(In this New Year's update, I'd like to share with you all, my most loyal and faithful clients, what is next for our family and Powerful Mamas®​!​

​But first, as we begin a new year I'd like to share with all of you my tremendous appreciation for each and every one of you!  I've received so many heartwarming holiday cards this winter, all with your precious children pictured. Many have grown so big I ​can ​barely recognize them!!  I hardly believe the years that have passed since I attended my very first birth... (thank you Stacy!) My heart will forever be grateful to you for taking a chance on a new, young​, passionate​ doula!!! :) 

These lovely cards are a reminder that each year brings new beginnings for all of us, and with it SO many possibilities...  I feel that the air is practically crackling around me with potential, just like the fireplace next to me as I write this letter. It's an exciting time in the Duke household! My own children are growing faster than I can believe, right before my eyes; and as happens in life, Jason and I are entering the next phase of parenthood. Options are opening for our family that could not be part of our previous, beautiful phase of babies, breastfeeding, babywearing and nap times. Part of my heart feels bittersweet as we move past this chapter in our lives, (I'm sure some of you can relate!), but I also feel inspired and ready for what is next...

As my own children's independence has grown, my career is now also ready to expand into new horizons that can allow for more opportunities to travel, engage my brain, and attend my kids' many activities and events, without the caveat that mommy MIGHT not be able to make it if she is at a birth... With that said, please understand that each and every birth has been so, so, so welcomed in our home that it was initially very hard for me to accept that it was time to back down on my labor doula load! This phase of my life has been by far the most fulfilling thing I have ever done, without question. But I've learned to accept that just in labor, there is a phase for everything in life. I began to feel peace about this new phase I'm entering when I discovered a career path SO PERFECT for the skills I've honed as a labor doula...

I'm so excited to announce to you all, my faithful clients, that that career is REAL ESTATE!!!!!!!  

Truth be told, this might seem like a jump for those of you that aren't doulas yourselves - but let me assure you it is shockingly similar.  The heart of a doula is ultimately about service, helping clients make informed decisions, and guiding folks through potentially stressful times to a (hopefully!) positive outcome they can remember with fondness for years to come...  

Now take what I've just said and insert the idea of serving clients through a REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION instead of a birth... Just like in pregnancy, really fabulous Realtors® should walk you through the process of informed decision making when home buying or selling, help connect you with the best possible referrals (such as lenders), just like a doula connects you with the best midwife/doctor/obgyn, and guide folks through potentially high stress real estate closings, just as doulas put out fires BEFORE they can cause issues in the birth room. Now do you see what I mean???

​Just like when I became a doula, I've thrown all of my research skills and educational background into becoming the best Realtor® I possibly can be.  After all, if you know me well, you know I don't like to do anything half way!!! I am passionate about being prepared... perhaps a little over-prepared even. :) Therefore I've spent the entire fall not only studying for my license, but self-educating by listening and reading every podcast, realty book, and ​article out there, as well as meeting with some of the best in the business, who I'm proud to call my mentors.  Since the beginning of the New Year I've spent almost everyday in trainings, not because they are required, but because I am determined to be the BEST REALTOR® I possibly can be for each and everyone of my clients!

So now, after all of this, I feel ready to officially announce with confidence that I am at your service in this new capacity.

I would be beyond honored if you would allow me to walk along side you, your friends, your coworkers or your family members through ​what ​will be ANOTHER​ major life decision - the purchase of not just a house, but a home - YOUR home.  Many of you have trusted me to help bring into the world your most precious treasures ... N​ow I boldly ask that you consider placing that same faith in me once again.

Please visit and SHARE my new website, www.SellingCentralIowa.com.  If you are interested in buying or selling a home within the next year, you'll find many valuable resources, including free Buyer and Seller Guides, informative blog posts, customizable search tools, and more!

I promise​ that ​​I will ​bring​ the same level of​ ​commitment​, due diligence​, and service​ to my role as your Realtor® at Coldwell Banker, Mid-America Group in Ankeny that I have brought to all of my birth work! Please email me at Jacquelyn@SellingCentralIowa.com or call today if you'd like to learn more about how I can make the home buying/selling process take less time, involve less stress, and ultimately save you money!

