Childbirth has been a topic of great interest to me since before the birth of my first child. I suppose I felt some sort of destiny where birth was concerned ever since helping my stepfather pull a lamb the year he and my mother were married!

Years of study and a variety of birth experiences led me down a path that has included becoming an independent childbirth educator, occasional doula (labor support), and breastfeeding advocate. To me, the word ministry sums up what I feel called to do—to help women have their babies in a way that is as healthy, satisfying, and safe as it can possibly be.

First, a bit about my experiences. My husband and I were separated during the birth of our first child ... second birth was a "failed" home birth and traumatic induced labor (for both me and baby) ... third baby was a "gentle" induction. I came later to believe that inducing labor—forcing a baby to come before the fullness of time—can be as much a violation of the womb's sanctity as many other technological interventions. By the time our fourth child was conceived, my husband and I were prepared for the decision of having our baby completely outside the medical system —with no one to depend on, "just in case," except God Himself. (Yes, this decision has been regarded by many as risky and highly irresponsible.) Our fourth and fifth children were born at home—perfectly healthy, with no medical input during either pregnancy or delivery—in the presence of a close friend and their grandmother, respectively, and caught by their father. Our sixth child was also born at home but became a loss that we feel would not have turned out very differently had we been in the hospital (see Duncan's story, below). Our seventh and eighth were also born at home, perfectly healthy, with no complications, and continue to be the delight of our lives. My husband felt we should have a midwife present for the birth of our ninth (also at home), and we were grateful for her expertise—confirming my belief that people need to hear from God on each individual situation.

My essential viewpoint on childbirth boils down to two statements. One, the God who spun the universe from His fingertips has NO problem bringing a baby out from the womb in which He formed it. Two, doctors and hospitals can be useful (at least from a purely natural standpoint), during an emergency or critical illness, but even after experiencing "the worst" I am still fully convinced that giving birth is neither!

Birth Stories

  • Alistair's birth—11/11/90 ~ hospital birth, some interventions
  • Ian's Birth—6/17/92 ~ planned homebirth, transfer of care in last month, induced labor ~ NEW!!!!
  • Erin's birth—2/15/94 ~ another induction, but slower, without pain meds
  • Ross' birth—12/16/95 ~ our first unassisted birth
  • Breanna's birth—10/14/97 ~ another beautiful unassisted birth
  • Duncan's story—7/2/99 - 7/13/99 ~ when homebirth doesn't go as planned ... God is still in control!
  • Cameron's birth—7/15/00 ~ pregnancy and birth after loss ~ Glory to God!!
  • Corrie's birth—10/3/02 ~ long, slow labor but oh-so-worth-it!
  • Meeghan's birth—9/2/04 ~ my first midwife-attended waterbirth

Homebirth-Related Articles

I'm working on a seven-part set of outlines, complete with supplemental articles (still in process), on preparing for home birth. My prayer is that these may be a resource for those who cannot find support or information through other means.

Childbirth & Breastfeeding Links

Disclaimer: my use of these links does not, of course, constitute automatic endorsement on my part of the views or teachings held within. They are for your enjoyment and enrichment, and you are expected to exercise your own discernment while reading the content of any site.

  • My Personal Statement on Zion Birth and related matters
  • BirthJunkie.com ~ One family's adventures in unassisted birth, lots of stories from both sides of the fence, and other information on birth! VERY active message board. Articles coming from the "anti" side of Zion birth. (Note: my first two home births are also featured on this site.)
  • Christian UC ~ Unassisted childbirth information from a distinctly Christian point of view.
  • Purebirth Australia ~ Unassisted pregnancy & childbirth "Down Under" ~ Nice site, very informative! ~ NEW!!!
  • Bob's Unassisted Homebirth Page for Fathers ~ A unique site, from the DAD'S point of view! ~ Don't forget to check out the home site of this one!
  • The Joy of pleasurable childbirth ~ Extensive articles and links related to home/unassisted birth, now compliled into a book, by Laurie Morgan. (Formerly Laurie's Humble Home on the Web)
  • ProMom.com ~ All kinds of breastfeeding information ... 101 reasons to breastfeed, Dr. Jack Newman's very informative articles, message board, more!
  • Moms 4 Milk ~ Mother's Milk, that is! The latest in breastfeeding research in one easily accessible place ~ Get thefacts, and pass them on!
  • The Midwives' Archives At GentleBirth.com ~ Have a question you can't find elsewhere? Just want to compare notes with others? Check out this site! Exhaustive resource for all sorts of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum issues.

 

Businesses Online

  • BirthSupplies.com ~ AKA Spirit-Led Childbirth ~ Birthing, Midwifery, and Parenting supplies. My personal favorite.
  • Elizabeth Lee Designs ~ Original patterns for maternity and nursing wear, also baby slings.
  • Motherwear ~ Wide variety of ready-made nursing fashions
  • One Hot Mama ~ Fashionable maternity and nursing clothes, much more!

 
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This Freebirth site owned by Shenandoah.