My First Birth Experience

Nine years ago, I supported my friend Jane in the birth of her first child- the first birth I ever witnessed. It was my senior year in college but his birth changed my life's path. As Gabe began to crown, I wondered what to expect. I remembered televised births on sitcoms and soap operas where dads fainted or got sick.  Still, I held Jane's leg and watched. To my amazement, Gabe silently and peacefully slid out. The moment was serene and beautiful. Jane didn't scream. I didn't faint. My next thought was, "I can do this!" I knew I had to become a midwife no matter what.


(*Have to mention how cool it was that Stone Temple Pilots were having a concert across the street from the hospital!!!)

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Motherwort

Motherwort is a well-rounded herb that is essential postpartum. Motherwort's nickname is "the St. John's wort for mothers." It is effective in reducing anxiety, preventing postpartum depression, easing insomnia, preventing postpartum hemorrhage and encourages milk flow. We include this herb in our Postpartum tea blend and highly recommend it for a quick recovery from birth.

Image from www.herbs-hands-healing.co.uk

Placenta Print

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For this placenta print, the placenta was rinsed so we had to think outside the box. We decided to create an edible ink since the placenta was to be encapsulated. When we mixed the ink, it turned into this beautiful shade of salmon. I love that this print emerged so rose-like.

Myrrh

Powdered myrrh is used in the placenta encapsulation process. Myrrh is a warming herb that helps aid digestion, stimulates the appetite, and soothes the stomach of pain or spasms. "In Chinese medicine, myrrh is classified as bitter and spicy...it is said to have special efficacy on the heart, liver, and spleen meridians, as well as "blood-moving" power to purge stagnant blood from the uterus." ~From Wikipedia

Myrrh is more commonly used in toothpaste and mouthwash.

Image from mountainroseherbs.com 

Birth Mural

I recently visited San Francisco where I went to the Mission District to check out the murals. I was pleasantly surprised to find this birth mural with a midwife helping the delivery! I guess I'm biased, but this was my favorite one.

Our business cards are ordered!!

Placenta Print

At your birth we can make some art with your placenta by pressing it onto a special paper shortly after delivery. Each print is unique and special since no two placentas are exactly alike. This pretty one reminds me of a flowery cloud.

Image © 2010 LMB All Rights Reserved