The Mindfulness Course That Deepened My Mothering and Birth Work

By Barbara D’Antonio

Mindfulness, or the state of being mindful, is turning your attention towards yourself: your thoughts, emotions, circumstances, memories, body sensations, breath, etc. Meditation is a focused concentration on any of these experiences. We can fall into the trap of striving to “get good at” meditating. But this is not why we meditate. We meditate to get good at life. I compare it to getting a good night’s sleep. Why do we care to do this? To be a champion sleeper and win sleeping contests? Find out our ranking? No. We seek to get enough good quality, rejuvenating sleep so we can enjoy life’s waking moments as much as possible. In other words, good sleep isn’t really for sleep’s sake, but for the effect it has on everything else in our lives. Meditation isn’t for meditation’s sake, either. It’s for the undeniable effect it has on us.

I have done a great deal of work on mindfulness and meditation in the last ten years. The Palouse Mindfulness: Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is an excellent compilation of the best information on this topic. Much of it was a worthy review, but as I was nearing the end I wondered why I had bothered to do it. What was truly new for me?

My answer came in one of the very last articles, In the Service of Life by Rachel Naomi Remen. In this piece, Remen breaks down the difference between helping, fixing, and serving. Helping denotes a certain inequality between the helper and the one being helped, a score that needs to be settled. Fixing is a matter of superiority, the relationship is master to apprentice or even rescuer to victim. Serving is fundamentally different because it is equal. A whole person serves a whole person, with absolutely no inequality or imbalance of power. Someone younger, smaller, poorer, less experienced can serve someone wiser, stronger, more capable. And exactly the reverse: someone richer, more successful, more worldly can serve someone in need. Acts of service benefit both the one who is served and the one providing the service.

This was what I needed. As a homeschool mom I easily feel depleted. I am always helping, fixing, and emptying my cup. To take on this additional responsibility as birth educator - do I really have more to give? I strongly feel called to serve mothers, and this beautifully described a way for me to reframe my desire to give so that I can show up fully for my clients (and my own children!) and not be drained or emotionally spent. This is a way for me to recharge and rejuvenate without needing a wellness retreat every month!

This program is a reminder of how a simple reframe: a turning, or rather a tuning (if you remember old radios and TVs), can help us to find beauty, meaning, and purpose in our lives without actually needing to change anything. When you are stressed, maxed out, overwhelmed, sometimes the answer is not a major life change (like changing careers), but a simple one: turn inward, notice, STOP, breathe. From that place, find the reframe that gives you peace.

Birth is a miraculous experience. It is challenging. It will stretch you (literally) and help you grow into your full self as a woman and a mother. These tools can be the difference in getting to fully experience this rebirth, this metamorphosis. We can do hard things. We can hold space for ourselves and others. We can meet the challenges without letting them consume or define us. We can rest in BEing.

Sally Thomas Is a Postpartum Doula & CranioSacral Therapist

My professional journey began early, growing up on a horse ranch outside of Tucson, Arizona, immersed in a family deeply rooted in maternal health, newborn care, and preventative medicine. I learned alongside my RN mother, my OB/GP surgeon father, and my maternal grandmother—a midwife and natural remedies practitioner—who provided my first “imprinting” into the world of natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and holistic infant care.

The women in my family were taught how to have natural births, breastfeed their babies, and develop the many skills needed to comfort infants, establish healthy sleep patterns, and support early bonding—traditions that continue to shape my work with mothers and babies today.

Shortly after high school, I began working in a maternal and newborn unit, then trained as a respiratory therapist while attending the University of Arizona RN program. During this time, I assisted with NICU innovations at Tucson Medical Center, gaining extensive experience in hospital-based maternity and newborn care.

About a decade later, I expanded my focus into holistic and integrative therapies, discovering approaches that produced meaningful results for myself, my three young children, and later for my clients. This led to advanced training and preceptorships with MDs, DOs, doulas, midwives, and holistic practitioners throughout the United States.

A defining moment in my career came through my studies with Dr. John E. Upledger, D.O., neurosurgeon, researcher, and founder of the Upledger Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. Under his mentorship, my path became clear, and I chose CranioSacral Therapy and Classical Homeopathy as my primary therapeutic modalities.

Today, I specialize in trauma-informed CranioSacral Therapy, with a strong focus on conception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and newborn support. Over my 39 years in practice, 14 years were dedicated to helping new parents quickly build confidence through postpartum consultations, parenting education, and private-duty newborn support. An additional five years were spent developing CranioSacral Therapy services at Canyon Ranch Health Resort, where I also educated massage therapists and wellness professionals in effective CST protocols.

I relocated to Southern Utah in April of 2021 and am grateful for the supportive community and families I now serve. When I’m not in practice, I enjoy local rodeos and community events, exploring desert trails and mountain peaks, photography, and spending time with my three grown children, their spouses, and my five grandchildren when they visit.

How CranioSacral Therapy Can Prepare Your Body for Labor and Help Ease Your Baby’s Transition From the Womb

By Sally Thomas

From a holistic approach, integrated with my training and experience in hospital newborn and maternity nursing, I offer you and your newborn highly qualified, professional support—personally tailored to your unique needs.

My work blends gentle CranioSacral Therapy with practical, evidence-informed newborn care. I stay current on breastfeeding trends and effective problem-solving techniques, and I support families in establishing healthy sleep patterns from the very beginning. My CranioSacral services are available prenatally and postpartum, supporting both mother and baby throughout pregnancy and into the “4th Trimester” and beyond.

Pregnancy and birth place profound demands on a mother’s body and on a baby’s developing nervous system. CranioSacral Therapy can help prepare the mother’s body for labor by supporting balance in the pelvis, spine, and soft tissues—creating what many practitioners refer to as an “ease of passage” for the baby during birth. Following delivery, this gentle work can assist in restoring alignment, relieving tension, and supporting recovery for both mom and baby.

"Your baby's journey through the birthing process can be your newborn's first chiropractic or CranioSacral therapeutic process, when the baby is slowly pushed, not pulled through mom's womb and passageway....The birth canal is designed so that a passage through it may well mobilize each joint in the pelvis, each joint between two vertebrae, each joint between a rib and a vertebrae, and all the joints (sutures) of the skull. The mobilization takes time to release the collagen/ connective fiber tissues. If the journey is too fast, some joints may not have time to adjust. If the journey is too slow, forces may be placed upon joints for an inordinate period of time, inducing a strain... Abnormal locking of the baby’s head in the mother's pelvis, use of suction and forceps, breech or face upwards, cesarean birth are all indicators for a 10 or 15 minute evaluation and therapy, immediately, and in the first few days following the birth. The dura mater membrane system reflects the imbalance, placing excess tension on spinal cord nerve roots, which in turn, cause an imbalance in tonus of the muscles that influence the position of the vertabrae and the ribs. This imbalance of tone, is often the cause of scoliosis as the newborn begins to develop an erect posture.”
— Dr. John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., A Brain Is Born: Exploring the Birth and Development of the Central Nervous System

CranioSacral Therapy assists a mother in preparing her body for labor, supports the baby’s experience during birth, and helps re-align the skeletal structure and soft tissues afterward. For newborns, early evaluation and gentle therapy may be especially beneficial following long or rapid labors, vacuum and forcep assisted deliveries, cesarean births, or presentations that place additional strain on the baby’s head, neck, or nervous system.

