My First Natural Birth

This gorgeous young man turned 13 this past week. I can hardly believe it. His birth was my first natural birth. By natural, I mean unmedicated. The night of his birthday, I taught Class 4 in my Birth Boot Camp series. I feel like it was SO appropriate that I was teaching women to have confidence in their bodies and giving them the tools to have the birth experience that they want on this special day. (Don't worry - we celebrated all weekend!)

We have a special tradition in our home. On each child's birthday, all of the kids gather on our bed first thing in the morning and listen while I tell that child's birth story. I absolutely LOVE this! Now, we actually talk about their births much more often than just on their special day, but this tradition is so much fun. No matter how old they get, they enjoy being the center of attention.

Looking back, I am amazed at how I was able to have this wonderful birth. Way back then, it was much more difficult to find like-minded individuals. We had dial-up internet. Enough said, right?

I knew that I did not want to have an epidural. My first birth had been full of interventions and ended with a premature baby in the NICU who had a very difficult time breastfeeding. I did not want that experience again! I mentioned this to a few friends. Most thought I was crazy, but one friend didn't. She told me all about how she had a natural birth! She told me to read The Birth Book by Dr. Sears and learn to relax. That was it. She made it seem easy!

Well, I did what she said. I read that book only 3 weeks before going into labor (4 weeks early). My husband and I practiced with different relaxation techniques -- music, massage, visualization, etc. When the time came to put it into practice, I was amazed that it worked so well! I found that as long as I kept my body relaxed, I was able to stay on top of those contractions. I had to focus and really turn inward. There was such a distinct difference in the contractions that I didn't relax for! The pain was almost overwhelming. My husband was the one who really helped me to re-focus. You must prepare mentally and emotionally for natural birth.

I found that water was my friend. After a few hours of active labor, I needed something more. I was able to sit on a seat in the shower and let the warm water wash over me. Water is known as the "midwive's epidural!" What a true statement! It really helped to calm and relax me.

I reached transition while in the shower and the water helped through. My sweet boy arrived just a few minutes later on the bed. Being early, he ended up spending a few days in the NICU. But, unlike my first child, he nursed like a champ and didn't have any of the medication side-effects that my first child did.

It wasn't easy, but it was wonderful. I am so thankful for this friend. Sharing our stories of natural childbirth is so important. You never know how many lives you might change.

Favorite Smoothie

I love smoothies! They are such a good way to get a lot of your vegetables and fruit in each day. They are so easy to make. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to own a very expensive blender in order to make smoothies. I bought my blender for around $70 at Walmart. (I did want something a bit better than the typical $30 blender.) Here is the recipe for my favorite, go-to smoothie.

April's Favorite Fruit Smoothie

2 handfuls of spinach
1 cup water

Blend until spinach is thoroughly chopped; approx. 30 seconds. Stop blender and add:

8-10 frozen strawberries
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1-2 tsp chia seeds (I sometimes substitute ground flax seed for this.)
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1 Tbsp raw honey, depending on how ripe the banana is
splash of almond milk or water

Blend for at least 2-3 minutes or until it reaches desired consistency.

This makes a lot of smoothie! It fills my blender. My kids all know that it contains spinach and they still love it. You cannot taste the spinach at all. I will sometimes change this recipe up, depending on what fruits and veggies I have on hand.

Kale is a very nutritious leafy green that could be used instead of the spinach. Try out a little at a time, though! It has a stronger flavor.

Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe?

"Your body is not a lemon!"

This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Ina May Gaskin! The Tarrant County Birth Network hosted a fabulous event. We had a delicious dinner with her on Friday night. Saturday was filled with a book signing, vendor fair and listening to Ina May speak. I am exhausted just thinking about how much went on! It was absolutely wonderful.

Taking Ina May to the airport!

Nancy & I at the Birth Boot Camp booth

Hello and welcome to my website! If you are looking for a natural childbirth class in the southern Dallas/Fort Worth area, I would be honored if you would take some time to learn about me and the curriculum I teach.

My husband, Corey, and I have been married for 17 years. We have 4 wonderful children ~ 2 girls and 2 boys. Before having children, I earned my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I have always had a passion for teaching.  The birth of your child is a momentous occasion. It is  important to educate yourself as thoroughly as possible so that you can take responsibility for your birth.

As your Birth Boot Camp Instructor, I look forward to joining your family on your journey to becoming parents. My experiences of two medicated and two natural births, give me a unique perspective as a natural childbirth educator. I am able to understand and empathize with the couples in my class, while providing them with the information and tools they need to work towards the birth they desire. I would be thrilled to share this exciting time with you!