My Son's Magical Birth Story

My son is one year old today! In the spirit of Pam England's #2 Way to Change Birth in Our Culture, I wrote a magical birth story for my daughter last month to celebrate her 3rd birthday. I decided to also write one for my son to celebrate his birth today.

My Son's Magical Birth Story

After we moved to a new state while I was pregnant with you, I found a really great obstetrician, Dr. I, who I knew would help us have the best birth possible. I was really looking forward to your birth, as I used Hypnobabies to prepare to have a gentle birth without having to use medication. The first time I listened to the Hypnobabies Special Place relaxation track, you became very active in the womb and I knew you wanted me to know you were your own unique spirit who would bring something special to our family.

The day before you were born, I felt a need to get the house ready for you, so I did some cleaning. When I woke up from taking a nap with your sister that afternoon, I began to feel the pressure waves telling me you were on your way to meet us. I listened to the Special Place track again and you moved a lot again during it and I felt very connected to you.

As your father drove me to the hospital late that night, it was cold, but clear out. Dr. I and our nurse Dianne did a wonderful job creating a calm atmosphere in the room where you would be born, just like I wanted. My womb was very close to completely opened when we arrived in the room. The water that surrounded you in the womb came out of the birth canal not long before you did. Your father's kisses helped me relax so that I could open the last bit I needed to for you to come out. You were truly born into a room full of love. With no medication numbing me, I felt very deeply "in the moment" as you came into the world into the hands of Dr. I. Before you were even all the way out, I reached down and grabbed you under your arms and pulled you up to me so that I could hold you. I was so happy you were here and so proud of myself for having a drug-free birth. Your dad did such an amazing job supporting me while I gave birth to you. He was so excited and proud to meet his first born son. You looked at him like you knew him already.

I hope you will learn from the example shown you by your father of how to love a wife, and grow up to be just as wonderful of a husband and father as he is.

I love you, my Little Man, Happy First Birthday!

Photo by Jordan and Chelsea (JCPhotography, Utah)

Three years ago today...

...I gave birth for the first time. That's right, my baby girl is three years old today. We are doing the celebration with a little party with a few friends on Saturday. I have spent a lot of time thinking and writing about her birth over the past three years--trying to understand exactly what happened and why it happened, how I felt and what caused me to feel that way. I even wrote a very extensive paper about it for my doula training course. In the end, I realize that it really was a good birth. Would I do some things differently if I were doing it all again with the knowledge I have now? Yes. But what happened is what happened and it was really not bad. I really was not adequately prepared for labor and I think that even without the pitocin, I would have needed to re-evaluate my plans for unmedicated birth when I got into active labor. I really believe that.

Pam England, author of Birthing From Within, has a blog called Birth Peeps. Her current theme for her blog is Fifty Ways to Change Birth in Our Culture. Change #2 was Tell Children A Magical Story of Their Birth, and I really love the idea.

So, here is my daughter's magical birth story:

I wanted to have the best chance at a great birth for you, so I switched to a group of midwives late in my pregnancy. I was supposed to try to see all the midwives at least once before you were born, but through some random chances, I ended up seeing, one midwife, Mindy, a lot more than any of the others. I think our Heavenly Father knew that you would be born when it was Mindy's turn to be at the hospital, and it was a blessing that she knew us as well as she did.

The night you were born was very dark and there was snow on the ground outside. Your dad and your Grandma were there in the room. The room had a big window with a view of the Mt. Timpanogos temple, which was all lit up. The curtains were open, and the light from the House of God guided you into the world.

When it was time for you to be born, my womb opened and you came down my birth canal and into midwife Mindy's hands. She put you on my belly. I was so happy you were here. I looked at the window, and I saw the reflection of me holding you, while the temple glowed in the distance. I pray that the Lord's Holy House will always be your guiding light.

I love you, Princess, Happy Birthday!

Photo 12/23/2010 by JC Photography