Shortly after birth, the bonding and breastfeeding experience between mother and baby plays a powerful role in establishing patterns that can last a lifetime. Supporting nervous system regulation during this early window may help with feeding, digestion, sleep, and overall comfort—laying a foundation for healthy development.

As one of the first of many transformative moments in your family’s life together, it would be an honor, privilege, and joy to support you and your baby during this sacred time.

Mindfully Prepared Birth - Why would I choose to become a childbirth educator?

By Barbara D’Antonio

Education made all the difference for me. My name is Barbara D’Antonio and I’m so excited to join Kelly Colvin and Peaceful Birth Choices to offer the best information available to expectant parents.

This program is what I wish I’d had when I was expecting my first baby. Every pregnancy, I learned a little more. Every birth got better and better. There is something so powerful in knowing, a deep sense of peace that comes from trusting your body, your intuition, and the miraculous process that brings us all earth-side.

I left teaching kindergarten after 16 years in order to homeschool my own children as they were reaching the middle school years. I began my health and wellness journey, training as a functional nutrition counselor and a yoga instructor. I’d never felt more fulfilled, never been healthier or happier. And then, I got pregnant. At 40!! 😳

Honestly, in this new phase of life, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome another person into our family. I’d never felt more prepared, knowledgeable, ready! With my older children I had learned so much about natural childbirth and always sought to create the healthiest start for my babies. I had experienced hospital and home birth, OB- and Midwife-attended, taken different styles of classes, read so many different books, and been a part of mama groups that supported me on my journey. I had strengthened my body inside and out. Everything led me to this moment, to this baby. I assembled the team of my dreams. My husband had been on his own journey throughout these years and he was ready to be the support for me that he’d always aspired to be. We refreshed our birth education with Kelly and her Mindfully Prepared Birth program - what an amazing way to bring it all together! And we had the BIRTH OF OUR DREAMS. So much healing, what a reclamation, a remembering of all that is sacred and right about birth. I began this chapter of motherhood from a place of empowerment, fully supported by experienced, like-minded mothers, and my amazing partner.

This precious bonus baby of ours, so healthy and vibrant, is our reminder every day of the power of education. I can’t wait to share it all with you.

With love,

Barbara

Tiffany Scheel is a Mindfully Prepared Birth childbirth educator, birth doula, and VBAC doula

I have been drawn to babies, pregnant women and the birthing process since I was young. As an 8-year old girl, I KNEW I wanted to be a Labor and Delivery Nurse. I worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant for several years on the Mom/Baby Unit at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray.

Just as birth is unexpected, my career path took an unexpected, but beautiful course as I learned I did not want to pursue a nursing degree.  After having 4 children of my own and being a stay at home mom, I decided it was time to get back into the birth world. Each of my babies had their own unique entrance into the world ranging from an emergency cesarean to a home birth. In 2022, I became a birth doula and a Mindfully Prepared Birth Instructor.

I have an incredibly nurturing heart and want the best for everyone I meet. I truly enjoy watching each couple learn together, support one another and then achieve the birth of their baby. A lot of how women view their birth experience is how supported the woman feels during the time surrounding their birth. It is my goal for every woman to feel empowered, embraced, and supported during this beautiful, transitional time of her life.

St. George Utah Doulas

Thinking of Introducing Solids to Your Baby? Here Are a Few Tips

Introducing solids is such an exciting milestone for both you and your baby! Here are some gentle, evidence-based tips to help make the transition smooth, fun, and stress-free.

1. Wait until your baby is around 6 months old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other major health organizations recommend that babies receive only breast milk or formula for the first six months. Waiting gives your baby’s digestive system time to mature and may reduce the risk of food allergies, intolerances, and digestive discomfort.

2. Let your baby self-feed.
There’s no need to spoon-feed purées unless you prefer to. Offering soft, easy-to-grasp foods allows your baby to explore eating independently. This approach—often called baby-led weaning—encourages curiosity and confidence at mealtime.

3. Cut foods into finger-length wedges.
Slice foods into 2–3-inch strips so your baby can hold them easily. The pincer grasp (using thumb and forefinger) typically develops between 9–12 months, so longer pieces help them pick up food successfully.

4. Embrace the mess!
Learning to eat is wonderfully messy work. You can undress your baby down to a diaper or use a large bib to make cleanup easier.

5. Eat with your baby.
Babies learn by watching! Sit down and eat together so your little one can observe how food is chewed and enjoyed. If you have older children, let them join in—siblings make great mealtime role models.

6. Offer a variety of simple, whole foods.
Skip highly processed options and focus on natural, nutrient-dense choices. A colorful plate exposes your baby to different flavors and textures—and can inspire you to clean up your own diet, too!

For more guidance, check out the book Baby-Led Weaning by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett—it’s a fantastic resource for parents who want to foster healthy, happy eating habits from the start.

The Heart of Birth Support in St. George, Utah: Why Local Families Choose Doulas

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most meaningful experiences a family can have. In St. George, Utah, more families are discovering how the support of a professional doula can transform pregnancy, birth, and postpartum into a calmer, more confident journey.

What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained birth professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to parents before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike doctors or nurses, doulas don’t perform medical tasks — instead, they focus on your comfort, advocacy, and peace of mind.

Many St. George families describe their doula as a trusted guide — someone who listens deeply, explains options clearly, and ensures your voice is heard throughout your birthing experience.

Why St. George Families Are Choosing Doulas

Southern Utah families are increasingly turning to doulas for several reasons:

• Personalized birth support: Hospitals and birth centers can be busy. A doula’s one-on-one care ensures you always have someone focused entirely on you.

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Continuous reassurance helps lower fear and tension, promoting smoother labor.

• Better birth outcomes: Research shows doula-supported births often result in fewer interventions, shorter labors, and more positive postpartum adjustment.

• Support for partners: Doulas also guide spouses or partners on how to help, creating a stronger, more connected team.

Serving the Growing Families of Washington County

Peaceful Birth Choices proudly serves expectant parents throughout St. George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, and Ivins, Utah. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or delivery at a local birth center, our doulas meet you where you are — emotionally and physically.

We work alongside local midwives, OB-GYNs, and birth teams at St. George Regional Hospital and nearby centers to provide seamless, respectful care for every mother and baby.

What to Expect From Your Doula

From your first prenatal meeting to postpartum recovery, your Peaceful Birth Choices doula will:

1. Prepare you for labor with evidence-based education and birth planning.

2. Stay by your side during labor — helping with breathing, movement, and comfort measures.

3. Advocate for your wishes in a calm, professional manner.

4. Provide postpartum support for feeding, recovery, and emotional wellbeing.

Our goal is to help you feel empowered, informed, and fully supported every step of the way.

Begin Your Peaceful Birth Journey

Every family deserves to feel cared for during birth. Whether this is your first baby or your eighth, having a doula can make all the difference.

Contact Peaceful Birth Choices today to schedule your free consultation and learn how a St. George doula can help you experience a more peaceful, confident birth.

