Arriving Earthside

Birth of Sloane

You would think after 4 and half years of being a doula that I would be kinda tired of watching birth videos. Nope!  My poor kids still have to warn their friends to avert their eyes if they walk by the computer while I am on it. Today I add another favorite to my list. The Home Birth of Sloane is very modest- no private parts shown. My favorite part through the whole thing is the father.  He is so intent on his wife. A beautiful example of two becoming one.
This beautiful laboring mother is an amazing example of patience, perseverance and trust. Trust in her body and trust with her beautiful birth team. Love her!!
This video also has one of the few times that I have seen cord burning. Instead of clipping the cord with scissors it is separated by the flame of two candles. To learn more visit www.cordburning.com

Home Birth of Sloane 

Birth Affirmation Video

What a find this is!! A midwife by the name of Jessica at Indigo Birth created this video of birth affirmations. Thank you!!

Birth photography at it's finest

My favorite birth photographer, Robin Baker, captured this gorgeous birth. Beautiful couple, beautiful baby, beautiful memories captured that will be treasured for ever. To see more of Robin's awesomeness check out her website Birth Blessings Photography .

The Process of Labor

This is a fantastic video that was created by a birth center in India, Healthy Mother Sactum. I love how this midwife demonstrates how a mother's movement affects the pelvis and aids with labor progress.

Pushing for first time moms

Wish that having a baby was as simple as the stork story?
The second stage of birth, or the pushing the baby out time, is one that puzzles first and often second time moms. "What does it feel like and how will I know how to push?" It is actually is my personal favorite time in labor. During the first stage we as laboring moms have to let go and let our bodies do what they are made to do.We have to breathe through the surges and move and rest in ways that bring comfort and feel right. The cool thing about the second stage is that we get to actively participate in bring our babies earthside. Please excuse the phrase, but it is kinda like throwing up. We have all experienced the urge to throw up- more then our fair share for those who get morning sickness. Its not something we come up with on our own and then make our bodies do- we are just pulled into it. Our bodies push out the contents of our stomach. Pushing out a baby is a very similar urge. In a weird way it actually feels good to be able to respond to the pushing urge.
 Gloria Lemay, a brilliant midwife, wrote a short article for Midwifery Today titled Pushing for First-Time Moms. She very clearly describes this incredible time in our labor. She also shares some external signs of progress in labor. A must read for all expectant couples! .

Pushing for First-Time Moms  by Gloria Lemay <---link class="subhead" font="" nbsp="" style="display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 0.4em;">

Episiotomy poem

I cheered out loud at the end of this video! Funny as heck video about episiotomy.  A must watch and enjoy for expectant couples!! "Throw those scissors down to the floor!"