honor that and give you photos to remember it for the rest of your life.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">__________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a doula, birth photographer, and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a birth documenter for your birth? Visit <a href="http://susanjoyaz.com">susanjoyaz.com</a> and leave an inquiry!</div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-61557114043398941972021-11-19T11:02:00.006-07:002022-04-08T13:40:58.170-06:00The One Where I Almost Caught a Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3Oag7FK14AE7I3j86zUkfWkkzhKPO2GPTfutpGGwpcuWLTENQt2yhZyLr_j9BCFZBpRufkzltqdz0wswY2lfeUBxEUkORQ_wN5G74urORyKGpZi97Qra2jF_6llID5Zhzll66GrEVT_i/s2048/Khloe-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3Oag7FK14AE7I3j86zUkfWkkzhKPO2GPTfutpGGwpcuWLTENQt2yhZyLr_j9BCFZBpRufkzltqdz0wswY2lfeUBxEUkORQ_wN5G74urORyKGpZi97Qra2jF_6llID5Zhzll66GrEVT_i/w640-h426/Khloe-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>You read that right... I almost caught someone's baby. And I am not a midwife. Let me tell you about it.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><p></p><p>My first time meeting with Bri and Tanner was via a zoom call to just kinda get a feel for each other and see if we were a good fit. I was totally on-board with their birth preferences, hopes, and plans from the get-go and felt like we connected well, so when they reached out about a week later and told me that they wanted me to be their doula-photographer (doulatog), I was thrilled! Also a little nervous because although I'd been to 30ish births in my life, I'd never been a doula for any of them before.</p><p><br /></p><p>We had to jump into our meetings quickly because by the time she hired me, she was about 37.5 weeks along. We scheduled our first meeting for Tuesday, October 19 where we talked in-depth about what kind of experience they were hoping to have and their past birth experiences. The "plan" was to birth without pain-medication and to labor at home as long as possible before heading to the hospital to receive both doses of antibiotics for Group B Strep. Of course, we would have to kind of play that by ear. We also talked a bit about delayed cord clamping, which isn't a huge part of this story, but is handy info to have for later.</p><p><br /></p><p>After about a week and a half, on Thursday night (October 28), we had our second prenatal appointment where we talked about and practiced different positions and pain-coping mechanisms.By the time we finished, I felt confident that I had done my very best to prepare Bri and Tanner for labor. Always good to feel like you've got a game plan prepared.</p><p><br /></p><p>8 hours later...</p><p><br /></p><p>I got a text at 5:10AM from Bri. She said that she had been having steadily progressive surges since her mucous plug came out at 2:45. She hopped in the bath and began meditating and basically labored throughout the entire night on her own. Oh, AND comforted her coughing 1-year-old back to sleep. ALL WHILE IN LABOR.</p><p><br /></p><p>40 minutes after that text, she sent me another text and I decided to give her a call. A surge began during our short conversation that definitely sounded like a progressive one. As soon as it passed, I said, "It sounds like you could use some support. I'm going to get ready and head over." Bri and Tanner reached out to Bri's mom, Julie and told her she'd better head over, too.</p><p><br /></p><p>While I was heading over, Bri continued laboring and at one point looked at Tanner and said, "I don't know if I can do this Babe." He reassured her that she was strong and capable and that she could do it, and gave her a couple of good hip squeezes during contractions for good measure.</p><p><br /></p><p>About an hour later, I pulled up in front of their house, and before heading in, I offered a prayer to Heavenly Father and asked him to inspire me to know what to do in order to best serve Bri and Tanner. I also prayed that my Great Great Grandma Sarah Indiaetta Young (who was a midwife) would come to help, too. If you haven't heard about her, you should definitely look her up because she's pretty awesome.</p><p><br /></p><p>I finished my prayer and let myself into the house. Tanner led me to their master bedroom where Bri was laboring and announced "Bri! Your best friend is here." Not gonna lie, I loved that.</p><p><br /></p><p>Bri looked labor-tired. Not totally exhausted, but definitely tired. She had been laboring all night, repeating a few different affirmations through her mind over and over again, and envisioning herself blossoming like a flower, allowing her baby to descend towards delivery. Something she had learned from her Hypnobirthing class with Rachelle at <a href="https://www.happybirthingaz.com/book-a-class">Happy Birthing Co</a> and that I highly, HIGHLY recommend.</p><p><br /></p><p>I asked Bri how she was feeling and she said she couldn't get comfortable between surges. She was leaning on her bed at that time and I suggested laying on her side. She did, and felt relief pretty immediately... but only for about 30 seconds before the contractions started up again.</p><p><br /></p><p>It can't have been more than a few minutes before Bri yelled "I feel her head!" Bri's bottoms were still on, so I said, "let's take off your pants," and helped her shimmy them off. Tanner had handed their younger son off to Julie who had just arrived and was able to help me get Bri's pants off. Once they were off, we could see the amniotic sack presenting before the baby! I had never seen this before and ran to grab my camera.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqcmeQoNWE-88Sv6mAPzYtU7NThAGJDvFNphu4IFJZ1176EwQRp843yb1OeL28UFqVzBmoFqgsrGkJfPbXIQZ0Eg7nr5OJcGe8Dk4aopZlMJuHC9Muw9Iv5fdwN1QMZJ_ixT2z3ckcFuG/s2048/Khloe-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqcmeQoNWE-88Sv6mAPzYtU7NThAGJDvFNphu4IFJZ1176EwQRp843yb1OeL28UFqVzBmoFqgsrGkJfPbXIQZ0Eg7nr5OJcGe8Dk4aopZlMJuHC9Muw9Iv5fdwN1QMZJ_ixT2z3ckcFuG/w426-h640/Khloe-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p>It was pretty obvious at this point that Bri wasn't going to be getting into any cars, so Tanner called for an ambulance. We were on the phone with them when Bri told us that she needed to push and that it burned.</p><p>"I feel her head!" I looked down and sure enough, there was baby girl's head!</p><p>"Alright, Bri. You're going to catch your baby." Unfortunately, Bri wasn't in the best position for catching her baby, so I looked to Tanner and said, "Tanner, come over here, you need to catch your baby." Immediately, he was there and ready. My camera and I were ready, too.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafrXAmt1Mvmbs6krcnDPtUzEVqs0TMAzw7klnED47MRbwclisDCUgnfUE8KioRqgSxCgLG-ouZkr6eZn6l8uJ8ftbropjsC0SmcEwUl6Nrs9PvDfs1k9W4Xj2XfTX2hgjrpjAUXVN0ty-/s2048/Khloe-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafrXAmt1Mvmbs6krcnDPtUzEVqs0TMAzw7klnED47MRbwclisDCUgnfUE8KioRqgSxCgLG-ouZkr6eZn6l8uJ8ftbropjsC0SmcEwUl6Nrs9PvDfs1k9W4Xj2XfTX2hgjrpjAUXVN0ty-/w640-h426/Khloe-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Watching Tanner and Bri work together to deliver their perfect baby girl into this world is something I won't ever forget. Bri completely surrendered to her birth, allowing her body to work exactly as it was made to do. Tanner put his hands down and gently guided his little girl into the world and up onto her mother's chest at 7:08AM. Everything that had felt like it was going a million miles a minute suddenly stopped. Baby girl was not crying, but Tanner could see that she was breathing, and I saw her beautiful eyes blinking. She had the roundest head and prettiest, squishy little face and perfect little ears. We all marveled at the miracle that had just happened. It was a moment of complete calm. An impenetrable bubble, or rather aura that surrounded Tanner, Bri, and their new baby girl.</p><p>And then I affirmed Bri's favorite Affirmation: "Bri, you are a bada$$.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztOSwkCHe-j3zOdQl_eQCDPnMS2lxp3g0rvUyd3ITDUjoPU5FF1lYw2RMSduW9eI9BW74xZ20zjJrmF1J8wedMn0jPCtRah9yrN_McK1lcOi_3IWTXD4ST1ogli8PnUVtc2cPXdTf1Uq5/s2048/Khloe-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztOSwkCHe-j3zOdQl_eQCDPnMS2lxp3g0rvUyd3ITDUjoPU5FF1lYw2RMSduW9eI9BW74xZ20zjJrmF1J8wedMn0jPCtRah9yrN_McK1lcOi_3IWTXD4ST1ogli8PnUVtc2cPXdTf1Uq5/w426-h640/Khloe-6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p>Julie had gotten some towels warm and placed them on mom and baby. The EMT's arrived shortly after that, facilitated Tanner cutting the umbilical cord (I said, "looks like you got that delayed cord clamping after all!"), and Tanner got to hold his baby girl for a second time before handing her back to Bri as they wheeled her to the ambulance outside. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVBHldR8yoK9DVp_Xceha9g_sXzIRmuA_t9Ns0yZ-dwG1AKQRrEU8wyCDnEYau0bokjvEVzvaIIMb6InoGjdcbGQTRp_5gSbskXbnEzdBPe8BoqE17OQJUuLtzfC7MQcYX8dihOJYhgC2/s2048/Khloe-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVBHldR8yoK9DVp_Xceha9g_sXzIRmuA_t9Ns0yZ-dwG1AKQRrEU8wyCDnEYau0bokjvEVzvaIIMb6InoGjdcbGQTRp_5gSbskXbnEzdBPe8BoqE17OQJUuLtzfC7MQcYX8dihOJYhgC2/w426-h640/Khloe-15.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye6Nf1B4tHDiZ_ZIrZooYs8U7CLnqJtT_h7-gSkZgg8n9_887FtnMYczKdztsLaX7jB7nGpmrN2g6A5hMMJO8vl1uQs5qDOrohjvqLFD1EWFZkZ2GEaXOTx2pSFtZJxgf_XWEweIxLRhR/s2048/Khloe-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye6Nf1B4tHDiZ_ZIrZooYs8U7CLnqJtT_h7-gSkZgg8n9_887FtnMYczKdztsLaX7jB7nGpmrN2g6A5hMMJO8vl1uQs5qDOrohjvqLFD1EWFZkZ2GEaXOTx2pSFtZJxgf_XWEweIxLRhR/w426-h640/Khloe-16.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvmYPcoMC0EQLDv1Uqf_R3hKIQ4iYPiv3vK4U3Bwr7Xz9yW9sVIYjwZ4oZeM-2z_R74kqLzllAzJJLOimTPdl0Oh6uN-Tb9aTY3zTtju6f2EfIk1IS9vHLYlAW3z02p22lbNthAEC-hFX/s2048/Khloe-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvmYPcoMC0EQLDv1Uqf_R3hKIQ4iYPiv3vK4U3Bwr7Xz9yW9sVIYjwZ4oZeM-2z_R74kqLzllAzJJLOimTPdl0Oh6uN-Tb9aTY3zTtju6f2EfIk1IS9vHLYlAW3z02p22lbNthAEC-hFX/w426-h640/Khloe-17.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">*for those who remember, Bri tested positive for GBS however, the amniotic sack did not burst until Bri delivered her shoulders, making the likelihood of colonization very low.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN_bWaG3IjD-tA_4gHLld0cWuYk2A2gVEJHh5j9riEIysKLxZvdK8zCHY7JvFXDP7sBvijME23D5Z71HGQQiQ-IVN_yoOF8VLv7WjIbIANEZwBVtZdNa-uKsdOgzNqJI7trc4S-mkRMT5/s2048/Khloe-25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN_bWaG3IjD-tA_4gHLld0cWuYk2A2gVEJHh5j9riEIysKLxZvdK8zCHY7JvFXDP7sBvijME23D5Z71HGQQiQ-IVN_yoOF8VLv7WjIbIANEZwBVtZdNa-uKsdOgzNqJI7trc4S-mkRMT5/w640-h426/Khloe-25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI8ITLf9BF-v9jYWQEfZmFK9mh5dJWHBhuInZv80Rw5vakMsvVhucy6JvlGsOFxuS0XZiq6H48O1hV3KI-iBjbvpb9h3tMDzXWwCOVv4obze_B2YdGwzDrli5mEnJfGCXrld0bCy6JOSb/s2048/Khloe-29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI8ITLf9BF-v9jYWQEfZmFK9mh5dJWHBhuInZv80Rw5vakMsvVhucy6JvlGsOFxuS0XZiq6H48O1hV3KI-iBjbvpb9h3tMDzXWwCOVv4obze_B2YdGwzDrli5mEnJfGCXrld0bCy6JOSb/w640-h426/Khloe-29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyBWQ8Yrup3HUYf9dr4yEuTbKjjuzlFg6Sa6onAWxhwAwTU7MrAum3fV_fwSMGqV1LdErOnZ5tFOb1AW7b1oqdCcGBEMLemneHDDDMtoM_KputtlLJO5eRiSJnRcr_phEKL5KK1nPOMu8/s2048/Khloe-32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyBWQ8Yrup3HUYf9dr4yEuTbKjjuzlFg6Sa6onAWxhwAwTU7MrAum3fV_fwSMGqV1LdErOnZ5tFOb1AW7b1oqdCcGBEMLemneHDDDMtoM_KputtlLJO5eRiSJnRcr_phEKL5KK1nPOMu8/w426-h640/Khloe-32.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I followed Bri and Tanner to the hospital in their car so that they would have one to come home in after the hospital and was allowed to enter to continue my support for Bri and Tanner. They were doing wonderfully, advocating for themselves and making sure that their desires were heard and that the nurses were explaining everything they did and receiving consent before doing them. I was grateful for the extra opportunity to capture their beautiful baby's face.<div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsWayvCdJ602LqUx9MrUze4n6IYMmcY5bns4jqaECy_mouLPULzHXTPknPu9H4hloArSw_7HJu_5TzjLvGfhNuM8lEqq9N5BRXPczlU94DIerDdKoJGa7HIfdovtKGiWYjrlmj9OhnulE/s2048/Khloe-40.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsWayvCdJ602LqUx9MrUze4n6IYMmcY5bns4jqaECy_mouLPULzHXTPknPu9H4hloArSw_7HJu_5TzjLvGfhNuM8lEqq9N5BRXPczlU94DIerDdKoJGa7HIfdovtKGiWYjrlmj9OhnulE/w640-h426/Khloe-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobykwizSlK7pWtrZ_uQxxEVovCNXYQxBSoF02HtP75jkS5OB1D_E9PZZgdJ2X9shWCGe-MGyxYytzoQLTfEXy0C-7qlUaxwYQ2itopBq_SDm5_Ab6DEq9YoKHODCXsFLbNMRJ0csjqDO1/s2048/Khloe-44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobykwizSlK7pWtrZ_uQxxEVovCNXYQxBSoF02HtP75jkS5OB1D_E9PZZgdJ2X9shWCGe-MGyxYytzoQLTfEXy0C-7qlUaxwYQ2itopBq_SDm5_Ab6DEq9YoKHODCXsFLbNMRJ0csjqDO1/w426-h640/Khloe-44.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmEgnY_wo0Ju-GM3nVJpojxvnIfoRC0eMrUHCQBKt_QwASzuFELmtFIv27aEtftuP1A5Dlfk9p7f-Y_mncJB8A-96a7UG_nHZbDA4NwMoCtyrWJ_O_pnHhBafrsWWV2AtEWeKJvgSPbZ-/s2048/Khloe-45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmEgnY_wo0Ju-GM3nVJpojxvnIfoRC0eMrUHCQBKt_QwASzuFELmtFIv27aEtftuP1A5Dlfk9p7f-Y_mncJB8A-96a7UG_nHZbDA4NwMoCtyrWJ_O_pnHhBafrsWWV2AtEWeKJvgSPbZ-/w426-h640/Khloe-45.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyMi2WrLtbqeitHCBgqws_z_X1KnsTFJyGIGXHTeQHi26pJLPvFvhoWmO-B1UgNwxtrG-8JTtiZuIJmJd0KE9EQhI_Kl3WdxE2hLbTBUVqoIf7xpGLQUuc0wSesRMp8hyphenhyphens8WZi4iSzpFC/s2048/Khloe-47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyMi2WrLtbqeitHCBgqws_z_X1KnsTFJyGIGXHTeQHi26pJLPvFvhoWmO-B1UgNwxtrG-8JTtiZuIJmJd0KE9EQhI_Kl3WdxE2hLbTBUVqoIf7xpGLQUuc0wSesRMp8hyphenhyphens8WZi4iSzpFC/w426-h640/Khloe-47.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p>When it was finally time to leave, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude that I had the opportunity to attend this birth, that baby girl arrived without complication, and that I had been able to remain calm throughout the entire birth. I truly believe that Midwife Sarah Indiaetta was there with me, helping me to stay calm. I'm sure I didn't do everything right, and there is still a lot for me to learn as a doula, but I know that I will never EVER forget this experience, and Bri will never fail to inspire me.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF3Q1Nh_tuSJTBG1skxqQZj8iQD7s-Ex5skQwygvpQhbXsjAweSdhSgTZ1jLB-H-Da17t89pluXojrYofrhdxpI91n5C5MvjdYSwiS93KPyN75GvX03XlLgSlW4HtGUixhI7NFio3mVIj/s2048/Khloe-52.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF3Q1Nh_tuSJTBG1skxqQZj8iQD7s-Ex5skQwygvpQhbXsjAweSdhSgTZ1jLB-H-Da17t89pluXojrYofrhdxpI91n5C5MvjdYSwiS93KPyN75GvX03XlLgSlW4HtGUixhI7NFio3mVIj/w426-h640/Khloe-52.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Congratulations Bri and Tanner!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ETNjVIVuNyeilMnHORNbD8YGSXbFTRfctY_ONgIQaiu8mwFCaOo4j6LwSUAxfrjkdhI9xRYYgredwuYMfRQSkB5mc5zE_sFd91nhKSNuulkhzBKpfZYl4bR1MlsMeIWssD88CJVHgSJD/s2048/Khloe-57.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ETNjVIVuNyeilMnHORNbD8YGSXbFTRfctY_ONgIQaiu8mwFCaOo4j6LwSUAxfrjkdhI9xRYYgredwuYMfRQSkB5mc5zE_sFd91nhKSNuulkhzBKpfZYl4bR1MlsMeIWssD88CJVHgSJD/w426-h640/Khloe-57.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYzXxF2EWkI9sgH85WFG_wIdlHU6hB9VnpZeztKvx2VFKbI4ZevdWYThNWhVtUkcDmJvz-Tuikrkv7DDLm6_2JWroSBdHaZaqF_rsmZlWcqYO6A7r7gWecn4nq_T9P1wB3YD3s_ePo420/s2048/Khloe-60.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYzXxF2EWkI9sgH85WFG_wIdlHU6hB9VnpZeztKvx2VFKbI4ZevdWYThNWhVtUkcDmJvz-Tuikrkv7DDLm6_2JWroSBdHaZaqF_rsmZlWcqYO6A7r7gWecn4nq_T9P1wB3YD3s_ePo420/w426-h640/Khloe-60.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ok91cVAb2Wczm3J17YXkOS-bdHXzrdmJHH9NHunIDO-Zqcl0nRl1kRjy6Nx7UUg_7nh_nEPwT45lLw1vV3ITMGF60xblYOqy9Bq0c0reqb4Gq6HOlB7p7BHh_imyrKyKFUsKJ0QuQujV/s2048/Khloe-62.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ok91cVAb2Wczm3J17YXkOS-bdHXzrdmJHH9NHunIDO-Zqcl0nRl1kRjy6Nx7UUg_7nh_nEPwT45lLw1vV3ITMGF60xblYOqy9Bq0c0reqb4Gq6HOlB7p7BHh_imyrKyKFUsKJ0QuQujV/w426-h640/Khloe-62.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div>Susan is a doula, birth photographer, and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a birth documenter for your birth? Visit susanjoyaz.com and leave an inquiry!</div></div></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-25078852791871867182021-08-17T10:57:00.005-06:002022-05-31T16:37:47.554-06:00The Home Water Birth Story of Taylor<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXXat9Y-9Ae1H1PKLEYoygYE40gtGuL8nEzji7U_I56VzuL7-LHCqWvasdePwnR-z4lmGkN0ceVqSwdPzjVY-LjXj9G-QeLbCDpC-SEvHilLNKI24xY5ArBVjkucXrxgSNx5udoyCmwTB/s2048/Taylor-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXXat9Y-9Ae1H1PKLEYoygYE40gtGuL8nEzji7U_I56VzuL7-LHCqWvasdePwnR-z4lmGkN0ceVqSwdPzjVY-LjXj9G-QeLbCDpC-SEvHilLNKI24xY5ArBVjkucXrxgSNx5udoyCmwTB/w640-h426/Taylor-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I arrived at Nichole’s house at 8:45 PM. Andrew and I were at a game night with some friends when Nichole texted me, and while I was disappointed I wasn’t able to stay, I knew Nichole needed me, and I was excited to be there.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nichole was laying on her bed on her left side. It was quiet, her boys were in bed, her mother was in the kitchen reading a book, or her phone - I couldn’t see which - and Eric was holding her hand, gently caressing it. Her master bedroom had been transformed into what is probably best described as a spa. I could hear inspiring worship music playing softly from the speaker on the dresser. Her birth pool was fully inflated, with a bouquet of hydrangea flowers behind it, a candle softly murmuring behind that, emitting the most delightful and soothing smell, and on either side of the flowers was a pink baby’s sleeper to one side, and a green one on the other. Everything had been prepared with intention to make Nichole and Eric’s birth atmosphere as relaxed, serene, and spiritual as possible.