FAQ About Doulas in St. George, Utah

1. What does a doula do during labor?
A doula offers physical comfort measures like massage, breathing techniques, and positioning suggestions. They also provide emotional reassurance and help communicate your preferences to the medical team so you can focus on birthing your baby calmly and confidently.

2. Do I still need a doula if I have a midwife or OB-GYN?
Yes! Doulas work alongside medical professionals, not in place of them. Your doula focuses solely on your comfort and emotional needs, while your provider manages clinical care — together creating a balanced birth team.

3. Can I hire a doula for a hospital birth in St. George?
Absolutely. Peaceful Birth Choices doulas attend births at St. George Regional Hospital and area birth centers, as well as home births. We coordinate with your provider to ensure everyone works as a team.

4. When should I hire a doula during pregnancy?
Most families reach out around 20–28 weeks of pregnancy, but earlier is even better so you can build rapport and prepare your birth plan together.

5. How much does a doula cost in St. George?
Doula packages in St. George typically range from $800–$1,500, depending on experience and included services. Peaceful Birth Choices offers personalized support packages to meet your family’s needs and budget.

6. Does insurance cover doula services?
Some insurance plans and HSA/FSA accounts do reimburse doula care. We can provide receipts and documentation to help you file for reimbursement.

7. What areas do Peaceful Birth Choices doulas serve?
We serve families across Washington County, including St. George, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Ivins, Washington, and nearby Southern Utah communities.

How Protein Supports a Healthy Pregnancy

The Power of Protein

Protein is one of the most important nutrients during pregnancy. It’s essential for your baby’s growth and development — and for keeping you strong and energized along the way.

Getting enough high-quality protein can help lower the risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. In short, protein helps build a healthier foundation for both you and your baby.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Research is mixed on exactly how much protein women need during pregnancy. Some studies suggest around 60 grams per day, while others recommend 100 grams or more.

Instead of focusing on hitting one “perfect” number, listen to what your body is telling you. Every woman — and every pregnancy — is different.

Tune In to Your Body’s Cues

Try keeping a food diary for 3–5 days to track your protein intake and notice how you feel. There are many great tracking apps available, or you can simply use a notebook and pen.

As you track, pay attention to:

• How your energy feels throughout the day

• Whether you feel satisfied between meals

• Any strong food cravings

• How often you crave sweets

These signals can give you valuable insight into whether you’re getting enough protein — or if your body may need a bit more.

Protein-Rich Foods to Support a Healthy Pregnancy

Here are some simple, nourishing options to help you reach your daily protein goals:

Animal-Based Sources:

• Eggs (especially boiled or scrambled for quick meals)

• Chicken breast, turkey, or lean beef

• Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish (look for low mercury fish)

• Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk

• Shrimp and other low-mercury seafood

Plant-Based Sources:

• Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans

• Quinoa, buckwheat, and other high-protein grains

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, chia, pumpkin, hemp)

• Nut butters paired with fruit or whole-grain toast

Easy Add-Ons:

• Add protein powder (animal, plant, or collagen) to smoothies or oatmeal

• Snack on hard-boiled eggs or trail mix

• Mix beans or lentils into soups and salads

Tip: Aim for a source of protein with every meal and snack. This helps keep your energy steady, supports muscle growth, and nourishes your growing baby.

Your Protein Needs Will Change

Your protein requirements may vary depending on your body size, activity level, and how far along you are in your pregnancy. What you need early in pregnancy might look different later on, as your baby (and your body) continues to grow.

A Final Thought

Pregnancy is a time to nourish yourself with care and intuition. Let your body guide you — it knows what it needs. And when in doubt, talk with your healthcare provider or a prenatal nutrition specialist to make sure your protein intake supports both you and your baby.

You’ve got this, mama.

Childbirth Education Training

Here is an excerpt from my interview with Canvas Rebel Magazine.

The mission of Peaceful Birth Choices is to prepare families to give birth through quality education and support. I want families to have access to unbiased, up-to-date, evidence-based information, to help them make informed decisions for their births.

I train birth professionals on how to teach childbirth classes. Good childbirth educators are vital to every community. Childbirth education should be evidence-based and judgment-free, meaning educators should not be telling women how they should give birth. The best teachers provide their students with accurate, up-to-date information so that families can make informed decisions for themselves. This is the backbone of any quality education. Every woman comes from a different background and her life experiences lead her to make decisions based on her unique situation. Ultimately, there is no one way to birth and we need to be supporting women in their desires.

As a childbirth education trainer, I provide my certified instructors with quality education, beautiful teaching materials, educational resources, and support as they serve families in their communities.

Virtual Childbirth Educator Training

Do you love birth?

Do you want to help families have beautiful birth experiences?

Are you looking to amp up your doula business?

Become a certified childbirth educator!

Childbirth educators play an essential role in pregnancy. As a childbirth educator, you can empower families as you help them understand the birthing process, and their options for birth, supporting them in their desires for a positive birth experience.

Voyage Utah Magazine Article

Here is an excerpt from my interview with Voyage Utah Magazine.

What should we know about Peaceful Birth Choices?
My passion is education. There’s a lot that goes on when giving birth. My students are always surprised by the amount of knowledge they gain from my classes. Even families that work in the medical field or that have given birth before are amazed by how much they learn. What a gift you can give yourself and your baby to show up prepared for such an important life event.

It’s not just about natural childbirth for me anymore. When I started on my journey my focus was helping women give birth without medication and while most of my clientele desires this, some do not and I teach them how they still have many choices, whether that be they want an epidural or even a cesarean birth. Birth looks different for everyone and that’s okay—I think we can celebrate choice.

My goal is to teach families about all their options for birth so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. I also teach them how they can have a voice.

You can read the full article HERE and learn more about my philosophy on birth.

Image credits: Lori Engel Photography

Baby Talk

I always encourage my clients to communicate with their babies in pregnancy. This can be out loud or if that feels awkward, then silently. Your baby can still hear and understand you as he or she grows in your womb. An example of this might be, “Baby, we love you and are so excited that you are joining our family.”

Both women and their care providers can practice communicating with babies. Several years ago, I attended a birth of a woman whose baby was crowning, but taking a lot of time to come out. Her midwife realizing that the baby was presenting with his hand next to his head, simply said, “Baby, can you move your hand?” The baby immediately moved his hand and was born moments later. This of course is a story with quick, dramatic results, but even still we can ask our babies, “What do you need from me to help you to be born in the safest way?” It takes practice, but we can learn to hear what our babies are communicating back to us.

We might get into the habit of talking to our babies in utero, but let’s continue the habit when they are born. Let me paint a scenario for you. Let’s say you were lying in bed and someone came up to you and lifted your legs up over your head. What would your reaction be? You’d probably be shocked and protest loudly! Isn’t this what we do to babies every time we change their diaper? What would happen if we took a moment to tell our baby that we were going to change his diaper, that it would only take a minute or two and then he would be clean and dry and feel more comfortable. Try it and see how your baby responds.

Here’s another example. How would you feel if someone just put you in the car and started driving? You’d probably loudly protest, wanting to know where you going and when you would get there. Start talking to your baby anytime you are about to do anything to your baby, take your baby anywhere, or leave your baby with a sitter.

