Align with Truth.

In a way, pregnancy is starting anew, another cycle of life. The metamorphosis begins…

Here I was, pregnant, and even though I knew a few women that had given birth over the last couple of years, there was no one I saw with regularity or who was close in proximity. It was the very beginning of what is called the new normal, the continual adjustments mothers make as their child grows. Unbeknownst to me, the next decade would consist of friendships that were primarily dictated by my children.

So here I was, so many decisions to be made about a topic I knew little about. A doctor, yes, I needed a doctor. One of those few friends I mentioned that did have a baby recommended an OBGYN. I went in for my first prenatal appointment with my extensive birth plan. I remember feeling, do you even see me? I am pretty certain you are not hearing me. Both the air and the energy in the room were cold. Was this who I would want with me during one of the most significant events in my life?!

Via ultrasound, I was told I had partial placenta previa. Never was it mentioned to me that this is common and likely the placenta would move into the proper position as the baby and I grew. Right there on the spot she told me I would likely have a c-section. Can I stop you right there? Please, please refer to the birth of your child in this manner as a cesarean birth. Not as an operation. Honor the experience, you and your child, with the name of birth, for that is what it is. Birth by Cesarean.

I left the doctor's office that day feeling a mix of emotions: sad, defeated, angered, bullied. Thankfully these emotions together created the powerful concoction of empowerment. I realized I was not in alignment with my truth. I needed to find a new person to help me bring this child into the world safely… Ah, a midwife. Those amazing individuals whose passion is bringing babies into the world. Now that sounded more like it.

I had learned during my study of prenatal yoga that home births were very safe. There are always risks involved with anything but the chance of not being able to get to a doctor in time if something was not going right was very very slim. I started to think that a home birth seemed the most beautiful and natural thing in the world. It was as if my yoga teacher sensed my mental misalignment. She encouraged me to deeply consider the reality of a home birth as it was not for everyone.

The time had come for me to actually decide where I would like to birth my child. At home? At a birthing center? A hospital? Ultimately, the reality of a home birth sounded very messy. I like things tidy. Being at home for some brings great comfort. For me, oftentimes there is a state of stress. Probably because I like things tidy. And I tend to worry. A hospital had the close by comfort of an emergency room should anything go wrong.

Hospital with midwives it was.

When considering where to birth your child and under the care of whom, align with your truth.

You've got this!