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENWOJca08qGM6zANo9ppMVxrMfZYmLHNdUvpSawadGWZ3I9HJPXrwxH4r50QoR93M2t376lUU2_85FLQI8gr5_hrnmnrTZGYlzb9cBQZW_yzBXsqFimsXPaj-67749RDZH_k-zBkJp8nq/s2048/Taylor-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENWOJca08qGM6zANo9ppMVxrMfZYmLHNdUvpSawadGWZ3I9HJPXrwxH4r50QoR93M2t376lUU2_85FLQI8gr5_hrnmnrTZGYlzb9cBQZW_yzBXsqFimsXPaj-67749RDZH_k-zBkJp8nq/w426-h640/Taylor-9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nichole’s doula, Alyssa (Cherry Blossom Doula) came shortly after that, along with her mentee, Jeannie. Eric continued to brush a loving hand back and forth across her back and kissing her face. She continued to move about the room intermittently, from the bathroom, to the bed, and to the birthing ball, all while Alyssa provided encouraging words and counter pressure to her hips and sacrum.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At 10:07 PM, the midwives, Caitlin and Cayla arrived. They arranged their things as Nichole continued to meet each wave with deep, cleansing breaths.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not much later, at 10:22 PM, with the urging of her doula, Nichole and Eric went outside for a brief walk and some time alone. This didn’t last long as it was very warm, and they came back in just a few minutes later.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At 10:49, Nichole’s surges began to pick up in intensity and she began to sing. Low notes as she focused on relaxing her body and giving herself over to the surges, allowing her body to do what it was created to do. The midwives began to fill the birth tub with water about an hour after that and Nichole gratefully entered into the water.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAGRbjZ7glJhCFWOaufdq1yBgE4i9aL7qh6-osHS_R7DQGSzDH8TrMT8L8WNbxSqw4uCtH6IZL0lCnvSNlDCkN7dasvnG_zNfPsDY9FBJWfjqY6az-yCVF2YORjjxdkOvxiQg9KcOS6PD/s2048/Taylor-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAGRbjZ7glJhCFWOaufdq1yBgE4i9aL7qh6-osHS_R7DQGSzDH8TrMT8L8WNbxSqw4uCtH6IZL0lCnvSNlDCkN7dasvnG_zNfPsDY9FBJWfjqY6az-yCVF2YORjjxdkOvxiQg9KcOS6PD/w640-h426/Taylor-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At 12:07 AM, Nichole and Eric kissed one another and wished each other a happy anniversary. It had been 6 years that they had been together. What better way to celebrate than with a living, breathing reminder of that love?</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The surges continued. Nichole continued to sing through each one. There was some bloody show at 12:51 AM, but Nichole knew that this was normal. To be expected, even. Each heart-tone check showed that baby was continuing steady and strong, even as the surges lengthened in duration.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Come down baby. Please.” Nichole gently pleaded at 2:06 AM. She knew that things were progressing as they ought. Though the physical toll of labor was beginning to wear on her tired body and mind, she welcomed each wave. She focused on the encouraging words of Alyssa and Eric and the feeling in the room could only be described as sacred as the worship music filled the air. God’s hand was on this birth.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3:26 AM</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“How are you feeling, Nichole?”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“So done.”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4:01AM</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">More bloody show.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieflNtNA7YWq0r2OVeeIyEIArt4snlHJp-pQfdt8_Ar7izUkf6vXkElXzIeL3O4kpjmk2p0tKYNMGpFbiFKPUDqzZK_E0Izr6U1OBAW-DiImBubpqU2qmgXDdxTsoAbXxX8kS8w1Pau0wZ/s2048/Taylor-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieflNtNA7YWq0r2OVeeIyEIArt4snlHJp-pQfdt8_Ar7izUkf6vXkElXzIeL3O4kpjmk2p0tKYNMGpFbiFKPUDqzZK_E0Izr6U1OBAW-DiImBubpqU2qmgXDdxTsoAbXxX8kS8w1Pau0wZ/w426-h640/Taylor-19.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was time to push at 4:39 AM. No one told Nichole this. She simply listened to her body, and allowed it to happen. No one coached her, or told her when or how. She sat up on her knees and placed her hands down on her baby’s crowning head. The baby’s water hadn’t broken yet, but at 4:45 AM, it ruptured on its own.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I stood with my camera at her front recording each deep and shallow breath. Each powerful moan and grunt, each surge brought Nichole and Eric’s baby that much closer to being in their arms. Eric held his gloved hands ready to help Nichole receive her baby and to announce the “girl,” or “boy.”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then, as the next surge came, Nichole took a few shallow breaths, breathing out quickly, like she was blowing through a straw, then began to moan. The moan grew in intensity and I could see the baby’s head slowly emerging from the birth canal, and then an arm. It was hard to say if the arm came out with the head or immediately after, but Nichole’s body gently birthed her baby into the water at 4:52AM.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/572333994?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="The Home Water Birth of Taylor" width="640"></iframe></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The baby only stayed submerged for a moment before Nichole and Eric lifted it up into Nichole’s arms. The excitement, pride, and gratitude in that room was palpable at that moment. Everyone basking in the glow where Nichole, Eric, and their new baby were the center.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I feel balls,” Nichole declared, and sure enough, Eric checked himself and announced, “It’s a boy!” Later, Nichole would say, “Looks like Mama’s still the queen in this castle!” Nichole and Eric were now the proud parents of three little boys.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1vEzZHJrhbjLH9_1nUxrLxYUCo-cBwAkc6BbI2j_u7kEWwEtxigRJySfrQ_cLMR4brVDaE2Tu_ZPTB48iDddsdwtp0mOd7FkkNhLmfAH0Tq3KTcdw62jvW38RXUpClfZMxmHDKZ4hIAu/s2048/Taylor-23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1vEzZHJrhbjLH9_1nUxrLxYUCo-cBwAkc6BbI2j_u7kEWwEtxigRJySfrQ_cLMR4brVDaE2Tu_ZPTB48iDddsdwtp0mOd7FkkNhLmfAH0Tq3KTcdw62jvW38RXUpClfZMxmHDKZ4hIAu/w640-h426/Taylor-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the sun rose and the morning grew brighter and brighter, the boys awakened to meet their new baby brother, a moment that is always near to Heaven in my experience. The midwives did their checks, Alyssa made sure Nichole had something to eat and drink, and everyone helped tidy up while the Pach family began bonding with their new little one.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s always a little difficult for me to leave this moment. It’s pure love. Unselfish to the very core. Nichole literally gave her own blood for this child, and for those other two brothers now, staring wide-eyed and smiling with wonder at their new brother. But even though it’s hard, I know how special and sacred this moment is, and it’s time for me to let them have that moment to themselves. I turned back one more time to look at them before I left, and what I saw can be described in one word.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Joy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAcVOUyahjLt3VJGHP4nmklpDxKIOMnUGtlFmu6MrVkkUMGnjBQuVPSOj5O2-Jrp2kFnNObt9vyNLl2dKAM_sUqh4meDxgwV9Efp7DQXAx4dFB4_uxAB-HxyMrmJCt8yoggb-YsbP-7Rf/s1920/Pach+family01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAcVOUyahjLt3VJGHP4nmklpDxKIOMnUGtlFmu6MrVkkUMGnjBQuVPSOj5O2-Jrp2kFnNObt9vyNLl2dKAM_sUqh4meDxgwV9Efp7DQXAx4dFB4_uxAB-HxyMrmJCt8yoggb-YsbP-7Rf/w640-h360/Pach+family01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8dTkH-cczybGXczP9aAlw9flevV9rfYQlCdIlbccOFCUb83lIuBA18AGLJklB0e923gzhe5aaV9MJqVZKTEiVHF9mI3aKYqNnM7rKoOhkJDf0GXYPxDwhLRKy6qgwN6wtIjXK5fdIkVb/s2048/Taylor-34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8dTkH-cczybGXczP9aAlw9flevV9rfYQlCdIlbccOFCUb83lIuBA18AGLJklB0e923gzhe5aaV9MJqVZKTEiVHF9mI3aKYqNnM7rKoOhkJDf0GXYPxDwhLRKy6qgwN6wtIjXK5fdIkVb/w426-h640/Taylor-34.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a doula, birth photographer, and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a birth documenter for your birth? Visit susanjoyaz.com and leave an inquiry!</div></div><p></p>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-80091064619863413912021-07-21T14:50:00.003-06:002022-04-08T13:41:16.764-06:00Why do some women choose to birth at home?