Michelle's Homebirth
One might ask... "Why have a natural birth and go through all of that?” For me, the answer was easy. I had been blessed with the greatest gift of my life... a baby! I wanted to experience everything; especially my baby's birth! Just like all the other women who had gone before me and birthed their babies with strength and power, I wanted to experience the same. So, I prepared myself. I took Bradley (natural birthing) classes, practiced and taught Prenatal Yoga, and surrounded myself with supportive people and positive, natural birth stories. I stayed away from negative media; TV shows, internet, etc. I became physically and mentally prepared for my baby's birth. Our bodies are very wise. Just as my body knew how to create my baby, and give life to my baby for nine months, my body knew how to birth my baby. It is instinct within us. Women have been birthing babies for thousands of years, since the beginning of mankind. I was confident in my body's ability to birth my baby, and I was commited to my decision of natural birth. For me, I did not want to numb my body and be robbed of such an amazing experience. It's life-changing, empowering, and absolutely the most beautiful moment of a woman's life. In a second, we move from Woman to Mother. Nothing is greater than this!
Our Story
Friday, January 22, 2008
It all began...
5:30 pm - Jim arrived home from work and was surprised to hear that Michelle had been having contractions for about an hour. Since they were coming about 20 minutes apart, we went about our usual evening routine that included dinner and bedtime for our 3-year old little boy.
7:30 pm - The contractions were picking up a little... now 15 minutes apart. We called our Midwife and Doula to let them know that labor had started, and they told us to rest and call back when the contractions were about 5 minutes apart. At this point, we knew things were beginning to happen, so Jim filled the birth tub, and Michelle rested while listening to a relaxation CD.
11:00 pm - Michelle noticed a change in things when she had two contractions real close together. It was definitely time to call the Midwife and Doula, and they headed our way.
12:00 am - As heavy rains began to fall outside, Michelle moved to the birthing ball to rock a bit with the contractions. Soon our Midwife, Hope arrived followed by Cecilia, our Doula. After a while, Michelle decided she needed a quieter place, a place to focus and relax.
1:30 am - We moved to the birth tub, and the warm water offered a soothing place to relax. The two birth assistants soon arrived, followed by a good friend who took pictures and video. Our birth room was quiet, peaceful and very relaxing. Candles were lit and soft music played in the background. Everyone quietly respected the amazing journey taking place before them.
3:50 am - Raina Sky Baur made her peaceful entrance into this world, surrounded by pure joy and endless love. This picture says it all!