***PS - Powerful Mamas® will still be here for you through our Online Natural Birth Course, Labor Doula Trainings, Repeat Labor Doula Clients, and perhaps my favorite service of all - Placenta Encapsulation!!! Please spread the word Jacquelyn is still serving you for your birth, as well as real estate, needs!!!***

Of course, it goes without saying that at Powerful Mamas® we recognize and advocate strongly for human milk for human babies, as long as the breastfeeding relationship is healthy and positive for both baby and mother. But there will come a time when your baby is ready to start exploring the diverse and exciting world of solid foods.  In this post, we will discuss when to consider introducing solid foods, how to know if your baby is ready, unique first foods, the benefits of home made baby food, the best and most convenient baby food makers, and even a few recipes to try. Bon appetit!
 
When Do Pediatricians Recommend Starting Solid Foods?

According to the Mayo Clinic as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies aged 4 to 6 months show signs that they are ready to begin eating solid foods as a complement to breast-feeding or formula-feeding. However, new research shows that it's generally better for baby's immune system and over all digestion to wait until at least 6 months. Keep in mind that some babies will not be ready to transition from breastmilk until even later. This is perfectly normal, as long as their pediatrician agrees they are healthy.
 
What are a Few Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solid Foods?
 
Babies will typically stop using their tongues to push food out of their mouths and begin to develop the coordination to move solid food from the front of the mouth to the back for swallowing. They also have very strong gag reflexes as a form of protection, so you can rest assured knowing that your baby is not as likely to choke as you may think they are. In addition to age, if you answer yes to the questions below and have the OK from your pediatrician, you can begin supplementing your baby’s diet with solid foods:

●Can your baby hold his or her head in a steady, upright position?
●Can your baby sit with support?
●Is your baby mouthing his or her hands or toys?
●Is your baby interested in what you're eating?
 
Unique First Foods for Baby
 
In her book Real Food for Mother and Baby, Nina Planck talks about feeding her baby tons of foods right from the start—meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, fruits and vegetables. She gave him grated Parmesan mixed with olive oil. She stirred salsa into eggs. She added cinnamon to mashed banana. She gave him dark chocolate. She let him gnaw on lamb chops. Some things you can try at home that a 6 month old baby might be ready to eat are:

-Dried Mango Slices
-Apple Slices
-Bananas
-Pear
-Orange Wedges
-Avocado
-Peas
-Green Pepper Slices
-Broccoli (add garlic and lemon to it when your baby is older than 12 months)
-Soft chunks of cheddar cheese
-Yogurt
-Brown Rice
-Hummus
-Pieces of grilled salmon
-Pieces of steak

The Benefits of Homemade Baby Food Over Store Bought
 
Now don't get me wrong - there are moments in every mother's life where a quick jar or pouch of baby food can be a sanity saver!  But there are a lot of fun and worthy reasons to consider making your own baby food, including:

●You know exactly what you are feeding your baby!!!

●It’s more economical and environmentally friendly than buying pre-packaged foods

●You can choose your own fruits, vegetables, and other foods for purees, instead of relying on the flavors chosen by manufacturers. You’re not typically going to find melons or avocados in the baby food section of the supermarket!

●It gets the baby used to eating the same food as the rest of the family -- just in puree form.

●Jarred baby food is cooked at extremely high temperatures to kill bacteria for longer storage, at the same time taking out many of the food's vitamins, nutrients and taste. It also includes preservatives and is often high in salt.

●By spending one weekend cooking, you can prepare a month’s worth of food for your baby at a time.

●Making your own baby food allows you to think more about what you’re feeding your child, paving the way for them to be healthy and adventurous eaters!
 
Baby Food Makers

One of the easiest ways to make your own baby food is just by mashing whatever you are eating with a fork.  It doesn't get much easier than that! This simple piece of kitchen equipment found in every kitchen does a great job with easily mashed foods such as  a very ripe pear, sweet potatoes, avocados, or bananas. However, sometimes when you are making large batches, some more advanced equipment can be helpful. Here is a run down of a few common options:

●Hand-powered food mill with different blades for various textures of food. Many parents say this portable, non-electric gadget is their favorite tool. (Search online for "food mill.")

●An all-in-one baby-food maker - a device that first steam-cooks and then purees fruit, vegetables, and meat for your baby. Some models also defrost and reheat previously prepared food. (Search for the Baby Brezza, Beaba Babycook, or  "baby food maker.")

●A baby food grinder, a very inexpensive and simple way to break down chunks of food for your baby, non-electric and portable, but you don't have a choice of textures. Read the reviews online before ordering. The grinders don't always work as well as they promise, but some parents swear by them. (Search for "baby food grinder.")