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HueU73mNY7X6MME782CkWUb-2pFBOpwjfYkzl1VNQ5YYPfDQC5_gqqGiSmfK1sbhQz3pChEw6DOngqpVIwLt11d-iIU1315yUPzZ6ZZVI_S_5RkBVgz9UDRYr7lVPDLcDC1Omwa1R16X/s2048/Taylor-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HueU73mNY7X6MME782CkWUb-2pFBOpwjfYkzl1VNQ5YYPfDQC5_gqqGiSmfK1sbhQz3pChEw6DOngqpVIwLt11d-iIU1315yUPzZ6ZZVI_S_5RkBVgz9UDRYr7lVPDLcDC1Omwa1R16X/s16000/Taylor-10.jpg" /></a></div><p>I remember hearing about a parent of one of my students when I was student teaching in a first-grade classroom who had delivered all of her babies at home and thinking - I'm now ashamed to admit - how barbaric that was. *insert palm-forehead emoji here*</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Now, with several birth experiences under my belt and a broader understanding of birth, let me tell you why some women choose to birth at home.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEYJEWTq8b4qrtqVR4GWSc8c8GyW5gcwrE5SlV6IiZX3i5SG1ZhzbZnLLQUr7bkW3zFel3fycY2Uiu7RUJ5wtv9BU27YZ016SDbJIngl-QE7Ct2-cKf_U-7VZfvSVBGcm07GQEf5tJpHN/s2048/Taylor-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEYJEWTq8b4qrtqVR4GWSc8c8GyW5gcwrE5SlV6IiZX3i5SG1ZhzbZnLLQUr7bkW3zFel3fycY2Uiu7RUJ5wtv9BU27YZ016SDbJIngl-QE7Ct2-cKf_U-7VZfvSVBGcm07GQEf5tJpHN/w427-h640/Taylor-26.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>You don't have to go anywhere.</b></p><p>This is a motivator for several reasons. Not only is your bed either under you already or just a few feet away for you to crawl into with your brand new baby once they're born, but being in a place where you are comfortable and relaxed plays a major role in the length of your labor. Oftentimes, labor will slow down or stall when a woman goes from laboring at home to the hospital because it is an unfamiliar place that is designed for sterility and lighting - although I would be remiss if I didn't credit many hospitals, doctors, and nurses who are working to change the atmosphere of their delivery rooms.</p><p><b>You don't have to worry about childcare.</b></p><p>You may want to have a family member on call to watch your older children while you birth during the day, but if your baby decides to come in the night as many do, then no problem! Plus, seeing their tiny, tired faces in the morning when they have a brand new baby in the house is priceless.</p><p><b>You are in control of who is present for your birth</b></p><p>Especially with COVID-19 restrictions in the last year, this is a major factor in many parent's decision to birth at home It's also comforting to know who will be in your space as you progress through your labor, which is - obviously - and incredibly intimate and vulnerable time. You're also able to communicate your birth plan and wishes with all who will be present so that you know that everyone is on the same page.</p><p><b>You want to have an unmedicated birth experience with little to no interventions.</b></p><p>This is more likely to be achieved where interventions are not present, and therefore, not an option.</p><p><b>You want a more intimate and connected experience with your partner, provider, and other members of your birth team.</b></p><p>Midwives attend home births and spend a good amount of time getting to know you, educating you, and developing a relationship with you. Your partner becomes an invaluable member of the team as your support and the person person who has all the brass-tacks information. He also has the opportunity to catch your baby.</p><p><b>You want to recover at home.</b></p><p>Surrounded by things you're familiar with, people you love, not worried about having left something that you need at home, bathe in your own shower, and not having to be awakened every 30 minutes to be checked on. You get to begin bonding as a family immediately. And all of your post-natal checkups are conducted in your own home, so no worries about doctors offices, babysitting, or getting everything in the car.</p><p><b>You get to prepare your birth space.</b></p><p>When you are stressed or in an unfamiliar place and unfamiliar things are happening to you, your body enters fight or flight mode. This state of being causes your body to defer energy towards the things that will help it to either fight or flee. Neither of these responses are appropriate for birth, nor are they helpful or necessary. At home, you can listen to your birth playlist, hang up empowering/meaningful birth affirmations and artwork/photos that inspire you, light a candle or heat oils with the scents that you like best, dim the lights, and create the ambiance that you want for your birthing experience. It feels familiar and it feels safe.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6TeJTqX1d7h_kFhMN0WMMztzmPepAEo9ES2mznDnMmZ194MApUYIVcLApzjl8pN7VfOt7u-wVk8O2Z0oCz9Tr0pnfHfOvF4xmP4nm54LtTlaSdafh6Z37Ka5ZzULhk_9uZFxWaPLRIIE/s2048/Taylor-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6TeJTqX1d7h_kFhMN0WMMztzmPepAEo9ES2mznDnMmZ194MApUYIVcLApzjl8pN7VfOt7u-wVk8O2Z0oCz9Tr0pnfHfOvF4xmP4nm54LtTlaSdafh6Z37Ka5ZzULhk_9uZFxWaPLRIIE/w640-h426/Taylor-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The first time I attended a home birth was the first time I really saw how calm, peaceful, prepared, and fearless a birth could be. Planning a home birth requires more than visits to your OB. It requires careful planning and promotes birth education and preparedness. Not just for you, but everyone in your family. You become a team with a goal, and feeling that connection and sense of purpose with others is one of the best parts of giving birth. Even though you're ultimately the one who has to deliver your baby, you never feel truly alone.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/572333994?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" title="The Home Water Birth of Taylor" width="640"></iframe></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>NOW! Some answers from YOU! I asked in my Instagram Stories why some women would choose to deliver at home and here's what you said!</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To be comfortable.</li><li>To be in control.</li><li>To feel safe.</li><li>To be in an environment that supports my birth plans.</li><li>It's a sacred moment that I want to keep sacred. Also, the ability to advocate for myself is higher.</li><li>To watch your babies first breath in your own home!</li><li>More comfortable, no car rides while in labor, kitchen filled with food (I got so hungry in labor).</li><li>Everyone comes to you, you don't have to worry about cleanup, no waiting to be admitted.</li><li>You can have anyone you want there.</li><li>More control on the temperature.</li><li>Comfort.</li><li>Peace... no machines or wires or hard bed. I'd be left to labor in peace.</li><li>You can control who is doing your care and are less likely to encounter yucky providers or nurses. A benefit for all, but especially for POC and American Indian/Alaskan Native women. Visit <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6835a3.htm?s_cid=mm6835a3_w">this page</a> from the CDC's website for more information.</li><li>The experience is honored more with home birth providers.</li><li>To have more control over what treatments and vaccines are given to my baby.</li><li>Don't want to have to get up and leave my house during labor time to go to a new location.</li><li>Comfort of being home. ACTUALLY having skin to skin time!</li><li>I wanted a water birth and the hospitals around me don't "allow" you to give birth in the water.</li><li>Because birth isn't a medical event. And just like most things in my life, I do them at home.</li></ul><p></p><p>Whatever you decide to do, whether hospital, birth center, or home birth, good luck, Mama!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqtf__gEmi2m_rTuszWeK5riRxT6JaoeCkRD1vzzAxMRLTIew8zgamgDoZqoavYhusqKSxz_Y6VHBIsbhGjSWyy6PkA8dSViaUp0JRQZnTREU-UlN_6QF12ygDa-eGktRV_E1jbHE-c-y/s2048/Taylor-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqtf__gEmi2m_rTuszWeK5riRxT6JaoeCkRD1vzzAxMRLTIew8zgamgDoZqoavYhusqKSxz_Y6VHBIsbhGjSWyy6PkA8dSViaUp0JRQZnTREU-UlN_6QF12ygDa-eGktRV_E1jbHE-c-y/w426-h640/Taylor-13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a doula, birth photographer, and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a birth documentor for your birth? Visit susanjoyaz.com and leave an inquiry!</div></div><p></p>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-49297200204473373442021-02-24T13:01:00.001-07:002022-04-08T13:41:27.747-06:00Should I Choose Lifestyle Newborn Photos?<p> A few days ago, I asked my Instagram followers which session photos they liked better, lifestyle or wrapped/posed, and the majority voted lifestyle, but there may be a few of you out there who aren't sure, so let me talk to you about that for a sec.