Maria Elena was born at home. In the most perfect way. I think my dad helped. He even made sure it was on a Saturday morning and the bakery was open so we could all have croissants while the sunlight streamed in through the windows. And there they were, the same feelings of awe that I felt at my dad’s passing, I felt at Maria Elena’s birth. Everyone was quiet, we knew the moment was sacred, we knew something big had just happened. I wondered where she came from, I reassessed my life. Gave thanks for my babies and my husband and for each breath I take.
Read MoreI was going, I couldn’t stop. Energy came from somewhere inside me, even when it seemed endless. I remember that, ironically enough, the only word I said in between pushes was “Mamma.”
Read MoreI delivered my little lady just before midnight on Boxing Day 2017. What an amazing experience. To feel my body perform such a magical feat was unreal.
Read MoreRachel shares two birth stories with us. Ciaràn was born when Rachel was in secondary school. Sixteen years later, baby sister Imogen Ivy was born in Lancashire, England.
Read MoreSometimes I imagine what this birth would have been like if all the people involved had been there exclusively for us. Explaining things to me, asking me how I was feeling, speaking in hushed voices, knowing when to talk or when to be silent. I would have felt like this work that I was doing was immensely important as opposed to a mere bother.
Read More"I truly did not feel anything - even though the monitor showed the contractions were at 75-90% intensity. The only way I knew I was having a contraction was the skin of my belly got tighter and harder (more than it already was at it's maxed out, 9 months state)." Amy tells us the story of Luke's birth in Virginia, USA.
Read MoreFinally, the birthing tub. That water was sent from God. Embracing me with its warmth. Angels whispered to me that I could do this. Hallelujah. I relaxed. My husband put a cool wet handkerchief on my forehead. I felt his strong presence. I knew my little girl was on her way.
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