●A hand blender, a useful electronic gadget that purees food like a blender does, but works in the opposite way: You place it into the food rather than vice versa. (Search for "hand blender.")

●A regular kitchen blender or food processor. You probably already have at least one of these at home. A blender or food processor might work well for you, though you might find it less than ideal for small jobs. A Baby Bullet or Nutri Bullet is a good option you can try if you don’t have one already.
 
Other useful supplies:
●Storage containers and ice cube trays (or similar trays made just for baby food) for refrigerating and freezing extra portions. Freezing in small servings helps reduce waste and shorten thawing times.

Healthy Homemade: How to Make Baby Food in 6 Easy Steps!

So, you've decided to make your own baby food. Great!  How do you actually do it???

Follow these easy steps:

●Wash and rinse your hands and equipment.

●Scrub and peel fruits and vegetables.

●Bake, steam, roast, or microwave until tender (steaming  preserves the most nutrients).

●Puree in a food processor with a little liquid (water, breast milk, or formula), or mash if your baby can handle more texture.

●Store in the refrigerator or freezer, in airtight containers. (Packaged baby foods can be stored in the cupboard until they’re opened; because they’re fresh, homemade baby foods can’t.)

●Rewarm when it’s time to eat and allow to cool.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, you can puree foods such as cooked meats (fully cooked, with no pink, and remove fat, skin, and connective tissue), beans, and cooked eggs.

Time for Some Baby Food Recipes!
 
Baby's Little Pasta Soup

Babies will love this soup made with little pasta. It can be changed according to your baby's taste—try adding mashed carrots, creamy spinach or tiny bits of broccoli, chicken or turkey.
 
●11/2 cups (355 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
●2 (22 g) tablespoons uncooked pastina
Stovetop Method
Bring broth to a gentle boil and add pastina. Cook, stirring frequently, 7 or 8 minutes, or until pastina is cooked. Serve warm.
This recipe, covered tightly, will last for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, just add a bit of water.

Orange Puree

High in vitamins A and C and fiber. Makes 1 1/2 cups       
                           
●1 yam, peeled and cut in chunks
●3 carrots, peeled and cut in chunks
●2 Tbs water
1.In a pot, cover yam and carrots with cold water. Boil 25 minutes, or until very tender. 
2.Drain and puree in food processor with water until completely smooth (no telltale chunks!), 1 minute. If necessary, add up to 1 tablespoon water to make puree smoother.
 
White Puree

High in fiber, protein and iron. Makes 1 cup     
                     
●One 15-oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
●1 Tbs water
 
1.Pulse cannellini beans and water in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Puree should be the consistency of peanut butter. If necessary, add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until there are no bean flecks visible.

First Avocado Baby Food - Sweet Potato and Avocado Dinner

1 small sweet potato
1 avocado, peeled
 
Bake the sweet potato in its skin for 45 mins - 1 hour until tender.
Cool, then remove the flesh from the skin and mash with the avocado.
Avocado also tastes delicious mashed with cooked butternut squash.

Easy Chicken and Veggies

2oz (1/4 cup) chicken, cut into small pieces
1 small carrot, peeled and diced
2oz (1/4 cup) broccoli florets
homemade chicken stock or water
 
Put all ingredients into a saucepan and just cover with the stock/broth.
Simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Drain (reserving the broth) and puree in a food processor, adding back a little of the reserved cooking broth to create a thinner texture if necessary.
 
Perfect Pork Puree
​
4oz (1/2 cup) lean pork
4oz (1/2 cup) sweet potato, peeled and diced
1/2 small apple, peeled, cored and diced
6 fl oz (3/4 cup) homemade chicken stock, apple juice or water
pinch dried sage.
 
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the pork is cooked and the sweet potato/apple are tender.
Blend in a food processor and serve.
 
 
Thank you to the Following Sources!

Solid foods: How to get your baby started http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20046200
Motherhood Mondays: Baby food...an epiphany!http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2014/03/motherhood-mondays-baby-foodan-epiphany.html
Homemade Baby Food: Is It Right for You?http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-nutrition-9/making-baby-food
 
USDA Nutritional Needs
http://www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/Topics/FG/Chapter1_NutritionalNeeds.pdf
 
Baby’s Little Pasta Soup
http://www.parenting.com/article/baby-little-pasta-soup
 
Sneak Vegetables into Food
http://www.parenting.com/article/sneak-vegetables-food
 
How to Introduce Meat to Baby
http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/introduce-meat-to-baby.html
 
Avocado Baby Food Recipes
http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/avocado-baby-food.html
 

Wondering how you can reduce frustrations arising from communication challenges with your little one?  Interested in increasing IQ levels, improving reading comprehension and enhancing verbal speech? Join Melissa Wardell, certified baby sign language instructor and owner of My Smart Hands Des Moines, as we dispel some of the common myths surrounding baby signing. We'll even learn a few basic signs you can start using with your baby today!!!

