Our Birth Plan May 9, 2012

This past weekend Greg and I ventured to Nashville to spend time with family and friends who threw us a baby shower for little Remy.  As we loaded the car, both of us just looked at one another and said, “This is happening.”  I’m sure every first parent has this realization at some point…the moment when you are surrounded by tiny little clothes, bottles, Dr. Suess books, a stroller that will all-to-soon hold your baby…your baby that you created.  It is surreal.  We’ve got about 9 weeks to go until our little man enters this world, which means just 2 short months to finish preparing.  I have started working on our birth plan that explains in short detail what we desire for an all natural, un-medicated labor and delivery.  Every birth doesn’t go as planned so it simply shares our desires if things do fall into place without any complications.  I thought I’d share what I have with you as of now in the chance you, too, are in the same process, or have thought about it but didn’t know exactly where to start or what to include.  Again, this is our personal plan as a couple so take and leave what you will!

Feel free to comment or shoot me an email if you have questions about something I noted on the plan.  I can talk about birth all day long ;)  And here’s a preview of our family with my little growing bump that Britney photographed for us two weeks ago.  We can’t wait for Greta (our pup) to meet him, too!

Enjoy the day!  xoxo, *holly

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A Birth Story | Levi James April 4, 2012

It’s hard to believe that 3 months have passed since little Levi James joined us here in the world.  His birth was my first experience as a doula.  My best friend and her husband entrusted me with the task of being their doula for the birth, and I am so thankful they did.  I can’t really explain the emotion of being present at a birth and watching life enter the world — it is the most beautiful and fulfilling of moments.

A little background on the birth story:  Britney was scheduled to deliver January 6th.  I was planning to drive to Shreveport from New Orleans on January 2nd and stay until little man decided to arrive.  Well, on New Years Day I received a call from Jordan around 5:30am…Britney was in labor.  It was go time, and I had to drive 5 hours to get to them!  Her labor began in the early morning around 3am and progressed rather quickly for a first time birth.  She spent much of the time at home in the tub, which helped relieve the pain that came and went.  Jordan assisted her perfectly during this time.  I would call to check in while I was driving and could barely believe the progress being made.  I almost feared that I wouldn’t make it in time to see him arrive!  They continued home labor until around 9:30am once contractions were over a minute long and just a few minutes apart.  I finally arrived around 11am as Britney was nearing transition and push time.  For the next two hours, contractions became stronger and stronger and she came through each one like a warrior (yes, this is how I would describe it to people afterward…a woman in labor without the aid of any drugs and simply allowing her body to do what it is made to do…sounds like a warrior to me!).  When we could see little Levi’s head in the birth canal is when it became real for the rest of us.  I was able to show her a photo of him so that she could see just how far she had come and how close she was to holding him in her arms.  A few solid pushes later, and indeed he was here.  Levi James Smith, born on January 1st, 2012, at 12:46pm.  This month we’re celebrating his 3 month old birthday as well as 3 months until he gets to meet his already best friend, our little Remy.  I don’t think I could have prepared for my labor in a more perfect way than being there while Britney gave birth.  I can’t wait to experience what she says is the most powerful and fulfilling day of her and Jordan’s life…

Congratulations to the Smith family on all the joy they are experiencing from the miracle of new life!  Thank you for allowing me to enter into such an intimate time with you to join in the celebration and thanksgiving…

xoxo, *holly

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Midwives November 8, 2011

So many of my friends are preggers right now!  It’s fun watching everyone share the exciting news and seeing them prepare for the birth.  Many people choose to work with the doctor they have previously seen or one that comes highly recommended both of which are great routes to take.  Another option that is less talked about particularly here in the South is the use of a midwife.  A mid-what?  A midwife.  They are certified nurse professionals, many of whom work in collaboration with respectable OBs in hospital settings.   I found this article from the New Orleans Gambit that is an interview with a local midwife, Catherine Badeaux.  She does a great job explaining the basics of what a midwife is, and what they do.  If you think you may be interested in a more natural birth route or haven’t had the best of luck with your current doctor don’t be afraid to ask questions and perhaps seek a local midwife in your area.

And while we’re on the subject, thought I’d share this great comic…

I hope you are enjoying the day!  
*holly

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Whip ‘Em Out! October 4, 2011

I’ve been reading a lot about breasts lately for doula training, namely breastfeeding, and how our bodies are created to not only carry babies but also to provide the perfect supplement for them once they are born.  There are many benefits to breastfeeding, one in particular is that it reduces your chances for breast cancer.  Seeing that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month I thought this was only appropriate to share…

Breastfeeding isn’t the most common topic of conversation.  I think if women spoke more freely about their experiences and fears we may see more mamas willing to take on the task.  It isn’t always easy, and yes, it can hurt!  In the end, though, the benefits make it worth the efforts…the advantages for both mama and baby make we want to join in saying, “Whip ‘em out!”  Here are some great celeb and real mamas breastfeeding stories.  Talk to your friends about it.  You’d be surprised how many women want to share their thoughts and stories.  Plus, any small part we can do to help curb breast cancer makes it worth the conversation.

*holly.

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Doula and Birth Photography September 14, 2011

One of the first things I did upon moving down to New Orleans was to find out more about what it means to be a doula.  A what, you ask?  A  doula.  My dearest friend, Annie, is a doula and childbirth educator in Nashville.  Through our friendship I have learned the stories that I am photographing (newborns, childhood, etc) include an even earlier pivotal moment: birth.  Few women in our culture actually talk about the birthing process and share their birth stories.  So, I started reading as soon as I had a free moment.  I picked up “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” and read page after page real-life natural birth stories that left me in awe of what our body is capable of for labor.  It’s not a scary, fearful, painful experience but rather one that is quite normal and beautiful.  It was after this that I decided to dive in working toward my doula certification.  I’ve started training and am in the process of learning exactly how I want to serve women in this way.  I hope to do so not only as their doula but also as their photographer documenting the first minutes of their little one’s life here on earth.

As I begin this journey I hope that I can start sharing information with you as I learn myself.  Whether you’re already a mama of 4, a soon-to-be mama or a one-day mama, I want to be a source for women about birth and how important this part of the story is for our little ones.

Here are a few images of my niece just moments after her birth last year.  Emma birthed naturally with a midwife at Vanderbilt, and Chris (her hubby) and her doula were with her for the entire experience.  Sweet baby Iris born healthy and happy:


She’s the first of the new generation of Everetts, and because of her I now have the official title of “Aunt Holly.”  I love it so ; )

To read more about what a doula is and her role during childbirth click here.

*holly.


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What is a Doula? September 12, 2011

In short, a doula is someone who provides non-medical support and knowledge to a woman and her partner during labour and childbirth.  It is derived from the Greek word that means female ‘slave or servant.  She also…

* Is not a medical professional; rather, she is trained in the physiology and emotional needs of a woman in labor

* Provides physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to a woman in getting information she needs to make informed decisions about her birth process

* Becomes a continuous presence for a woman from early or active labor through a couple of hours postpartum and remains a constant source of encouragement and support

The benefits of having a doula include (but not limited to): enhanced breastfeeding, better maternal-infact interaction, less postpartum depression and anxiety, and a greater satisfaction with the birth experience.  To read more about the start of my journey as a doula click here.

 

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