Let’s think for a moment about medical procedures. Having a doctor, nurse, or other medical care provider do anything to a baby that might cause discomfort definitely deserves explanation. For example, when I took my daughter to have a blood test at the doctor’s office, I told her, “the doctor is going to poke your heel with a needle and squeeze some blood out. Mommy is going to be right here. It will only take a few minutes and then I’m going to pick you back up and snuggle you close.” Guess what, my daughter did not cry at all during the procedure. I’m not saying that babies won’t ever cry once you start talking to them, things might still cause discomfort and crying is their only way of communicating. However, when we talk to our babies we are communicating to them that they are important and valued and isn’t that what we all desire at our core—to know that we are important and valued, especially by those we love?

Talking to our babies is an important skill and habit we can begin in utero. Then as our children grow, we will be learning how to best communicate with them and their unique communication style. This is such a valuable asset in our relationship with our children that will last a lifetime.

For more information on baby awareness, psychologist Dr. David Chamberlain dedicated much of his life’s work to study and write about babies awareness. You can read more in his books, Windows to the Womb and The Mind of Your Newborn.

Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD

A Joyous Time—The 4th Trimester

Barbara Katz Rothman said, “Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers-strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” When women come to their births prepared and educated, they are empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. Your preparation for birth will help your transition into motherhood to be easier. There are several things you have already done to prepare yourself for this transition. These things can help you feel good about your birth, make recovery easier and faster, and facilitate bonding with your partner and baby.

 ·  Educate yourself in all of your choices for birth, by taking a childbirth class and reading about birth.

·   Hire a care-provider who is on board with your birth plan.

·   Hire a doula to support you and your partner in the birth you envision.

Your life is about to change in amazing and beautiful ways. Carl Sandburg said, “A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.” The world becomes more beautiful and we live life with greater gratitude and purpose with the arrival of a new baby. Babies also take up a lot of time and it's helpful to anticipate our needs so we can better care for our babies. Here are some tips to make the postpartum period, also known as the "4th trimester" easier and more joyous.

 ·   Breastfeed your baby.

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. It also promotes healing in you and helps you bond with your baby. Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding prenatally, take a breastfeeding class, and continue to learn after your baby is born.

·   Consider placentophagia.

Though it may sound unconventional, there is growing research in the field of placentophagia—consuming ones placenta. Many women claim it helps in the postpartum period by assisting your milk supply, aiding your uterus in returning back to pre-pregnant size, reducing a woman's risk of postpartum blues and depression, reducing fatigue, increasing energy, easing the hormonal shift.  

·   Get support. This can come from your birth partner, family members, and other women.

Support comes in many forms. Emotional—listening ear. Physical—help with chores, baby care, etc. Spiritual—understanding what you may want or need to feel connected to your higher power and finding time for spiritual activities. 

·   Eating regular nutritious meals and snacks.

When you eat well, you feel well. Stock up on healthy granola bars, yogurt, cheese sticks, and nuts. Buy a pre-cut veggie tray from the grocery store and use it for easy meals and snacks during the week. Fruit is almost always an easy snack—apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, etc. Larger fruits can be cut up by a support person over the weekend and then mom can have quick and easy go-to snacks during the week. Pre-cooked chickens from the grocery store, instant oatmeal packets (without added sugar), and canned soups can be quick, easy, and nutritious options. 

·   Be okay with the mess.

It can wait—it will still be there next week or even the week after. Your baby needs you now. Take this precious time to enjoy and bond with your baby. If a mom is bothered by the clutter, ask a family member or friend to come help tidy up. Hire a teenager to play with older siblings or help with basic chores. Or consider hiring a postpartum doula. She will be happy to help with household chores such as cleaning, laundry, cooking, and even caring for older children while the new mom catches a nap. If finances are an issue—consider just 3 or 4 hours a week—it can make a huge difference and many find it well worth the cost. 

·   Get plenty of sleep.

A good rule of thumb to follow is—sleep when your baby sleeps. This means, take a nap no matter what time it is. You will be glad you did. A well rested mom is a much happier mom. You may want to consider safe cosleeping, baby sleeping in the same room as mom and dad, or not. Try different things and figure out what you are comfortable with and what works best for YOUR family.           

·   Wear your baby.

Your baby has been carried around, by you, for 9 months. Most babies still enjoy being close to their mothers (and fathers) after birth. Some babies refuse anything but being in the arms of their mom or dad and that's okay. They may just need more time adjusting to life outside the womb than others. When you respond to your baby's cries by holding, rocking, and nursing your baby, you are teaching your baby how to communicate and that your baby can trust you. Your loving response teaches your baby that he or she is important and valued. This will help your baby to grow up to become a confident, loveable, independent individual. Listen to your instincts—hold your baby, snuggle your baby, and respond to your baby's cries—and notice that it just feels right. Do this with confidence knowing you are giving your baby a wonderful foundation in life by responding to your baby's needs. A baby cannot be spoiled—only loved.

Baby wearing can reduce crying, improve breastfeeding, bonding and attachment—all which can be helpful in reducing stress as a new parent. It is a wonderful way for partners to participate in the care and bonding. It also frees up the wearer’s hands to do other things such as eat, do simple chores, and care of older children.

·   Seek out other women that share similar philosophies in mothering.

Join a mothering group (or start your own) where you feel you get support in your role as a woman and mother and one that encourages you to listen to YOUR motherly instincts.

·   Be Good To Yourself.

Some mothers can experience burn out. To prevent this, or if it occurs—to bounce back quickly, it is important to take care of your needs and listen to your instincts. If a mother starts to feel overwhelmed it can be a sign for her to take some time for herself. Get a massage, schedule lunch with friends, take a yoga class, go for a run, take a bubble bath, or a long nap. Do something for yourself that helps you to feel refreshed and rejuvenated and excited about being a woman, partner, and mother.

You are about to embark on a beautiful, exciting journey called motherhood. Where you will grow lots, and love much. As Dr. Seuss would say, "You are off to Great Places! … So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life's a great balancing act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!"

 Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD

PeacefulBirthChoices.com

Thanks to LindsaySharifiPhotography for sharing her talents.

Transformation - Going Beyond Your Physical Form

In Hypnobabies we use special words with positive connotations to talk about the different stages of birth. We use the word transformation for​ the sage of birth when a mom’s cervix is dilating from 7 to 10 centimeters. So much occurs in those three centimeters. A baby begins to move down deeper into the pelvis preparing to come out and enter this world.

Transformation is an amazing time, an exciting time; a time of stretching and allowing not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. You are opening yourself up to becoming a mother to this baby. It is a thrilling, exciting, and challenging endeavor. In life whenever we are learning, stretching and growing it takes patience and it calls for great strength and courage. Whenever I am going through a growth experience, I have found that it is easier when I am surrounding myself with supportive, loving people; people that remind me of my goals and remind me of my strength. And so it is with birth, as we go through the transformation process we call on those around us. We ask them for needed support. That may feel like a back rub, that may sound like words of encouragement, that maybe look like a plate of food or a drink of water.

