I am (in no particular order): a wife to Aaron, a stay-at-home mother to Ethan and Grace, a “retired” structural engineer, a natural childbirth educator, a breastfeeding activist, saved by the blood of Jesus, an avid reader, organized, a “know-it-all” (per my sisters and husband), amazed and challenged by my children daily, a camping vacationer, tonally challenged and from the land of bologna (hometown of Yale, MI).

I am NOT (again, in no particular order): a medical professional (PLEASE seek help from your medical provider when needed), a writer by trade, always right (regardless of what my sisters and husband think I think), beyond indulging in food cravings – like Jalapeño Cheetos and Reese’s Peanut Butter Big Cups, a cat person, a greenie wanna be or against using a lot of paranthetical comments (as if I’m afraid people won’t get me).

My husband and I married in 2005 and I gave birth to my son without the use of pain medication in July of 2006.  He was 10 pounds 8 ounces.  My daughter also arrived naturally in March of 2008 and was 7 pounds 7 ounces (I will post my formal birth stories later).  I breastfed both my children past their first birthdays.

While pregnant with our first child, knowing we wanted a natural birth, we took natural childbirth classes.  They were a 12 week course where we learned about nutrition, exercise, pregnancy, labor, delivery, pain relief methods, breastfeeding and mostly how to be a good consumer of medical care.  I was so moved by our own birthing experiences and all that we learned from the course, that I decided I wanted to teach natural childbirth classes.  After completing an academic package, attending a training workshop and passing an exam, I am teaching and I love it.  I find it very rewarding and I love the impact I can make on unborn babies.

This blog idea is intended to have two purposes.  The first is to help spread the word that all women can give birth naturally and breastfeed their babies.  This is what God intended.  Women are built physically and mentally for this.  It’s been done for thousands of years au naturel.  Don’t get me wrong though, I do support and value the medical community.  Technology and learned knowledge does do wonders in saving mommies and babies but there is a place and time and birthing, in most cases, does not need intervention.  We need support and guidance but we do not need inductions and scheduled cesarean sections.  This brings me to the second reason for this blog.  Even though there are some great proponents of natural birth and breastfeeding in Monroe County, they are few and far between so this website hopefully can serve as a resource for information and support.

So, please read, learn and grow.  Thanks and enjoy!

Disclaimer:

Please remember, I am not a medical professional.  My training is that of a childbirth educator so even though I strive to back all facts with the appropriate research, this blog should not be used as a substitute for medical advice.  I encourage all who view this site to talk to their medical professional about any questions that you may have.