Tips for having an all natural, non-medicated labor + birth

I do not like hospitals. I do not like going to the doctor. I literally get high blood pressure when I go for a routine check up. I used to dread getting my blood pressure taken for fear of it being a high number (and inevitably my anxiety and stress made it high). Anyway, when I got pregnant with my first baby Iย was super excited but then immediately scared about all the visits to the doctor, the needles, the poking + prodding and most of all the thought of having a c-section at the end of the whole thing. I was determined from the onset to have a natural labor and birth. Continue reading

Getting labor started… naturally!

pregnancy, induce labor naturally, new mama wellness, 39 weeks pregnant, baby bump
I am 39 weeks pregnant with my second baby. I feel like I’ve been waiting for this baby to come for sooooo long. It’s definitely a different feeling from the first time. I didn’t have expectations the first pregnancy and when I went into labor I had no idea how it would start and how long it would last- so I really didn’t think about it. Now all I can do is think about when it will start!!

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Third Trimester: The home stretch!

I am now officially a pregnant lady who makes grunting noises while putting on her snow boots! The belly is large and in charge and there is no mistaking that I am carrying a growing human. Aaron has a rule that he never ever makes a comment to a pregnant woman about her pregnancy even if its blatantly obvious because “you never know”! At this stage I am often approached by complete strangers who want to know “when are you due” or “do you know what your having” or “I can tell by the way you’re carrying that its a boy” or the classic tummy rub. I don’t mind the attention. I find it endearing when older men like my dad’s age want to talk about babies… you can tell they are grandpas or soon to be grandpas and are truly fascinated by the joy a new life brings to the world.

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Is hiring a doula worth it?

is hiring a doula worth it, labor, pregnancy,
The short answer, Hell yes. My experience giving birth was significantly enhanced by having a doula by my side. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term- the word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to aย trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.

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