The definition of transformation is, “a dramatic change in form or appearance” or “a metamorphosis during the life cycle.” My favorite definition is, “going beyond your physical form.” That's exactly what you are doing when you give birth. You are going beyond what you are now to become something stronger, wiser, more intuitive. You are in the process of becoming. You are becoming a mother.

Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD

Thank you lindsaysharifiphotography.com for sharing your talent.

Birthy Thoughts

This painting by Brian Kerishisnik is one of my favorites. It's called "Nativity." As I sit here writing my 6 week old baby’s birth story, I am thinking of all the angels, seen and unseen, in attendance at his birth. Their presence was definitely felt.

How interesting it is how Joseph, Mary and the midwives in this painting are unaware of ALL the angels surrounding them and how only the dog in the far right corner can sense them. I wonder how very often I am unaware of the angels surrounding me. I recall a birth I attended, as a doula a few years back. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary about the birth, but after the baby was born I could suddenly sense that there were angels in the room and it was as if they were standing in reverence and awe of the beautiful event that just took place and the sacrifice of this mother to bring life into the world. The room was full of hospital staff rushing around with the tasks of birth, but I felt like this dog, sensing these unseen spirits and just wanting to stand in awe and reverence too.

Birth is such a sacred event and I believe that angels always attend the births of God's children. I image they are often our ancestors or close friends that have passed onto the otherside of the veil, lovingly guiding these spirits into our arms and through this journey of mortality we call life.

Kelly Colvin, HCHI, HCHD

Dakota's Home Birth

Dakota’s birth was immensely evolutionary and evocative. I birthed her into this world the way Mother Nature intended. No drugs. No bright lights. No institution. Peacefully. Intimately. Safely. This is my sacred rite of passage. This is my natural birth story.

Please note: I used Hypnobabies hypnobirthing techniques. I’ve been taught to use different vocabulary without negative connotation – “pressure waves” refers to contractions, and “birthing time” refers to labor.

I was 9 days past my “guess date”, so I went to see my midwife Liz at 11am on October 27, 2017 to get my progress checked. I was 3cm dilated, which surprised me because I hadn’t felt any pressure waves, only mild menstrual-like cramping. Knowing that my birthing time was near, I went home and practiced my hypnosis techniques.

At 4:15pm, I awoke from a deep hypnosis. As I got out of bed, fluids came rushing out. I wasn’t sure if I had peed all over myself, or if my water broke! I went to the bathroom and checked to see what happened down there – it was definitely the latter. I immediately called my Liz and told her what happened.

Click HERE to read the rest of Stephanie's beautifully written birth story and follow her for delicious, healthy recipes, and holistic living tips.

Lucy Mae's Birth

This is the story of Lucy Mae's birth. She is my fifth baby, second home birth, fourth VBAC, and third natural childbirth.

My pregnancy was really great and flew by so fast...maybe too fast. I could have been pregnant for another 6-8 weeks. I wasn't ready for this pregnancy to end. I love being pregnant. There is something so amazing and sacred about growing and carrying and feeling a baby inside you. It is truly beautiful and amazing. But the last couple weeks were tiring and emotional. I guess that's to be expected when you decide to move to a new house when you're nine months pregnant. So many people told me I was crazy for moving this closed to my "guess date." A friend said something really inspiring to me a few weeks before our move. She said, "You're brave." I held onto these words and every time I wanted to say, "This is crazy," I told myself that I was brave for trying to do what was best for my growing family. This move felt right to both Jake and me and I had to follow that.

The week that Lucy was born was so very busy. We finally signed on our house at the beginning of the week. The rest of the week was a whirlwind of arranging for the house to be cleaned (much more difficult than I thought it would be) and packing and moving things over to the new house. I truly thought we were ready to go, but we still had tons to do! On Thursday I woke up and had a lot of mucusy discharge. I knew this was pieces of my mucus plug. I didn't freak too much though because I know that this doesn't always mean birth is going to happen that day and frankly I had too much to think about to fret.

I took Ben to summer preschool and went to check on the house. The cleaners there cleaning. My mom had taken Sam with her earlier that morning to work on unpacking and organizing. They showed me the progress they had made and I felt relieved things were coming together so I went back home to get another load of boxes. Jake insisted that I take a break, so I did. I sat on the couch for almost an hour.

My sweet sitter had taken Jane and I had instructed her to pick up Ben from preschool and take the kids all day. She did an amazing job of keeping them entertained. She took them to the movies, the park, and probably a bunch of other activities I don't know about. She kept them fed, happy, and clean. Jackson had been away at Scout Camp since Monday and wouldn't be home until Saturday. It was a blessing that it worked out that way. He had been moping around since we told him we were moving and I was grateful he could spent the week with his friends.

I got a call from my mom around 10:30 a.m. saying the cleaners had left and hadn't finished cleaning! I was livid. I called the lady and she said she just didn't have time today but could come back later in the week to finish. I told her, it had to be done today and that I was due to have my baby in 5 days! Thankfully I was able to find a cleaning team to come last minute and finish the house. I went to my prenatal appointment. On the way up the steps to the Birth Sweet, I felt Lucy move down a little and I thought, "Woah, maybe this will be today!"

I vented all my house frustrations to Cyndi at my appointment. I was moving in just up the street from Cyndi and she had been driving by my house each day watching how slowly the previous owners were moving out. She had been a great listener throughout my pregnancy. This pregnancy had been great physically for me, but emotionally it had been difficult. It seemed like every appointment I was crying to her about something and she always listened without judgment and always with support. I am a firm believer that all those extra prenatal appointments towards the end of pregnancy are for women's emotional well being just as much as they are for our physical wellness. Cyndi was great, as always.

At my appointment, she verified that my baby had indeed moved down. I left my appointment and went straight to the house to let the new cleaners in. When I got there I realized I didn't have the key! Seriously this day was so stressful, but I knew I couldn't breakdown...maybe later, but not yet.

The new and better cleaners left around 4:30 p.m. and finished everything on my list! Hallelujah! That was definitely God answering my prayers! I sat down to take a break and talk about furniture arrangement with my mom and had a strong pressure wave (Hypnobabies lingo for contraction) that pulled me to my hands and knees. My mom said, "You're not in labor are you?" I laughed it off and said, "No!" Telling myself, I could not be in labor. Not today!

Shortly after I headed back to our old house. I did some more packing and our neighbors  helped us move our washer and dryer and bigger furniture. I thought my house was pretty clean until they started moving all the furniture. Then I wanted to cry. Giant dust bunnies and years of candy wrappers and lost toys suddenly appeared. This was going to be a lot of work cleaning this place!

The men kept asking me if I was okay and all they teased Jake for putting me through a move so close to my due date. I was having pressure waves, but I kept them to myself and convinced myself that they were coming from the stress of the day and that they would subside once this hectic day was over.

We packed my car to the brim and my brother-in-law showed up just in time. I asked him to drive my car because I was exhausted and I couldn't bear the thought of squeezing by giant belly behind the wheel again. I had a few pressure waves on the car ride back to the new house, but I kept my cool. Later my sister-in-law told me that he told her that he thought I'd have the baby that night. And here I thought I was playing it cool!