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxHhAHoNAktyQr06zfkog-iOdgbje-ecJfkvsvUirq8bdicSV6en6ILxdVClnPPktDzWJTr_G_v2h6xW9E3SQOny6fI2kocjqcncu-9Xj79H5eHTfjZDCvOPMB6Hl2QDOFBBUzQhHgQMR/s960/Nixon+blog-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxHhAHoNAktyQr06zfkog-iOdgbje-ecJfkvsvUirq8bdicSV6en6ILxdVClnPPktDzWJTr_G_v2h6xW9E3SQOny6fI2kocjqcncu-9Xj79H5eHTfjZDCvOPMB6Hl2QDOFBBUzQhHgQMR/s16000/Nixon+blog-1.jpg" /></a></div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p><b>What are the pros of a lifestyle photo session?</b></p><p>The best thing about lifestyle newborn session is the emotion. It's more about the feeling with these photos that typically work with natural light, utilizing angles and shadows to create that kind of "drama" that you see in the photos.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB_pysfPfLyhPPoPqYg0RfxCVaveFqxAzPLkIgqtUftYTGie9cm-qyTdz-qSrLvScDsLfINVnxGV0JGHxsDcKPYpQfgoa4KbZRWmcXvgZRznvMO-apNey9hcSvIUn1kbUZkvK_KAyReWd/s960/Nixon+blog3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB_pysfPfLyhPPoPqYg0RfxCVaveFqxAzPLkIgqtUftYTGie9cm-qyTdz-qSrLvScDsLfINVnxGV0JGHxsDcKPYpQfgoa4KbZRWmcXvgZRznvMO-apNey9hcSvIUn1kbUZkvK_KAyReWd/s16000/Nixon+blog3-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>An added element with lifestyle newborn photos is that they can be taken in your own home. You document not only what your baby looked like before they grew so rapidly, but the place they grew up in, and that's pretty special. PLUS! You get to be in the photos, too! Imagine your child growing up seeing pictures of the love in your eyes as you're looking at them.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywu93nWA4eTfTX-qYsSAF8j4y8sV6rCUzqoDaYMMhI7Cf3HLAuXcetkfk1p-pyZxiwqaXkFbeqnVTAZyALM-AdY_R7YqcN7K0AmT3qtAvtwZ6xthuZqh4SKy9F6N6bTLKqcWn4o0yH5FF/s960/Nixon+blog6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywu93nWA4eTfTX-qYsSAF8j4y8sV6rCUzqoDaYMMhI7Cf3HLAuXcetkfk1p-pyZxiwqaXkFbeqnVTAZyALM-AdY_R7YqcN7K0AmT3qtAvtwZ6xthuZqh4SKy9F6N6bTLKqcWn4o0yH5FF/s16000/Nixon+blog6-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>What are the drawbacks?</b></p><p>I think the most important thing to have when you're deciding on which newborn session you want is proper expectations. Part of what makes the really beautiful lifestyle sessions so beautiful is the house and decor. Now, this isn't to say that you must have a perfectly Pinterest-worthy home to get beautiful photos, but a nicely made bed and clutter-free room can go a long way. A finished nursery is a bonus.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3_UJsQV62Vk60EqjD9nEdO3wdc0Qw109RgHpRSrQJok49o9SqT3YhQkKtYjNDDKaQw-ms15lmNLYqtPCcEX0YTMPESNOLhfiVACuuTEl487VF27VYu5O7Z2_bYP2nxbhWwkXrdqlY6oK/s960/Nixon+blog2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3_UJsQV62Vk60EqjD9nEdO3wdc0Qw109RgHpRSrQJok49o9SqT3YhQkKtYjNDDKaQw-ms15lmNLYqtPCcEX0YTMPESNOLhfiVACuuTEl487VF27VYu5O7Z2_bYP2nxbhWwkXrdqlY6oK/s16000/Nixon+blog2-1.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Another possible drawback may be your lighting situation. Non-professional Artificial light is not ideal for lifestyle newborn photographers. It tends to make our photos turn an unpleasant yellow-orange color that's difficult to work with in post, which is why we depend on windows to let the light in. However, this can be maneuvered around if your photographer brings a flash. Just depends on your photographer's tools and abilities.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ45UdHNZVQJUQy9E_2y0iGW4YHLolJm4SnnPhlJ1YM2kGnospt4kgGn_AcU919H3Y3f53rXYwDinGq_TGQVn6fEzlPk9G-s0Wc0-ywXSE1wNmkZdZUuSO3fkcEqxEXmA0TJ1j_ke9Q3fI/s959/Nixon+blog8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ45UdHNZVQJUQy9E_2y0iGW4YHLolJm4SnnPhlJ1YM2kGnospt4kgGn_AcU919H3Y3f53rXYwDinGq_TGQVn6fEzlPk9G-s0Wc0-ywXSE1wNmkZdZUuSO3fkcEqxEXmA0TJ1j_ke9Q3fI/s16000/Nixon+blog8-1.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>So what should I do if I want a lifestyle newborn session?</b></p><p>The master bedroom is a popular spot for lifestyle newborn sessions for good reason. The bed makes a perfect spot for photos without mom and dad and offers a multitude of posing opportunities. Tidy up your bedroom so that there is nothing cluttering either side of the bed, open your windows WAY up, and make your bed (obviously). If you don't have the nicest bedspread, consider just having solid-colored sheets on your bed. ALSO, plan on wearing neutral colors yourself, and maybe a cute outfit for your babe (I'm a huge fan of <a href="https://www.loulouandcompany.com/">Lou Lou and Co</a>).</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivF3Z5MvdQ1Z51KeF7uPY8A4JKNV-R61J_-VK-w-EZ6QOvDosN-K-Yr2UnU_1XbElQLA-hOr4eWhqFumqdzFh8iNVcKemBKMhI8kctoVDS9hzu6L8mQfRmd1W9PNSCqq4wQbx7dyuYLfq2/s960/Nixon+blog4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivF3Z5MvdQ1Z51KeF7uPY8A4JKNV-R61J_-VK-w-EZ6QOvDosN-K-Yr2UnU_1XbElQLA-hOr4eWhqFumqdzFh8iNVcKemBKMhI8kctoVDS9hzu6L8mQfRmd1W9PNSCqq4wQbx7dyuYLfq2/s16000/Nixon+blog4-1.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Can I do both?</b></p><p>YES! I am a big fan of wrapped/styled photos as well as newborn photos and try to give my clients a bit of both, and if you've followed all of my suggestions in <a href="http://www.susanstange.com/2021/02/how-to-prep-for-your-in-home-newborn.html">this post,</a> there's a good chance we'll have time.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt7LWLRHygTnkcaZRm_jYJ3Ikl-guApcOKIfjhJ_ITjolUEUY35TpJ0J6q-n1__S0W85zL3GNGjKzTYT_X1WoktacJWE9p_w5o1S2JdSyHeqnZdNXMZ1AkDByih4qWiC5JXJyAsZMp22G/s960/Nixon+blog9-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIt7LWLRHygTnkcaZRm_jYJ3Ikl-guApcOKIfjhJ_ITjolUEUY35TpJ0J6q-n1__S0W85zL3GNGjKzTYT_X1WoktacJWE9p_w5o1S2JdSyHeqnZdNXMZ1AkDByih4qWiC5JXJyAsZMp22G/s16000/Nixon+blog9-1.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>So how are we feeling now? More educated? Confident? Prepared? Excited?</p><p>All of the above, I hope! The main thing to remember is that no matter which you decide on, you're doing an awesome thing by getting their photos professionally taken. They are going to look back on and love these photos forever. Can't wait to take them! <a href="http://susanjoyfilmandphoto.com">Susan Joy Film + Photo</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ckhyphenhyphen-CIqAMHko4javakheaSLamnueqwhst3CPfmIjy2b-AirN2-TWGo3hInOe-VTwnijzqrIVutCfL8-s0eyDYQf26u5ZDWvW9si5umaoaU8Xs5SmaBqFuZuECukKei6gFHx4xtAjxWZ/s960/Nixon+blog5-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ckhyphenhyphen-CIqAMHko4javakheaSLamnueqwhst3CPfmIjy2b-AirN2-TWGo3hInOe-VTwnijzqrIVutCfL8-s0eyDYQf26u5ZDWvW9si5umaoaU8Xs5SmaBqFuZuECukKei6gFHx4xtAjxWZ/s16000/Nixon+blog5-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a birth photographer and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a photographer for your birth? </div></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-75299502487775375592021-02-11T20:10:00.005-07:002022-04-08T13:41:35.607-06:00How to Choose Outfits for Family Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLT2U7Iq8_PQvFioQCyNXWcXnoQ3PKOGK3noUJ0mGtxKrIwFBZHnR2qMVEXV_4sZ3zskZaxL_iS50cvLJefryXooxZlmgwOgxdiRTbqhzOTrY4WH5Yu3UByWexJVuaOJbrxFx76Pwdg4E/s2048/overlay-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLT2U7Iq8_PQvFioQCyNXWcXnoQ3PKOGK3noUJ0mGtxKrIwFBZHnR2qMVEXV_4sZ3zskZaxL_iS50cvLJefryXooxZlmgwOgxdiRTbqhzOTrY4WH5Yu3UByWexJVuaOJbrxFx76Pwdg4E/s16000/overlay-1.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>A while back, I made this reel to quickly communicate my tips for choosing outfits for family photos.<span></span></p><p><br /></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CIhXurUBlsK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CIhXurUBlsK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CIhXurUBlsK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Arizona Birth Photographer (@susanjoyfilmandphoto)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><br /><p></p><p>I made it back in November when I was pulling together outfits for my own family pictures, and was pretty proud of what I was able to put together!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0VhBtnxFrsb4VuWMzWzoB3ZjREeNEOz5a3jlwGvmifeGTYc8GH_w4yqSNteZPGn8ipZOGM0700elFwCKldocexwQTl675kfSdJ8H-bVQ8vKa11EZQYNBb5SxZeaLdGf9b_gW7c1faZKu/s2048/Stange+Parents-8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0VhBtnxFrsb4VuWMzWzoB3ZjREeNEOz5a3jlwGvmifeGTYc8GH_w4yqSNteZPGn8ipZOGM0700elFwCKldocexwQTl675kfSdJ8H-bVQ8vKa11EZQYNBb5SxZeaLdGf9b_gW7c1faZKu/w426-h640/Stange+Parents-8.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p>But there are a few extra tips that I wasn't able to include in the reel. Look, I know choosing outfits can be frustrating, but over the years, I've learned a few tips that can help. Here come the bullet points!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez3Pk4CPaMbCDgPktXKppEJtAoD__O6_DmsGKGoLGQk7XVS9pIQO9fTL-QRpN637egnGFCBnLq9n-ltRwav5Nt1W7EppIR1vb1v1CMyo5yA-QtEnsV8uy9QFMLo5rIbOd_8BuaKxQECP9/s2048/Stange+kids-23.