Mental Mommy

Holy cow!!!

I just checked the E-mail address I set up for the new Birth Matters state blog and birth stories web-site...  I have our first submission for the Birth Stories site!  OMG OMG OMG!!!  The site isn't even up, and I have a queued entry!  If this is a sign of things to come, I am totally grateful and only hope that things continue with this momentum!

Woo-hoo!!!

*Day 35: I am grateful for the networking power of the internet.  From Grass Roots groups, to the development and furtherment of a blog, it's friggin' awesome!

Another baby!

   I got called to another delivery last night.  It's sort of nice because now I don't have to worry about conflicts in December - I had due dates falling on the 12th and 14th, and now I've just got my 12th momma.  Whew!  I am beat!!!  The little girl was 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and beautiful as can be!  Congrats, mom and dad! 

Thankful indeed!

     I left my house around 10:00 PM Wednesday night to attend a birth.  I didn't get home until about 8:45 last night.  It was a long journey, but an incredible one.  While I was sad to have missed the holiday with my family, I was proud to be a part of such an amazing experience.  To add even more to the birth, this was the first time I had worked with a family who was waiting to meet their baby to know it's gender.  It was so neat to see mom react when you she foud out she had a son. 

     I came home and ate re-heated components of our feast, took a long, hot shower, and after a very nice massage from my husband, crashed.  I slept for 12 hours before I even had to get up to pee!  (If that isn't something to be thankful for at 18 weeks pregnant, I don't know what is!)  I'm till sore and tired, but that's the job!

     I will also add to yesterday's list that I am thankful for being able to be a part of so many family's lives and memories, and being able to witness so many miracles.  Happy Thanksgiving all over again!

ManDoula

I got home around 3:45 this morning, after having arrived at the hospital around 9 AM the previous day.  WHEW!  All I can say is that that family is amazing!  DH is really the only guy I ever thought of a capable of being a man-doula, but the couple I worked with last name showed me DH might have some competition!  What an amazing birth!

Outta' here!

   I'm off to attend a birth!  Wish us all luck!

Labor Day Weekend Indeed!

     Around 8 Saturday night, my client called with contractions.  She wasn't quite ready to commit to being in labor, since this had happened the night before, but something felt different on my end, and I geared up for a delivery.  Sure enough, I was with her by 1 this morning.  We were at the hospital by 3 and she was 8 cm's!  After a very, very difficult couple of hours, she delivered a healthy 8 pound 14 ounce baby boy - a successful VBAC, with a "large," posterior baby.  Mom and dad worked so incredibly well together.  I cried, but I think I did pretty well at maintaining my overall composure.  They did such a great job working together, and mom worked so hard to bring that baby down and out.  I was in complete awe of her awesomeness, and the bond that mom and dad shared.  I was completely exhausted after not having slept for 36+ hours and having actually been hands-on with a delivery for 12, but it was totally worth it.  I have a fabulous husband after all, so he gave me time to shower, got me something to eat, and I was able to sleep for a good 6 hours because he entertained the boys so well.  That birth was totally awesome!!! 

Another Step Toward Transparency in Maternity Care

     If you've ever had a baby, you should take this survey!  Compiled by CIMS (the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services), this survey is geared toward making the real deal known!  Let your voice be heard! 

It's alive... ALLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE!

Bwa ha hahahaha!  My website is finally alive!  There's an issue with the server right now, so I can't change the guy in the tie, but for the most part, it's good to go!  Check it out and leave me some feedback.

Birth From The Heart

Woot woot!

    I am off to the Awards Dinner.  There will be a mini road trip with some very rad ladies, silent auctions, meeting, or at least listening to a very famous midwife, and hanging out with lots of like-minded folks.  Should be good times, as well as a HUGE test of my will powers...  There will be no gluten-free food, so while my little cooler is packed, I know it will still be hard not to give in to temptation.  Wish me luck on that part!

Goodies!

     Today was our local La Leche League's fundraising walk.  A colleague and I set up a table about doulas, and I am hoping that I made some good business contacts, as well as some future clients.  They had a silent auction which was super!  I got something that retails for $289.00 or more for $110.00, and my $110.00 went to a group that helps moms and babies, rather than some Fat Cat's pockets.  STELLAR.  Anywho, it was fun!