I knew I needed to go back to finish packing and clean the house, but the thought just overwhelmed me. For a split second I thought, maybe I'll have the baby tonight and I won't have to go clean. It was such a mess though, I couldn't have her tonight...I didn't want anyone to see my house like that!

I seriously only anticipated having my friends help me wipe down walls and dust door frames. I have the most amazing neighbors. They came to my rescue and finished packing and cleaning my entire house. It was such a humbling experience to have them help me. They are all such wonderful friends.  

When I got to our new house, I must have looked exhausted. My mom sent me to shower and go to bed. Thankfully I had set up the kids bathroom earlier that day and my mom had set up Jane's bed too and I just so happened to have some clean clothes to change into. I showered and tried to sleep, but the pressure waves seemed to pick up when I was lying down. I tried listening to some Hypnobabies tracks to put me to sleep, but the pressure waves just felt better when I was upright. It was concerning to me that I couldn't lie down through them, but I knew I couldn't focus on that. So since I needed a distraction, I went back downstairs to unpack and organize. I mostly just told people where to put things and would stop now and then to lean over the counter for a pressure wave.

Sam, Ben and Jane played with their cousins and explored the new house, since they hadn't seen it until that day. Someone finally put them to bed around 10:00 p.m. and then the house was quiet and dark. I walked into my room and my mom and brother-in-law were setting up my bed and putting clean sheets on it. I wanted to cry because it was just what I needed and I had totally forgotten that we might actually need to go to sleep that night. 

There were so many times throughout the day I just wanted to cry, but I kept praying that I could hold it together.

All this time I was still having pressure waves. I didn't time them though, because they didn't seem very consistent. Plus I had been having pressure waves on and off for weeks. That's just what my body typically does towards the end of pregnancy. I have tons of pressure waves that usually get me all excited. Sometimes I time them and they're regular. And sometimes they're strong enough that I get on my hands and knees or sit on a yoga ball. But then they just stop completely. It's all warm-up for my actual birthing time, so I usually try to just ignore them. It's just my body's way of preparing.

Jake was busy taking trips back and forth from the old house to the new house all day and we had only seen each other for short periods of time throughout the day. Now we were finally under the same roof again and it felt good to have him near. I could tell he was exhausted but he was still making me laugh.

Around 11:00 p.m. I kind of had a small inkling that I was actually in my birthing time when I sat down on the couch and I had to keep getting off the couch to get on my hands and knees when I'd have a pressure wave. I would talk and laugh through them though and then I would just get back on the couch and continue my conversation with my mom and Jake. But, I wouldn't let my mind go to the thought that this baby might actually want to come tonight. I really wanted to get the house more organized and a good night's sleep first!

Jake and I fell into bed around 12:30 a.m. and I fully expected the pressure waves to stop, like they had for the past few weeks. But they didn't! They kept coming and starting to feel really strong now. Then I started to panic! I couldn't have her now! Not tonight! I didn't even have my toothbrush, or my hairbrush. I had the birth kit, but no towels, no diapers. The pool was at Cyndi's. I felt so unorganized. I am an organizer and I felt like a wreck.

I called Cyndi at 1:00 a.m. in a total panic. I had been in denial all evening and now I had to face the fact that it was happening tonight! I called her and said I hadn't even been timing them so I had no idea how far apart they were or how long they were but that they were getting really strong and just felt "different." She must have thought I was nuts. I knew better. I should have had all the basic information ready for her. But I think a birthing woman can be allowed to act a little kooky, especially given the circumstances.

Cyndi told me she had to go to the Birth Sweet to get the tub liner. I told her I didn't care and that we were too tired to worry about setting up the pool. I could just give birth in the bath tub. Then I told her I was more concerned that I didn't have my toothbrush! She just laughed and told me she would bring me one.

She told me to take a bath to see if they calmed down. I thought, oh, good idea. Maybe that will get them to stop! I was thankful I had thought to bleach the tub earlier that day. I got in the tub, but the pressure waves weren't stopping. They were really strong.

I told Jake that I was fine and was just going to take a bath and that he should take a nap. He was snoring in seconds!  I knew he was exhausted from moving all day. I had the thought to ask our baby or God to just wait one or two more days...but I couldn't bring myself to ask. I had pleaded with this baby to stay in until we were in our new house and she had. I couldn't ask her to wait another day... she was so ready to come.

I woke Jake up, who had probably slept all of 15 minutes and I called my doula who is also my sister. She had been sick that day and I had no idea if she'd be well enough to attend my birth, but she said she was. I asked her to bring towels since those had been left at the old house. What an awesome doula and sister! She arrived around 1:30 a.m.

Then I called my mom. I knew she really wanted to be at the birth, but I still felt bad calling her back over just after she had left. She was so excited and quickly came back over. Then I promptly sent her back to the old house to get the baby's diapers and of course my toothbrush! I seriously had considered driving back over there myself, but I knew I had to just allow other people to help me. After I decided that, I just felt more calm and was able to accept that our baby was being born that night. I felt like it would all work out and that I just needed to allow things to just happen the way they were supposed to, even if it was not how I planned or envisioned.

The pressure waves just kept coming and I just kept waiting for them to get easier. They were just really strong and intense all over. Pressure waves with Jane and Ben were just different. They just seemed so much easier. I would just take a deep breath at the beginning of a pressure wave and turn my light switch off (Hypnobabies hypnotic tool) and get lost in the wave. They were easy. These felt soo different. A wave would start and I would wine and moan until about the peak and then I felt like I could breathe deeply again. I'm all about making noise in birth. Women just make better progress when they can make low deep noise. I knew I wasn't making the right kind of noise though. It was more of a whining moan and not deep, but I didn't care.

I had been listening to my Hypnobabies tracks since I got in the tub, but I longed to listen to my instrumental playlist. I had been listening to this playlist the past month in times of stress and I had taught myself to relax to the music. I had been practicing my Hypnobabies for much longer and I knew it was ingrained and that it would be there for me, so I asked Karen to turn on the instrumental playlist. Karen started repeating bits of mini Hypnobabies scripts, but I just wanted silence (I probably didn't say it so nicely, but a birthing woman can get away with grumpiness).

When I started to become vocal, Jake asked if we should call Cyndi. So I had him call her and she arrived around 2:30 a.m. Our houses are just up the street from each other, so she got there quickly. Soon after Lisa (Cyndi's assistant) and my mom arrived with diapers and my toothbrush. About this same time, I got out of the tub to go to the bathroom. The pressure waves were getting stronger and the tub just wasn't comfortable (I was surprised by this because I love the tub, but knew I needed to listen to my body). I sat on the toilet and Karen, Jake, and Cyndi would take turns sitting in front of the toilet holding me during my waves.

I got dressed and made my way to the floor by the bed. The pump on my birth ball was broken so the ball was not firm, so it didn't feel comfortable. Someone offered to go get another one, but I just wanted everything to settle down so I asked for a folding chair and I sat on that for a while between waves. I would stand and hold onto Jake during a pressure wave and this was my favorite position. I tried kneeling and hands and knees a few times while someone did counter pressure or the double hip squeeze, but standing while Jake held me felt the best. I felt like I was being so loud, I was so surprised that none of the kids woke up. But birthing women always think they're louder than they really are.