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez3Pk4CPaMbCDgPktXKppEJtAoD__O6_DmsGKGoLGQk7XVS9pIQO9fTL-QRpN637egnGFCBnLq9n-ltRwav5Nt1W7EppIR1vb1v1CMyo5yA-QtEnsV8uy9QFMLo5rIbOd_8BuaKxQECP9/w426-h640/Stange+kids-23.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Find a color palette you like - this can usually be accomplished by searching "family photos" or even "color palettes" on Pinterest.</li><li>From that color palette, choose 2-3 colors that you like other than neutrals (whites, grays, black, tan, etc.)</li><li>You can use multiple shades of those colors, and supplement with 1 or 2 neutral colors. Try to avoid colors that are <i>too</i> similar.</li><li>Use what you have - Look through your, and your kid's closets and see if you already have those colors in there. You don't HAVE to buy everyone new outfits... unless you want to. ;)</li><li>Make sure you've chosen an outfit FOR YOURSELF that YOU LIKE, then style around yourself.</li><li>Lay out your outfits on the floor or the bed layered like you guys are posed in a family photo. Switch items of clothing around to try different looks.</li><li>Make sure you get a good balance of light and dark on shirts and pants (not all dark pants, not all light shirts).</li><li>Don't be afraid to play with layering (jackets, vests, cardigans, etc.) and textures (knits, leather, corduroy, etc.).</li><li>Ask a friend (or your photographer) for help! Sometimes, all you need is another pair of eyes. I ALWAYS call up my friend Mariasha to help me decide on my outfits and it really helps!</li><li>Remember that the most important part of your family pictures are YOU. The outfits are fun and help create a beautiful, artistic image, but if you have to rearrange people because their outfit colors are <i>not quite</i> the same, it's okay.</li></ul><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">**extra tip: if you're going to be outdoors, bring extra shoes to walk in if yours aren't suited for terrain, and if it's cooler weather, bring warm coats/jackets/blankets for in-between shots.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>After that, it's all about enjoying yourselves. The best family photos are the ones where families are playing together and just having fun.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnhCeMJsHpqvHWZgi1SJDiivPEuDzY5EOPopTxXP1u-cDzQj1YktSqiYBHLKKEQLaKEjQUENEMYZJvEN-MVA9MWNHEgdRdIZFvGrhQbQLlFhZ2Xhf0a-E84cfHrGexx8ip8WXbdFtMRD3/s2048/Stange+Family-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnhCeMJsHpqvHWZgi1SJDiivPEuDzY5EOPopTxXP1u-cDzQj1YktSqiYBHLKKEQLaKEjQUENEMYZJvEN-MVA9MWNHEgdRdIZFvGrhQbQLlFhZ2Xhf0a-E84cfHrGexx8ip8WXbdFtMRD3/w426-h640/Stange+Family-5.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck, my friends, and if you happen to live in Arizona, visit my <a href="http://susanjoyfilmandphoto.com" target="_blank">website</a> and let's set up a session!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgrHSggaT69afyCM0n8y1_9q3MJ35GmmynpuInggswCUFGHwREpalrMmueb3LP0dZqbTEWfCjT1XfPiz1wzGlPHyDmUVV6Bchiq_paHAr6uc37weeJ2mIIP2CjFeLtVpnczqH9QE3tFuH/s2048/Stange+Mom+Headshots-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgrHSggaT69afyCM0n8y1_9q3MJ35GmmynpuInggswCUFGHwREpalrMmueb3LP0dZqbTEWfCjT1XfPiz1wzGlPHyDmUVV6Bchiq_paHAr6uc37weeJ2mIIP2CjFeLtVpnczqH9QE3tFuH/w426-h640/Stange+Mom+Headshots-2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a birth photographer and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a photographer for your birth? <a href="https://susanjoyfilmandphoto.com/contact">Contact Susan for EDD availability.</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-229960652769186392021-02-02T20:26:00.003-07:002022-04-08T13:41:42.953-06:00How to prep for your in-home newborn session<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8S9E1s-m1JjN8u6EXXRPbbKz_hx0tjzAIO4Hc2b8zdvpSILLJLJlcEohkEAaImzvBnD_N2cwngZkFidtwXhOnB1hi_I1FWGaXoFC9oY9_0p4Q6EfznAHHpuuHVTadB0Oc6JUfBeL7cy4D/s2048/Luca+and+Noxx-28.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8S9E1s-m1JjN8u6EXXRPbbKz_hx0tjzAIO4Hc2b8zdvpSILLJLJlcEohkEAaImzvBnD_N2cwngZkFidtwXhOnB1hi_I1FWGaXoFC9oY9_0p4Q6EfznAHHpuuHVTadB0Oc6JUfBeL7cy4D/s16000/Luca+and+Noxx-28.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Inviting a photographer into your home for a newborn session may be one of the best decisions you've made since packing adult diapers in your birthing bag! They bring everything to you, newborn care is mostly handled for you for 1-2 hours, and you get a show of overwhelming adorableness all from the comfort of your own couch.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBY17yciM6sOkG0C6b3ChX0NwmZav2peLYoBmcbcaRd4nvaJGBVUg4h21H2ly5hlcliVX_tjvM8eqbFtPE1IrfZhO2zeQB7C0CkTDUErGJnWNGUHEn-z1bJSDXJaa9BGmjm-Zx9t0wLQK/s2048/William-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBY17yciM6sOkG0C6b3ChX0NwmZav2peLYoBmcbcaRd4nvaJGBVUg4h21H2ly5hlcliVX_tjvM8eqbFtPE1IrfZhO2zeQB7C0CkTDUErGJnWNGUHEn-z1bJSDXJaa9BGmjm-Zx9t0wLQK/w640-h426/William-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I decided to learn the skill/art of newborn photography from the incredible Ashley Bridgewater (located in Southeastern Idaho - look her up) because, to be honest, they intimidated me! But I have learned that one of the most important things you can do as a newborn photographer is creating the right conditions for success.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uLMXebYIidiI2kAPKZHER03nxDbg_dK5G0qwLFSlKs1bFBScynwL1rWiMUxgSOr1QyiqJ2pEWfIdcx5moMqSousbJo55A2d7gW2BSpALdYgfZQQ2vl3lHIDwHKqLOj3adYRhONNR0U7O/s2048/Luca+and+Noxx-59.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uLMXebYIidiI2kAPKZHER03nxDbg_dK5G0qwLFSlKs1bFBScynwL1rWiMUxgSOr1QyiqJ2pEWfIdcx5moMqSousbJo55A2d7gW2BSpALdYgfZQQ2vl3lHIDwHKqLOj3adYRhONNR0U7O/s16000/Luca+and+Noxx-59.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While the photographer does her job to learn how to securely wrap babies, safely pose, gather wraps, and employ soothing techniques, much of the preparation depends on the parents. If this sounds overwhelming, don't stress just yet. Most of these tips are pretty simple, AND... I have bullet points.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">HOW TO PREP FOR YOUR IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSION:</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiTRDKyy8vDdmR4Ph0rEDmb4_eZQXNcsfgWC174PShXPgnALkAqGOtBZu_nBoXBhKOH_QhNdoYgrVs11-UYjVb5ruAMZ7-nBXudzPQb-kQcc-mcRMUT7IKSoF471HmpGNM5oM-MKXpK8n/s2048/Harvey+newborn+bw-15.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAiTRDKyy8vDdmR4Ph0rEDmb4_eZQXNcsfgWC174PShXPgnALkAqGOtBZu_nBoXBhKOH_QhNdoYgrVs11-UYjVb5ruAMZ7-nBXudzPQb-kQcc-mcRMUT7IKSoF471HmpGNM5oM-MKXpK8n/w640-h426/Harvey+newborn+bw-15.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Choose a room/wall where you think you get the most light to use as the "studio" and keep that area tidy.</li><li>Open the blinds/windows wide open to let in as much light as possible, and turn off any electric lights.</li><li>Give baby a bath 1 hour before the session, include a little lotion-ing sesh immediately afterwards.</li><li>Keep baby undressed down to a dry diaper.</li><li>Begin breastfeeding/bottle feed baby 15-30 minutes before.</li><li>Turn the thermostat up to 80 degrees about 10 minutes before the session.</li><li>Keep lotion and wipes/tissues nearby for poop, eye boogers, and other little messes.</li><li>Prepare any sentimental items you'd like implemented beforehand and keep them nearby.</li></ul><div>Additional notes:</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mother, plan to stay mostly hands-off during the session as babies sense of smell is almost super-human. I will take care of your baby and will ask for assistance if necessary.</li><li>Sometimes babies cry. While I will never put your baby in a dangerous or compromising position, dressing, undressing, wrapping, etc. can sometimes result in some temporary unhappiness.</li><li>I like to include parents/family in some of the photos I take for newborn sessions (I consider myself a mix of posed-newborn and lifestyle newborn photographer), so if it's important to you - and if you have the energy for it - get yourselves dressed up to your comfort level.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>And there ya have it! The times my clients have followed these steps, we have had successful sessions with very sleepy, happy babies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHBN_a2kli1xOJ5_XU9UWws536m8F1Erk4QArivMkk658lXDAnwB4kLIvoFwWlw7xq-2xQ0wssyncZ-tQyWph5XphBEvLSVA9i8kvTAfgIlEIlhCi6m54rnQULOb6eCFQjq583uMvQeVp/s2048/Bristol-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHBN_a2kli1xOJ5_XU9UWws536m8F1Erk4QArivMkk658lXDAnwB4kLIvoFwWlw7xq-2xQ0wssyncZ-tQyWph5XphBEvLSVA9i8kvTAfgIlEIlhCi6m54rnQULOb6eCFQjq583uMvQeVp/w640-h426/Bristol-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Good luck mamas and papas! I can't wait to see you and your beautiful babies!