​To learn more about upcoming baby sign class schedules, please contact Melissa directly at:
My Smart Hands - Des Moines
Melissa@mysmarthands.com
www.mysmarthandsdesmoines.com
www.facebook.com/babysignlanguage

Remember, if you're not from Central Iowa, you can still join Melissa's classes via Skype, or you can find a certified instructor near you at www.mysmarthands.com!

I will never forget the off-hand comment that changed the course of my life forever.  I was sitting in the living room of our first home, holding my fresh, newborn daughter, Willow Grace, just 5 days old.  Our labor doula had come to our home for a postpartum visit. We happily discussed how breastfeeding was going, as well as newborn care, sleep (or lack of it!), nutrition, and finally the birth. At this point, she gently asked how I felt about my birth experience... That's all it took. The hormones and sleep deprivation poured out, and tears began streaming down my face.

I could see her surprise. She probably thought her question would be meant with joy. After all, I had had the perfect birth... Fast, natural, and healthy. Every woman's dream, right?  

Wrong, at least for me... It's true that I had desperately wanted a natural birth for a variety of reasons, (none of which included earning some sort of medal, BTW!). I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, similar to a marathon runner's desire to reach their goal; but I also wanted to avoid potentially dangerous interventions for myself and my baby, and I wanted breastfeeding to get started on the best foundation possible.

To prepare myself I read every book, article and blog imaginable on natural birth. I spoke with my mother about her births, as well as my friends, and I even took a Bradley Method® natural birth class, the most "natural" of all birth classes in our area at that time. After learning that statistically women had better outcomes with a labor doula present, I made the wise decision to hire one. I. Was. Ready!

Or so I thought. What I was NOT prepared for was the complete overwhelm and fear I would feel from a precipitous birth.  Being a first time mom the books and classes told me I would likely give birth past my due date, and I would probably have an average, maybe even long labor.  This made sense to me. After all, my mother had taken 3 days to give birth to her first child.  I mentally prepared for the challenges of a late and exhausting delivery.

Imagine my surprise when my water broke with an audible "POP" at 10:45pm, at exactly 37 weeks gestation. A full MONTH before I expected it! I called my provider and was told I must immediately come in... I didn't know at that time that I had a choice, so my husband began hurriedly gathering our things, none of which were packed or ready.  

I called our doula at that point, and she gently mentioned that I could likely take my time getting ready, maybe even take a shower before heading in. She told me to call her from the hospital to let her know when I needed her.  I said okay, hung up, and went to sit on the toilet waiting for the flow of amniotic fluid to slow. I called my mother, surprised that I felt so much fear after all of my preparation... I didn't know at that time that my particular labor pattern causes adrenaline to surge through my body, making me shake violently and causing my nerves to feel on edge.

Contractions hit hard and fast. I jumped in the shower, thinking I had plenty of time.  I could barely make it out.  My husband found me just 30 minutes after my water broke on my hands and knees in the bathroom moaning and rocking for relief.  He talked me out of the bathroom and as far as the kitchen before I told him to call our doula again, just 30 minutes after the first phone call to tell her I was in labor. I gasped into the phone that I must be weak, that I was so, so very sorry that I needed her already.  She told me not to apologize, and that she would meet me at the hospital right away. I hung up again.

That's when I began to hyperventilate.  I have never passed out in my entire life, but this was the closest I'd ever come.  My husband came around the corner, grabbed my shoulder in fear and shook me, yelling, "breathe"!!!  I thought there was no way I'd make it to the car, but somehow I did.  I told him to drive safely, but half way there I was already demanding that he either go faster or pull the car over on the interstate so that I could walk to the hospital.  Not exactly logical, but I simply couldn't stand the pain of being in the car.  Luckily he was wise enough not to listen to me, and drove as safely and quickly to the hospital as possible.  