I made my way back to the toilet and had a few pressure waves there and Cyndi said that the baby might be posterior. It all seemed to make sense to me now! She had been hanging out on the right side for weeks. I would encourage her to move to the left, but she would always end back up on the right. From my doula experience I have found that babies tend to like to move in a clockwise motion. So sometimes when a baby starts a birthing time out in the ROA position they move into the OP position. It's often times more ideal to start on the LOA and move to OA. [To read more about baby positioning click HERE.]

That's why these pressure waves felt so different from my previous births. That's why the waves were so irregular and more intense and I felt so much more pressure in my bottom! It was all beginning to make sense now. I really didn't have the unending back labor that I always thought a posterior baby would cause. It was intense, strong, and even painful, but completely bearable. Thank you Hypnobabies! I hadn't listened to my tracks during the birth, but all the hypnotic suggestions were ingrained in me and helped me stay calm.

I lied down on the bed and asked Cyndi to palpitate my belly to confirm her position. She confirmed that she was a posterior, but on her way out of that position, and just needed to turn a little bit more. I immediately turned to my right side almost on my belly and had my team put pillows all around me. Everyone was talking and I had to hush them in my nicest laboring voice. I don't know how nice it came out, but I warned them all previously I might be a little grumpy this birth. I started talking to my baby silently. "Ok baby girl, I need you to move so you're facing my back with your chin tucked." This little girl is so obedient and she moved so quickly!

With Jake at my head and Karen at my side, I started to push a little with each wave. I didn't even have a chuck under me, so when I felt my water break at 4:12 a.m. I said, "My waters!" and my team quickly jumped into action! I still had my cute undies on and Cyndi quickly pulled them off and announced she could see her. Yay, sweet relief this was almost over! The urge to push was stronger now. I just wanted to push hard so I could be done. I remember thinking, I don't care if I tear, I just want to be done! But then the doula side of me wouldn't let that happen, no… it was probably my angels telling me, you're just stretching things out, slow down, ease her down.  Then another wave would come and I'd go back and forth in my mind again with the same thoughts.

A few minutes later her head was born. Lisa said, "Oh look, she has tons of hair! Enough for pony tails." I was so tired and just wanted to be done so I said to Cyndi, "Just pull her out!" Cyndi laughed and said that she wouldn't do that and that I could do it. I was so relieved when I finally pushed her out. It was 4:22 a.m. (And I didn't tear!) It was such a surreal feeling. I felt like I had been feeling her little spirit and movements for months. When I first saw her, I just saw this dark mass of hair and this little body cuddled up next to me. I thought, I should say something to her, this is an important moment, she's finally here. I want her to feel welcome. I said, something like, "Hi baby girl. We love you." I was so tired. I just hoped she felt loved, even if I didn't have something eloquent to say to her.

Lucy latched on quickly and started breastfeeding.  My mom made me a bowl of oatmeal and a big bowl of fresh peaches from her tree. In all the business of moving, I forgot that I hadn't even eaten since lunch, so it was delicious. I showered and then Cyndi did the newborn exam. Lucy was 7 lbs 5 oz and 20.5 inches.

Then she tucked me in bed and everyone left. It was around 6:30 a.m., but it was still dark outside. Jake and I were both so tired that we fell asleep really quickly. I put Lucy's on my chest and when I woke up about an hour or so later, she was the sweetest smell and sight to wake up. I was suddenly so refreshed and felt as if I had gotten a full night of sleep. Ben came in our room and saw the little baby rocker next to my bed and said, "When is the baby going to be born?" I told him to come up on the bed. He got all tender when he saw her and said, "Awww." And then he ran upstairs to wake up Jane so she could hold her first. I guess he thought Jane needed to hold her first. Then Sam woke up next and got to hold Lucy. Jackson had to wait to meet little Lu another day since he was still at scout camp.

After breakfast, as I was examining her closer and taking in every inch of her, I realized her hair was red. It truly looked brown when she was born because it was wet and matted down and I put a hat on her pretty quickly to keep her head warm (okay mostly to cover all the goo in her hair). I wanted to wait on washing it until she had nursed at least twice, so I hadn't noticed the night before. I quickly called my mom and told her to get over here quick. I needed her to wash her hair and verify that Lucy indeed had red hair and that it wasn't just wishful thinking. Oh what a sweet surprise that was!

Lucy's birth was amazing; it was fast, intense, and so special. Our house was in utter disarray, with boxes everywhere, but Lucy is the best house warming gift we could have ever received. Jake and I both can be perfectionists and we always like to have things orderly, so our little Lucy Mae is our sweet reminder that life doesn't have to be perfect or organized to be enjoyed, and that special, sacred, beautiful moments can be found in the chaos. And with five kids there's definitely lots of chaos! We feel so blessed to have another beautiful baby join our family and we just love our little red headed beauty.

Thank you to Brittany Stucki from My Framed Photography for taking our family pictures and for many of the beautiful photos on this website!

Randi's Birth Story

Hypnobabies was extremely helpful to me in preparing me mentally to believe in my ability to fulfill my calling as a woman. I am so thankful to have had the experience to reach within myself and truly find my inner God given strength. 

My birthing time was quite sudden and quick. The day after my due date, (the 28th) I had my midwife check me to find that I was not dilated or thinning hardly at all. I was quite discouraged because I was feeling Braxton hicks and lots of pressure in my cervix. I had her sweep me but we weren't confident it would do much. Also baby hadn't grown since the previous week so I was a bit worried. I used the fear clearing track that night to calm myself along with prayer. Friday I started getting sporadic "birthing waves" but didn't think much of it. Then Saturday morning I woke at 4:30am to birthing waves that were pretty regular and by 8am they were stronger. I got in my bathtub and listened to my birthing day affirmations and started channeling my hypno-anesthesia with each wave. I found myself turning my switch to center and saying in my head "pressure not pain" as I visualized the anesthesia attacking the pain in my body. My midwife Cyndi came around 9am and saw me in my bath and asked if I wanted to use her birthing tub... I hadn't planned to use it but opted to try it. The birthing assistant brought the tub and we filled it up while I got out of the bath and used my hypnosis through each birthing wave - while sitting on the birthing ball. By about 11:30 the tub was full and I got in. The water was an amazing comfort and I hadn't even thought until then about how my special safe place is in water and how right for me a water birth could be. Birthing waves quickly became more and more intense at that point and my husband was doing a great job at saying relax and peace to calm me but ultimately I had to remove myself from the real world and  search within myself for strength and peace. I would immerse my entire body except my face and hands (which were holding my husband's hands) under the water and either pray or say peace to myself. The anesthesia became harder for me to channel and then I became really loud, lol. I think freaked my husband out with my loud noises. I kept asking my midwife when I should push and she said I need to trust myself and push when I feel the urge. It was so strange for me to not be told when to push but soon enough I was able to listen to my body. I wish I had remembered in the moment to use Hypnobabies more but by then it was happening so fast and I lost all control. I was scared and I was making a lot of noise. My midwife then said "Randi, give me your hand." She put my hand on baby's crowning head and this incredible peace came over me. All pain left me - I saw my special safe place, my body relaxed and I let out a big sigh. I knew I was about to meet my baby. Three pushes later and my sweet Penny was on my chest and in my arms. Although I didn't use all of Hypnobabies throughout my birthing time, I am so thankful for the part it played! 