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a birth photographer and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a photographer for your birth? <a href="https://susanjoyfilmandphoto.com/contact">Contact Susan for EDD availability.</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-40282258246002029942020-11-20T07:00:00.002-07:002022-04-08T13:41:51.042-06:00WEDDING | The Wedding Bridals, Ceremony, and Reception of Jamison and Audrey 10.10.20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7BLigJk_TtDen0plbBJIkakOYQm-vb9y1bhLM-Yg42uPi2Xn-Uw-ACi8QpI3hEehGMDhRD5GqvyfWsZqxs3mNwFwslDt7rgi2YLZkJyU6hnK5ejK4SOL4JzBjrRYunsgsuntmD1ALzuO/s1920/Jamison+and+Audrey+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7BLigJk_TtDen0plbBJIkakOYQm-vb9y1bhLM-Yg42uPi2Xn-Uw-ACi8QpI3hEehGMDhRD5GqvyfWsZqxs3mNwFwslDt7rgi2YLZkJyU6hnK5ejK4SOL4JzBjrRYunsgsuntmD1ALzuO/w640-h360/Jamison+and+Audrey+03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Do you know how many times I have said, "I will never do a wedding?" Neither do I. Because I've said it many, many times. Never say "never," right?</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>I decided to step out of my comfort zone because Audrey and her family are new neighbors and I thought I'd like to give it a shot. I made sure I communicated clearly that I have never done a wedding before and tried to set their expectations properly, then did everything I possibly could to do a good job for them. Thankfully, I have friends in the wedding industry (thank you <a href="https://www.forevermoremedia.com/">Forevermore Media</a>!) who were willing to give me some tips and advice.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIrGPs6_D5NGXGwUOL8YCuJW6-tKStEEDkYETc98AFt9SJUbeVy5M7YAaYj5xj9ETDFkZjTqUe2M0i-Mtki_LUO5_imywjnST4RHH4bxYhBRxXM1py2OVj2-CJIIqlFwoNVXZYCtgubO6/s1920/Audrey+still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIrGPs6_D5NGXGwUOL8YCuJW6-tKStEEDkYETc98AFt9SJUbeVy5M7YAaYj5xj9ETDFkZjTqUe2M0i-Mtki_LUO5_imywjnST4RHH4bxYhBRxXM1py2OVj2-CJIIqlFwoNVXZYCtgubO6/w640-h360/Audrey+still.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>If you've ever wondered why Wedding Videographers "charge and arm and a leg" for their services, take my word for it, they earn every single penny. Feel free to send me a PM and I'll tell you all about it, but that's not what I want to talk about today. Today, I want to talk about Jamison and Audrey.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oAOQfhOhGCcMDJkdNeSSmIMH5p1-Z-ciWSM42cbjF5CmBykQjeSgUFhTOACEEQbr_MjypZ8VJld9HzxEJI_8dPiwl_e3JN-GtdZrVuO8ZXImtCoIZye1U85c0lYW-TjXdrpip6bVz4Y3/s1920/Jamison+and+Audrey+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oAOQfhOhGCcMDJkdNeSSmIMH5p1-Z-ciWSM42cbjF5CmBykQjeSgUFhTOACEEQbr_MjypZ8VJld9HzxEJI_8dPiwl_e3JN-GtdZrVuO8ZXImtCoIZye1U85c0lYW-TjXdrpip6bVz4Y3/w640-h360/Jamison+and+Audrey+01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Getting to know Jamison and Audrey was like eating a Fruit Gusher. You like it at first, but then you REALLY like it once you take a bite... I'm not saying you should bite either of them, of course, but I think you know what I mean. They're just extra cool the more you get to know them.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrmA7siLKZsxxVJsRdBo2j9fKXM5gW0FKS8Bx6dJNcxJYiyerYsAvQ16bLjOQSNlaV63kbszeBWWanqpacMZHis9o46P0A-dkOJcJQU_A1w9IWhd1bsTg6dn0ilkbaj85dM4BPAkQGr5v/s1920/Jamison+and+Audrey+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrmA7siLKZsxxVJsRdBo2j9fKXM5gW0FKS8Bx6dJNcxJYiyerYsAvQ16bLjOQSNlaV63kbszeBWWanqpacMZHis9o46P0A-dkOJcJQU_A1w9IWhd1bsTg6dn0ilkbaj85dM4BPAkQGr5v/w640-h360/Jamison+and+Audrey+05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Audrey couldn't have picked more perfect colors to suit her gentle personality and her femininity. Her vows to Jamison were sincere, and pure. Even while she prepared for her wedding, she still made time for her little nephew who sprinkled flower petals as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcfNJaQ6RU4S-PobtcUs8baXAKK6ARJhMZ0tCuak4y2REWExqNagu1bCZIbPe8ei5g8QkTLu7z81S9nylV6AxdT2CC0N939E7jOYirpGxC6vkqy8dBawuoAkQiKpPH3rUrEBVQ6IPbGAl/s1920/Jamison+and+Audrey+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcfNJaQ6RU4S-PobtcUs8baXAKK6ARJhMZ0tCuak4y2REWExqNagu1bCZIbPe8ei5g8QkTLu7z81S9nylV6AxdT2CC0N939E7jOYirpGxC6vkqy8dBawuoAkQiKpPH3rUrEBVQ6IPbGAl/w640-h360/Jamison+and+Audrey+06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Jamison complimented Audrey perfectly. His vows were layered in themes of love and protection while also communicating gratitude for her love and protection as well.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg9JHW9s3XL74QJW69Q5hGM4ee31N5s38zslcw66J3Ja3MeuUEdadINXw4zbCR_QVDwRF_m73lyJvT_bDGihy9n-eYEHUBiv963V8O8laCTU7rEMl4kwy_WD9EKIzTlJAKNZdgy1mst17/s1920/Jamison+and+Audrey+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg9JHW9s3XL74QJW69Q5hGM4ee31N5s38zslcw66J3Ja3MeuUEdadINXw4zbCR_QVDwRF_m73lyJvT_bDGihy9n-eYEHUBiv963V8O8laCTU7rEMl4kwy_WD9EKIzTlJAKNZdgy1mst17/w640-h360/Jamison+and+Audrey+04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Isn't pure love and commitment the most wonderful thing?</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/473747281" width="640"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a birth photographer and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a photographer for your birth? <a href="https://susanjoyfilmandphoto.com/contact">Contact Susan for EDD availability.</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775227394224968251.post-65978813669076070352020-11-17T12:44:00.007-07:002022-04-08T13:41:58.639-06:00COVID-19, business, and life-lately<p>I just went back and checked my recent blog posts and, NOPE! I never announced that we have MOVED from Utah to Arizona! I'll go ahead and announce that now...</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">WE HAVE MOVED TO ARIZONA!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdlLSa_A8T3Vo5_WHvwl8YmPxEDfjRbcfRBmSZncbu4jvQYIs2o-zn9nH2liuSeQbA5CFAnKDfGE03DUyYFkHl13GqoX2At3aPxwrBztiAjwBPRcWcCVUnC7eC0juEf5GgZmUkXKuGzc8/s2048/GCS-9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdlLSa_A8T3Vo5_WHvwl8YmPxEDfjRbcfRBmSZncbu4jvQYIs2o-zn9nH2liuSeQbA5CFAnKDfGE03DUyYFkHl13GqoX2At3aPxwrBztiAjwBPRcWcCVUnC7eC0juEf5GgZmUkXKuGzc8/w426-h640/GCS-9.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span></span></b></p><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Where in Arizona?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">In the East Valley practically on the boarder of Mesa and Gilbert.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>When?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">On March 18th (a day or two after the random Earthquake in Utah and the day after I shot my first home birth!) we packed up our truck, with the help of our loving neighbors, and the next morning at 4:00 AM, we began the trek from Syracuse, Utah to Mesa, Arizona and our new home. We were greeted by MORE loving neighbors and my Uncle Mike, Aunt Debbie, cousins Zach, Annie, and Eliza and the truck was unloaded in 30 minutes. You read that right. 30. Minutes. I blame COVID and quarantine. Everyone was feeling pretty eager for any excuse to get out of their homes.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Why?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Last year around this time, I asked Andrew if he thought we'd spend the rest of our lives in Utah. He said he wasn't sure and that there were always job opportunities elsewhere. Shortly thereafter (a matter of days), Andrew was offered his boss's position as she was retiring. I told him we'd pray about it and think on it, then decide. God answered us in the form of a massive blizzard over Thanksgiving. I called Andrew as I was driving to Target on Black Friday and said, "Why don't you go ahead and ask me, RIGHT NOW, if I want to move to Arizona. Go ahead. Ask me." Andrew was in it for the job opportunity, and I was in it for the weather. Gloomy weather has always had an unhappy effect on me.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>How have you been liking it?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Despite this summer being the hottest summer since who knows when, I have absolutely loved it. My family has some really cool history here in the Valley. My Grandpa Vance was a farmer in Tempe where he and my Grandma raised my mom. Before them, it was My Grandpa Leonard and Grandma Josephine, and before them it was Grandpa John and Grandma Sarah Indiaetta Young Vance, the woman who delivered over 1,500 babies as a midwife and never lost a mother or a child. I feel incredibly close to them here and love that connection.