May the sun rise up to meet you.

My friend sent me this article the other day. This is a controversial subject. When I followed some of the links, some women were actually disgusted by the idea of an orgasm during birth. Some women really value the separation that the hospital provides for them. They want the process to be handled and taken over, it makes them more comfortable. I am of course a total advocate for homebirth, however I am more an advocate for informed women making choices that are right for them. I believe that if a mother feels that she has control over her birth- whatever that might mean- then that’s the right route for her to take.
Personally, I don’t think that hormones used to induce or drugs used to kill pain are safe for either the mother or the baby, but do I have a right to take over for her and tell her that she has to take the natural route? No, I can only spread the word about my experience and hope to educate women about the alternative. Basically, women should always have rights in this process, and unfortunately many women are unknowingly stripped of these rights. I believe that they are lied to- they are told that their labors are unusual and unsafe, they are told that they are too late and that they will “have to induce”, they are told that their babies are too big to deliver, they are told by their friends and family that childbirth is too painful to handle, they are told that homebirth is unsafe and selfish, they are told that “if this were to happen then…” and are intentionally scared into taking invasive precautions.
I’m actually going to stop there- I wrote much more, but I think I want to include it in my birth story. Hopefully I’ll have it done in the next couple of days. I just started writing it today.

March 14th:
The weather just turned remarkably spring-like. It was so encouraging that me, Jeff and Doug (our friend who lives upstairs), went out walking as soon as Jeff got home from work. Vera does just great in the sling- I’ve been walking with her everyday as long as the wind isn’t too strong and cold.

March 15th:
I went to Value World and to a mom-to-mom sale with my friend Annie. I have always preferred buying used anyway, so this resolution is easier when it comes to most things (with the exception of pants). Anyway, I got Vera some really cute outfits for summer and early fall, and these nice wooden blocks. Buying used is also much cheaper, so it’s actually kind of a relief for our budget because I’m going to need new clothes soon and Vera is going to constantly need new clothes for a while.

March 16th:
This shamrock plant is one of my favorites. They are so green and fresh, and they have this full, but delicate look to them. They make me happy. I wish I knew how to propagate them.

March 17th:
I get to see the sun rise most days. It’s so pretty that it’s hard to mind the fact that I’m up that early.

And a couple of bonus pictures today! Hooray!

I wonder how many pictures we’ll have of our kids where Jeff and I are clearly just messing with them…
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Last night Maya was just laying on Jeff’s lap like this. I love that she’s so trusting and cuddly.

I. LOVE. THIS. BABY.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today is also my brother’s birthday, so my whole life I’ve always been more interested in him than in the whole wearing green and drinking thing… Anyway, it’s his 21st this year, so I know he’s planning to have lots of drunken fun. Before he does that, though, we’re all going out for Thai food and celebrating with the family. That’s what I’m looking forward to today.

An Old Irish Blessing

May the sun rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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Gracie

Latest posts by Gracie (see all)

• Let the world be fed - October 21, 2024
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• On Practice - February 23, 2024