Posts tagged gentle birth
Cesarean Birth Awareness
Cesarean Birth Awareness

Whenever we talk about cesarean birth, you'll find a common theme in our language: Cesarean birth is birth. We believe this value is important to acknowledge in order to promote and protect the dignity and respect of each and every person who experiences a cesarean birth, whether elective, emergency, or anything otherwise. We envision a world where birth institutions honor informed choice, birth values, and promoting gentle, family-centered cesarean births. Read along with us as we delve deeper into cesarean awareness & share beautiful images of belly births!

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Preparing for BirthShay Gabrielcesarean birth plan, cesarean birth, cesarean awareness, cesarean, c-section, cesarean birth photography, belly birth, Birth Photography, birth doula, grand rapids birth doula, grand rapids birth, grand rapids birth photography, Grand Rapids Birth Photographer, doula love, birth rights, informational support, informed consent, informed choice, childbirth education, childbirth, gentle birth, gentle cesarean, hospital birth Comment
Using your “BRAIN” to inform decisions in Labor // Cesarean, Thrice Denied

I have been talked through transferring to the OR for cesarean. I have uttered those familiar words, "Whatever it takes to get my baby here safely" and meant them with every fiber of my being. I had a very long labor at home during what was a planned homebirth. After a few days of laboring with a stuck baby (her chin wouldn't tuck, and I was lingering at about 8/9cm dilated), I opted for an epidural at the hospital in order to get some rest. I knew that an epidural would likely mean Pitocin, and that I was risking a cascade of interventions. But I felt confident in my decision to transfer to the hospital and medically intervene. Little did I know, I would be talked through cesarean 3 times in the next 9 hours.

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Birth Stories, Preparing for BirthShay Gabrielcesarean birth, informed choice, informed consent, childbirth, birth story, birth, Birth Photography, birth prep, gentle birth, empowered birth, birth team, doula support, birth doula, grand rapids birth, grand rapids birth doula, grand rapids doula, grand rapids birth photography, BRAIN, Shay Comment
Matias' Gentle Birth Story | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer
Matias' Gentle Birth Story | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer

Sweet Baby Matias was born in the Philippines at Shiphrah Birthing Home (part of Help International Ministries), shortly before I moved back to Grand Rapids. It was an absolute privilege to be a part of this family's special day. 

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Birth StoriesAnnica QuakenbushAnnica Marie Photographybirth, labor, delivery, postpartum, birthing stool, birth stool, birthing home, shiphrah, birth story, breastfeeding, gentle birth Comments