Unfortunately he had not taken the hospital tour with me, and I was completely incapable of giving directions.  We pulled up to the front doors at 12:15am.  I leaped from the car and marched straight to the doors alone, only to find them locked for the evening.  Somewhere deep in my brain I recalled something about entering the hospital through the ER after hours.  I began walking to the ER doors, over 200 yards away.  My husband looked at the half parked car, looked at me, and wisely choose to follow me!

I huffed and puffed my way into the ER and demanded a bathroom, IMMEDIATELY.  My contractions were deep in my back, causing an uncomfortable feeling of needing to use the restroom. I was afraid I'd embarrass myself, not being able to control the pressure on my rectum.  The staff and my husband waited outside the bathroom door, but soon demanded I come out, afraid that the pushing noises I was making might be the baby coming.  In hindsight I believe my body was trying to turn Willow from an unfavorable position, yet the grunts I was making could certainly be confused with pushing.

The nurses demanded I get on a stretcher to be wheeled up to the maternity ward, when all I wanted to do was walk.  They said it was not an option.  I was angry, but complied. When we arrived in my labor room, I was so relieved to see the face of my doula.  She was like a life preserver that I somehow knew could help keep me from sinking.

The rest of my labor was a blur of being in the bed, on the toilet, slow dancing, and on the labor ball. I was just 5cm when I arrived, much to my dismay. However, I was a +2 station and 100% effaced!!!  Had I known what I know now, I might have understood that the baby was likely coming quickly. Many moms are not a +2 station until they are almost crowning, after all!  

But at that time all I heard was that I was only half way dilated.  I about lost it.  At this point I heard a gentle whisper in my ear, telling me to go to the restroom, away from the lights, the beeping monitors, the strangers and the noise.  My doula guided me into my own little oasis of privacy, joining me in my labor bubble.  She closed the door, turned down the lights, and sat on the edge of the tub where she proceeded to tell me that I was not dying, that the pressure was because the baby was coming quickly.  She kept me company while my husband went to park the car properly, then she guided my husbands hands and encouraged him as well. She reassured me over and over again that what I was feeling was actually normal and not dangerous.  Her calm presence assured me that even though I didn't FEEL okay, I must BE okay.

At one point during transition she held me, breathing directly with me.  I heard out of the blue the worship music she had put on the CD player.  I began to hum to the music...  When the contraction would rise and I could no longer sing, I asked that she sing for me.  God bless her, she did, though I know she probably felt a bit embarrassed to do so.  Though probably not as devout as I ought to be, I felt Jesus in that tiny bathroom with me in those moments like no other time in my life. It gave me the courage to continue.

At this point the nurses wanted to check the baby's heart rate. I had to leave my precious oasis and go back into the bright, scary lights of the hospital room.  Willow's heart rate dipped, and they demanded I get into the bed so they could get a better reading.  The pain felt exponentially worse, and completely overwhelmed me. I felt out of control. I called for an epidural, saying I couldn't take it anymore.  I cried to my doula that I was so sorry I couldn't do it, not understanding that she supported ME, not just my birth plan.  She told me over and over not to apologize.  

They said they must check my cervix, insert an IV, and give me IV fluids before they could do an epidural.  Knowing what I know now, I suspect they all knew that I was too far along for the epidural, but they humored me.  When they checked my cervix I was 9.5cm!  For a moment I felt genuine terror again, knowing there would be no relief coming.  But then I heard my doula, telling me she KNEW I could do this, that I was almost there, that I had the strength to make it through.

Within 30 minutes of that vaginal check, I delivered my little girl.  My precious, beautiful, amazing Willow Grace... the daughter that made me a mother!  The love washed over me in waves like I'd never felt before in my life. I felt such relief that it was over, mixed with awe of this little person that just came out of me. I DID IT!  I gave birth naturally, the way I had wanted.  

In the days after her birth, I was proud of what I had done, but still in shock at the intensity.  I felt raw, vulnerable and insecure.  When friends and family heard of my fast, natural labor, they made comments. "Wow, aren't you lucky?! A fast labor!  I wish I had had that! That must have been so easy"...."I labored for 12 hours before getting the epidural.  I could have done it too if MY labor had been that easy."  "Wow, you hardly had to feel anything!  I labored for 3 days!"

I felt shattered.  Everything I had accomplished, SURVIVED, erased with these insensitive, ignorant statements to a brand new mommy.  I began to question if I could even call my labor natural - after all, I ASKED for an epidural, so maybe it doesn't count?  I was really loud, scared, and vocal - maybe to be proud of your labor you have to get through it without making a noise, with no fear... completely "zen" or something?  Maybe I wasn't that strong after all...