Haden's Birth

I want to add a few thoughts as it is posted on Kelly’s website for anyone looking into using Hypnobabies. My greatest piece of advice for anyone looking into different methods of childbirth would be to learn, learn, learn! It is empowering to learn what you can and then make an informed decision. When I learned about Hypnobabies it felt so good to me and it made so much sense. As I learned more about it, it felt better and better. However, for the first half of my pregnancy I was really nervous about the decision I had made to do a natural childbirth. Many of the things I read focused on the importance of relaxation when giving birth. With my first two births, I was so tense and so I questioned if women could really, truly relax while giving birth. It seemed impossible to me. When I was around 26 weeks the Hypnobabies classes that Kelly teaches began. As I learned and practiced the relaxation techniques I started to feel less and less nervous. By the end of the 6 classes I felt confident and excited for my upcoming birth. I don’t think that Hypnobabies is something that works for those who are only partly committed. It takes full commitment and dedication. It does take time every day to practice the techniques and tools, but it is so worth it. The practice really pays off. It felt so good to me to learn how to relax both my mind and body and it helped me to achieve my goals throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

Kelly was also very helpful as my doula. She answered many questions throughout my pregnancy. The morning of my birth was pretty intense and having Kelly’s support helped my husband and me so much. My labor went fast so she met us at the hospital and had the nurses ready. During my quick delivery she was by my side helping me to know what to do. After the birth she stayed for a while to help us get settled and answer any questions. She also came by our house a few days later and helped me with a few new breastfeeding positions.

I had a great experience giving birth and Kelly helped so much in helping me to achieve my goals. It was a great blessing to learn from her and to benefit from her God-given gifts.

Jenna and Haden’s birth story:

Giving birth is such a beautiful and sacred experience. When I started thinking about getting pregnant with my third child, it came with an intense desire to learn more about pregnancy, labor, and birth. My first two births were great, but both babies had a rough time moving through the birth canal even though I was fully dilated. This caused labor to be a pretty long process. I had epidurals with both of them so I didn’t actually mind the long labor, but it did leave me wondering if there was something I was missing. I believe there is always more than one right way to do something. We are blessed to live at a time where we have so many good options. I prayed to God that I would be able to figure out what would be the best option for me and my child.

Before I got pregnant this time, I wanted to have a better idea of what my options were for this pregnancy and birth. My sister-in-law was pregnant at the time and was going to classes at the library taught by her midwife. Anyone was welcome so I decided to go. The second class I went to was about different methods of childbirth. A few women gave their presentations on different services they provide and then a doula named Kelly Colvin got up to speak. I instantly felt a connection to her. As she spoke she was so calm and soft spoken yet she was confident. She taught about a Hypnobirthing called Hypnobabies. It all made so much sense and felt so right. When I left class there was no question in my mind: this is what I wanted to do and I wanted Kelly to be there as my doula. As I drove home I thanked God for answering my prayers in such a clear way.

A few months later I was pregnant and so excited. I knew I wanted to have my baby natural although it totally freaked me out. When I was 26 weeks the Hypnobabies classes started. I learned so much the next 6 weeks. I learned how to change my way of thinking. I learned how to think more positively. I learned how powerful our minds truly are. I learned how to deeply relax both my mind and body. Those 6 weeks were super busy with reading, listening to the assigned tracks, and practicing relaxation techniques every day. It was a lot of work but so worth it. By the end of the 6 weeks, I was no longer nervous. I was actually excited and confident that this was what I was meant to do.

I really wanted to make it as far along as possible with my 3rd baby because I had my first two quite early. From my classes I learned how powerful the mind is and so I told myself over and over that I would make it at least to November (my due date being November 12th). My doctor generally does a cervical check at week 36 but I asked him not to at this appointment and again at my next appointment because I felt like the checks got things progressing faster with my other pregnancies. At week 38 I felt fine about getting checked and I was at a four. The doctor said he would be surprised if I made it through the weekend (this was on Thursday, October 29th).

That Friday came and went. No baby. Saturday was Halloween. Since my goal was to make it to November, I felt fine about having him any time now. I went trick or treating with my kids knowing that if it did put me into labor it would be just fine at this point. Sure enough, I woke up that night with cramping. At 4:00 a.m. on November 1st my first pressure wave hit (Hypnobabies has some different lingo in hopes of only having positive connections with the words we use. One of those is pressure wave instead of contraction). I timed a few and they were about 5 minutes apart. I got up and put on some mascara and fixed my hair. After a little while my pressure waves started getting stronger. I laid on the couch and listened to a hypnobabies track. I went to my “special place” in my mind and felt confident and peaceful. My pressure waves were strong, but I felt like I was handling it great. Then my water broke and I thought, “Wow! That was the coolest feeling ever!” It was 5:30 a.m. now. I went upstairs and woke up my husband. He says I looked and sounded as though it was Christmas morning as I said, “Carlos! My water broke!” He got out of bed and got ready.

Read the rest of Jenna's birth story HERE.

Creative Ways to Pay for Non Conventional Birth Care

We'd like to thank Stacey Davis of Your Birth Time for sharing this blog post with us. Stacey is a doula, placenta encapsulation specialist, and postpartum wellness coach. 

There are many non conventional options regarding pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. These often are not related to physician or hospital care. These options may or may not be covered by your insurance. Things such as prenatal and postpartum massage, chiropractic care, birth doula support, placenta encapsulation, acupuncturist care the list can go on. The first step in determining what care you would like to receive would be to research the many options. Using research and your own self history can help you decide what non conventional care you would like during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Once you have decided what you want to implement in the care you receive then decide how you are going to pay for it. Here are five creative ways to pay for those services:

1.     Skip that treat, pocket the change. We all have that one treat we allow ourselves which may not be the best for our baby while we are pregnant or even breastfeeding. You know that Starbucks indulgence or bag of kisses stuffed in your top drawer. Skipping your daily Starbucks for one month could save you about $100!

2.     Barter or trade for partial services. Many non conventional birth workers will barter or trade for part of the services they offer. Do you have a special talent or does your husband, mom, dad or brother run a local business that would benefit your birth worker? Work out a trade. You could even offer to babysit or prepare meals for your birth worker when they are called to a birth or to assist a pregnant or postpartum mom.

3.     Create a registry for your birth services. Twenty dollars from ten of your close friends or family members comes up to $200. This could definitely help you pay for the birth services that you would like. Let’s face it, several of these family and friends would contribute much more than $20! Call your birth worker and ask them to work with you to come up with a registry for their services.

4.     Birthday, Christmas or baby gifts ask for cash in place of gifts. Gift cards are also another great option. Many birth workers are willing to work with you to create gift cards or gift certificates. I  know that asking friends and family for money instead of gifts can be a little uncomfortable. When you explain what it is for they will understand and be more than willing to accommodate.

5.     Check with your insurance, cafeteria plan or HSA. Yes many moms have gotten their insurance, cafeteria or HSA to cover these services, even doula care and some portion of home birth services. Talk with your local birth provider she will be the most familiar with how to arrange this for your area.