Posts tagged grand rapids birth photographer
The Birth Of Laila Kay: By Night & Water
The Birth Of Laila Kay: By Night & Water

I knew Laila's arrival would be much more flexible than any given date, but I held onto her due date in an extra special kind of way throughout all of my pregnancy; November 15 was the date of my beloved Grandpa's passing, and I loved the thought of him ushering my baby from his realm to mine. But as the day went on, I really didn't think labor was going to set in on Laila's due date. I began thinking I should pick out a new "due date" to help get through the sludge of waiting (I waited 9 days past 40 weeks with Evie!)…

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Birth StoriesShay Gabrielhomebirth, water birth, grand rapids birth photographer, west michigan birth, midwife, west michigan birth photography, grand rapids birth doula Comment
The Benefits of Writing Your Birth Story + 5 Ways to Get Started
The Benefits of Writing Your Birth Story + 5 Ways to Get Started

The thought of writing your birth story can be daunting. So I'm here to offer some strategies for getting started! Because truly, the benefits of writing your birth story make the dedicated time and energy entirely worthwhile.

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Birth Stories, PostpartumShay Gabrielbirth story, birth, birth photography, grand rapids birth photographer, west michigan birth, writing, healing, postpartum, childbirth, parenting, fourth trimester, therapy, holistic health, empowered birth, mindfulness, mindful birth Comment
Shay's Empowered Birth Story
Shay's Empowered Birth Story

It wasn’t until the afternoon of Monday, February 17 — 9 days after my “guess date” — that the strong, persistent contractions stuck around. It was the real deal this time! (My midwives knew what they were talking about when they revealed that most first-time birthers don’t go into labor naturally until closer to 10 days after their “due date.”)

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Birth StoriesShay GabrielSprout and Blossom, LLChomebirth, hospital birth, homebirth transfer, empowered birth, water birth, long labor, midwifery, doula support, doula, grand rapids doula, birth photographer, grand rapids birth photographer, ShayComment
Emily's Homebirth Story
Emily's Homebirth Story

“It was so calming to be in my own home, and be surrounded by people with positive birth energy who believed in my ability to birth my baby myself.” - Emily

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Birth StoriesAnnica QuakenbushSprout and Blossom, LLChomebirth, home birth, midwifery, midwife, doula, doula care, doula support, water birth, labor, birth photography, birth, birth photographer, michigan birth photographer, Grand Rapids Birth Photographer, grand rapids birth photographer, West Michigan Birth Photography, west michigan birth, michigan doulaComment
The Third Stage of Labor | The Birth of the Placenta | Grand Rapids Doula and Birth Photographer
The Third Stage of Labor | The Birth of the Placenta | Grand Rapids Doula and Birth Photographer

Let’s talk about the third stage of labor - the birth of the placenta. Know what to expect during this process, and how to ensure you are set up for postpartum care for down there. The placenta is incredible.

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Birth Stories, Preparing for BirthAnnica QuakenbushSprout and Blossom, LLCplacenta, postpartum, birth, birth doula, birth photography, grand rapids birth photographer, grand rapids doula, michigan birth photographer, michigan doulaComment