This is how my doula found me at that postpartum visit.  Her innocent question, "How did I feel about my birth?"... I felt like a failure.  Like I hadn't done it right for it to 'count'.  In her kind eyes I saw that I could be honest with her, that I could pour out my insecurities.  And I saw a fierceness come from her, a protectiveness that showed she was on my side!  She had my back!  She looked me in the eye and said that she was there. She SAW what I went through.  She explained to me that a fast birth can feel like a million rocks are falling down on you, similar to loads of pitocin being dumped into your system.  She hugged me, and validated me.  She affirmed that I WAS strong, powerful, and that it didn't matter what I had to say or do to get through my birth. I DID IT.

I looked at her face through my tears, smiled for the first time in days, and said "Wow.  What a job you must have.  To HELP women the way you do!  To repair their very soul!  I'd love to be able to help women like that."

And to my surprise, without missing a beat, she looked at me and said, "Maybe you have a calling.  You should become a labor doula!"

And the rest is history! :)

*If you feel this calling in your soul, I strongly encourage you to follow it!!!  It made NO logical sense for me when I began this journey. At the time I started my doula career I had a new baby, a full time desk job, AND I was finishing my masters degree in the evenings.  If you are meant to do this, the pieces will fall into place!  I hope you'll consider joining me at one of my upcoming CAPPA Labor Doula Trainings. For a full schedule or to learn more visit: http://www.powerfulmamas.com/become-a-cappa-labor-doula.html .

IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD DOULA WEEK, RECEIVE $100 OFF YOUR REGISTRATION FOR ANY OF POWERFUL MAMAS 2016 LABOR DOULA TRAININGS, THIS WEEK ONLY! Just enter coupon code "WorldDoulaWeek" at checkout!

I’ll admit that I haven’t always been a fan of natural or home birth.  In part out of ignorance.   Because it was something that women of my generation would never have considered.  Yes, we took childbirth classes and committed to not using drugs during delivery.  But I don’t know of a single friend of mine who actually followed through once they were in labor.    And, in part, out of fear for the safety of the people I love, I feared home birth.  I just couldn’t imagine that giving birth at home could be safe!

A little over a month ago, my daughter-in-law gave birth to my third grandchild, a beautiful baby girl.  She gave birth in an inflatable wading pool in the middle of her kitchen floor.   I was skeptical about the whole thing.  I mean, why would you put yourself through something like that.  It was so much more comfortable to give birth in a hospital where people took care of you, right?  Wrong!

I was blessed to be present for the birth.  My role was to take care of my other grandchildren (ages 2 & 4) during the birth.  As luck would have it, they were asleep when my daughter-in-law went into labor, so I was free to be attend. Now this was NOT something I really wanted to do because I just didn’t know enough to be comfortable with the process... However, there is no polite way to excuse yourself from the birth of your own grandchild! 

So I put my game face on and took my place beside the pool.   What happened next was truly the most incredible experience of my life. Instead of being surrounded by bright lights, hospital smells and bare sterile walls, the room was full of flickering, soothing candle light.  The hospital smells were replaced with the smell of calming incense and fresh baked banana bread.  Instead of bare walls there were banners with words of love and encouragement, created by friends and family of the expectant mother.  They were hung around the room for her to focus on during her labor pains.

Her labor truly was a labor of love.  It took place under the care of an incredible and incredibly competent Midwife and Doula.  It was such a calm, peaceful and loving environment, it was impossible not to relax and become a part of the experience.

My granddaughter was born without the use of any drugs and the impact was immediately apparent.  She came into the world with her eyes wide open.  Alert and aware of her surroundings from the moment she was born.  She was handed to her mother and latched on to nurse within 2-3 minutes, while staring, bright eyed, into the eyes of her mother.   I began to see the wisdom of home birth. 

But watching my daughter-in-law recover after the birth was what really convinced me that this had been the best choice for her all along.  She spent the rest of that night in her own bed, holding her new baby.  After two days of bed rest, required mostly because she wasn’t allowed to go up and down the stairs, she came downstairs looking absolutely radiant and rested!
 
Home birth isn’t for everyone.  But if you have a loved one who wants to give birth this way, I encourage you to support them.  It can be a beautiful experience, one that I will never forget and am so thankful to have been a part of!