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yoXq9Wgvri64fRlGtpyAgNNv8lhsdEOR1HSFge-xJNF9V2wDn8WZmOOq5wInEzLd4S5WOLUreyEB6xz3VqicLErdokKgXnjU_tAwtPPe1nFNGElHnhrsRTrYfGAStFnMZgGyxAPkg4bM/s2048/IMG_3219.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yoXq9Wgvri64fRlGtpyAgNNv8lhsdEOR1HSFge-xJNF9V2wDn8WZmOOq5wInEzLd4S5WOLUreyEB6xz3VqicLErdokKgXnjU_tAwtPPe1nFNGElHnhrsRTrYfGAStFnMZgGyxAPkg4bM/s320/IMG_3219.HEIC" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuei4B_eo_qr9zBjWHLrEmlmKIo9K9FgEpfNpwiW4HJGO9dxGX8qIWQT3ztw6a6b7G_MxI59XsTiO-FHTEOTO80aauXHDsiO_2AkMbs5Xr6G2dKaqOIGR-IXxfyQopaPsA-Sl_slfYfvhw/s391/Sarah+I.+V.+Young%255B4%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuei4B_eo_qr9zBjWHLrEmlmKIo9K9FgEpfNpwiW4HJGO9dxGX8qIWQT3ztw6a6b7G_MxI59XsTiO-FHTEOTO80aauXHDsiO_2AkMbs5Xr6G2dKaqOIGR-IXxfyQopaPsA-Sl_slfYfvhw/s320/Sarah+I.+V.+Young%255B4%255D.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>How's your house?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's an almost 20-year-old house and needs some updates here and there (we had to completely replace both AC units which was... fun), but I love it. I really, really do.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/480400814" width="640"></iframe><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>How's your neighborhood?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Amazing. The kids have been able to make some good friends up the street and around the neighborhood which is a huge blessing. I have also been able to find some friends in my neighborhood as well as in the birth community.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Speaking of birth, are you still doing birth photography?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">YES. I will not lie to you, it has been really, really, difficult to rebuild my business here and to be perfectly honest, I have not been to one birth since Utah. I count my financial blessings that Jordan had her baby right before I moved because without her session, I could not have afforded to stay afloat. I have done a few newborn sessions, a styled shoot, a couple of weddings (what?!), and some family sessions. I am, however, OFFICIALLY booked for my first home birth session in the next few weeks! I need to give my wonderful friend, Carey Lauren a huge s/o for being so encouraging and helpful in my journey. It's so tempting to have a competitive spirit with others in your same field/market, but Carey has done the exact opposite. I am incredibly grateful for her friendship.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>What's something you love about Arizona?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">There are so many things I love about Arizona. I love the warmth, the cactus, the pools, the occasional heavy downpours, the mountains and accompanying hiking, the sunsets, and the SKY. The sky here is incredible.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrdFaxNvy74F6BouCiUOi0INx4XbqxWBCaP_rGXgcNRfDcIQ7VnVJvtrPLo9kwz7db856QGD8HVCJIoIJ34otz-u6ITRqXjh7I6Tu7FTC33cjcbjFQN_CXhFUgIpnPzeKfGpyL3tQCp3a/s2048/IMG_4068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrdFaxNvy74F6BouCiUOi0INx4XbqxWBCaP_rGXgcNRfDcIQ7VnVJvtrPLo9kwz7db856QGD8HVCJIoIJ34otz-u6ITRqXjh7I6Tu7FTC33cjcbjFQN_CXhFUgIpnPzeKfGpyL3tQCp3a/w480-h640/IMG_4068.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>How are your kids doing?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">They miss Utah. Especially during the hot months, they mentioned how much they missed snow. Of course, now with it getting colder - especially in the mornings - they complain about how cold they are! Silly kids. But during the summer, we always visited my Uncle Mike's pool one or two times per week and that's what got us through.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway, the older girls are in school now and doing really well! Chelsea has made two really wonderful friends and one of those friends have younger siblings just Alexa and Barrett's age! They all get along wonderfully and it is a joy to have them all at my house. Truly.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Elise doesn't have much of an opinion on Utah vs. Arizona but seems to like it here. She doesn't really have any friends that she plays with, but she does haaaave... A DOG!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1pzR8rb-WNUAo3trJWBZxNxSD1QR00jJa73HY178LR5hyphenhypheng7QF8jyOoWQTKhofCZyate8xi9exaCIqD6LO5fAbT685cb_pl7E6xjf-dAbsBQ2-XvYqlNjV1Vrg26Nh0wJz8Mqn4_uOgPd/s2048/Tor-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1pzR8rb-WNUAo3trJWBZxNxSD1QR00jJa73HY178LR5hyphenhypheng7QF8jyOoWQTKhofCZyate8xi9exaCIqD6LO5fAbT685cb_pl7E6xjf-dAbsBQ2-XvYqlNjV1Vrg26Nh0wJz8Mqn4_uOgPd/w426-h640/Tor-8.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>A dog?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Yes, it's true. I conceded and we got a dog. His name is Tor. He's a Doberman and is so incredibly good with our children. They love him, but to be honest, I go back and forth... usually when I'm about to start my period... yeahhhhhh...</p><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway, we got him as a puppy and he was so cute and tiny! He's still a puppy, but he's not quite as cute or nearly as tiny. He should end up being around 80-100 pounds, so he will not be a little guy, which is good because we got him largely for security. Ne're-do-wellers, be warned...</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Do you miss Utah?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I miss the people that I love in Utah. Miss Mariasha, McKenzie, Pam, Sabrina, Ashley, Rachel, Kim, Liz, my Stake Center Fitness Friends, and my family, but the seasons? Nah. You can keep 'em. I've never been a huge fan of fall or winter.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LxXmsVQLkcxKAfrlMCamKs4E6U8Ne2-WLsiBo0jgcB9uu0AbUgG5JMZ87zpnH6p4uF_W5BCyMp6i3N5zbAs7x8zZdsdSLRxbTcKV_vwnT4XcCWVVf_zNP7hr3bCF0Kpv4MufQhKl0haF/s2048/extra-78.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LxXmsVQLkcxKAfrlMCamKs4E6U8Ne2-WLsiBo0jgcB9uu0AbUgG5JMZ87zpnH6p4uF_W5BCyMp6i3N5zbAs7x8zZdsdSLRxbTcKV_vwnT4XcCWVVf_zNP7hr3bCF0Kpv4MufQhKl0haF/w640-h426/extra-78.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_G6JyAB-lm8Ykr76Au_6oR6lbel1bc5cldYGHtYuf4u97TG-0_2Rzqdth5DKayiOibuSIlFi-7TiYxfymKHM6Yl310c5CCJ23NeenHdxAozaqWcjiyk7PZ2SAJEXpFkhDEuuDh-3IIGw/s2048/IMG_0620.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_G6JyAB-lm8Ykr76Au_6oR6lbel1bc5cldYGHtYuf4u97TG-0_2Rzqdth5DKayiOibuSIlFi-7TiYxfymKHM6Yl310c5CCJ23NeenHdxAozaqWcjiyk7PZ2SAJEXpFkhDEuuDh-3IIGw/w300-h400/IMG_0620.HEIC" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0tLe8vQOJ2Kc4tMMkcaFiH_hEN2hrcD8KwNWNdoLzKs4oGPabB68EdiHc3JdUHa9H6JMt1ZKOgeiz3hXAyWO9avkQhABP5lDuzl4N7TlypoxrvGvN9Phy-Ss0pna-Vf1NFJyZ92xM0PS/s2048/Mariasha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0tLe8vQOJ2Kc4tMMkcaFiH_hEN2hrcD8KwNWNdoLzKs4oGPabB68EdiHc3JdUHa9H6JMt1ZKOgeiz3hXAyWO9avkQhABP5lDuzl4N7TlypoxrvGvN9Phy-Ss0pna-Vf1NFJyZ92xM0PS/w266-h400/Mariasha.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>How can I help spread the word about your business in Arizona?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">How thoughtful of you to ask! ;) Referrals are my number one method of bookings so I really, truly appreciate all the sharing that you do. If you weren't aware, I have launched a new website for my business and have renamed it to Susan Joy Film + Photo. You can share my <a href="https://susanjoyfilmandphoto.com/" target="_blank">website</a> with your friends, my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susanjoyfilmandphoto" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, or my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/susanjoyfilmandphoto/" target="_blank">Instagram.</a> Anything helps!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Any other news?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Well, yes! Just one other thing. I am THIS close to becoming a certified doula! This means that my support will go beyond handling the creative captures and will also allow me to attend hospital births again! I am so excited to be able to serve the moms who feel shafted by COVID-19.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by today! To anyone new, welcome, and to everyone "old," thank you so much for all of your love and appreciation through the years. We are grateful for you.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Susan is a birth photographer and videographer serving Mesa, Arizona and surrounding cities in the East Valley including Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Considering a photographer for your birth? <a href="https://susanjoyfilmandphoto.com/contact">Contact Susan for EDD availability.</a></div><div><br /></div>Susan Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16466470581336351810noreply@blogger.com0