Mekhi Grace's Genesis
On July 8, 2006 I found myself wide awake, laying in bed, overwhelmed with this feeling I had not had before. I rolled over and started staring at my spouse, Arlette and she must have felt my presence, which startled her. I told her I could not wait any longer. So I got out of bed and took a pregnancy test. I was so nervous and for some reason felt that I could not look at the test strip this time, so I left the room. Arlette was standing next to the test strip, watching Harley (our cat). I saw her peak at the test strip and do a double take. With butterflies in my stomach, I eagerly said, "What?" and she turned around, faced me with her hands on the top of her head and said, "I think we're pregnant". I raced over to look at the test strip and I almost could not believe my eyes. Sure enough, two pink lines, loud and clear! I screamed, "I knew it!", hugged and kissed Arlette and started to cry, overwhelmed by excitement. Finally, after four months of trying, we were pregnant!
When I begin to think about how Mekhi came into our life, I am filled with such joy and amazement. Arlette and I had wanted to have children for years and we were just waiting for the "right" time. So many people kept telling us to wait, "you're so young", "it's life changing", "it's expensive", and on and on. But we were ready! Our dear friend Marialena's kind words started to resonate with us. She said there is never a good time to have a baby, no one is ever really financially ready and prepared, just trust yourself and you will know when you are ready. And that is just what we did. Our heart was ready for a baby and we trusted that gut feeling.
Unfortunately, we started off our prenatal experience with a horrible OB/Gyn doctor's office. After talking with friends of ours, Marielle and Jonathan, and hearing their experience with homebirths, we knew this was for us. We contacted their midwife and found out she would not be able to take us on. She referred us to Tosi which was such a blessing. The first second I spoke with Tosi, I knew she was a kindred spirit. After our first consultation with Tosi, Arlette and I just looked at each other and knew, without a doubt, that having a homebirth with Birthstream was the best decision we had made.
We had our first prenatal appointment with Birthstream on November 13, 2006 and what an amazing experience that was! We spent a little over an hour with Tosi at our house. She shared so much knowledge with us, so much important information that we were never previously told about. Tosi did the usual prenatal checkup like taking my blood pressure, pulse, weight, checking my urine, measuring my tummy, etc. But we also got to hear our baby’s heartbeat and she helped Arlette and I feel the different body parts of our baby. She let us share with her that on September 25, 2006, I felt our baby move for the first time (and how amazing that was) and that we found out our baby was a girl on October 18, 2006. Tosi took so much time with us, making sure all of our questions were answered and that we were comfortable. This was very different from our horrible five minute appointments at the OB's office, where we always had to wait at least an hour before we got seen for our scheduled appointment. All of our prenatal appointments with Birthstream, whether it was Tosi, Claudia or Rachel, were all so special and informative. Tosi, Claudia and Rachel made us feel so special, safe and comfortable.
Before we knew it, it was Monday, March 5, 2007 and I had started to go into early labor. It was just a regular day and I was carrying on with my normal routine at home. I had been having Braxton-Hicks contractions for quite a while and late in the afternoon, they started to feel different. I called Arlette at work and told her she might want to come home. She was so excited and she came home as soon as she could. I started feeling these stronger contractions around 3:00 p.m. The contractions felt intense to me, a feeling I had never experienced before. Wondering what to do, Arlette called Tosi, who was in the middle of teaching a homebirthing class at her house. Tosi called Rachel and she came to our house right away. Rachel arrived at 9:00 p.m. and checked in with me. I was very calm, breathing through my contractions, sitting on the birth ball and sipping water. My contractions were not really going anywhere and at 11:45 p.m. Rachel did a vaginal exam, just to help determine where I was in my labor. At this point, I was just 1 cm dilated. Shortly after the exam, Tosi arrived too. Both Rachel and Tosi gave me great advice, and suggested Arlette and I try to sleep. Since I was working hard, but not progressing, they gave me some Skullcap tincture to help my uterus relax and to help me sleep (and told Arlette to take some too so she could sleep and rest up). They wanted me to check in with them in the morning. So, after tucking us in, they left. Arlette was so wonderful! She rubbed my back, which was really hurting. She was so attentive and loving. I tried to sleep, but I just could not, and that was the story for the next few days. My labor continued and Tosi and Rachel suggested taking walks, resting when possible (since I could not sleep through the contractions), and to try and go on with my normal routine. So this is what we did. Arlette did not go to work and stayed home with me. She made sure I was staying hydrated and well fed. She stayed with me through every contraction and would hold me until it tapered off. We went on walks at McKinley Park and around our neighborhood, stopping many times when I had a contraction. On Tuesday, my dad and stepmom came into town, and that night they met with my mom and our dear friend Rick and picked up dinner to bring to us. It was a quiet dinner since I was really concentrating on my contractions. I was aware enough to notice that my dad had started timing my contractions, which was really special. At this point they were about 7-8 minutes apart. That night Arlette and I took more Skullcap and tried to sleep, but I was just unable to sleep through the contractions. Wednesday morning soon arrived and I still was having the same intense contractions, but not really progressing. Claudia came over at 10:30 a.m. to check up on me. I was just relaxing on the couch, having milder contractions about 5-8 minutes apart, but again, no major progression. We all decided not to do a vaginal exam because if I had not progressed I did not want that to discourage me. So, I kept up with resting as much as possible. Claudia wanted me to rest and try to get out of the house and be a little more mobile. So Arlette and I decided to go get lunch at David Berkeley's. I stayed in the car because my contractions felt so intense. While I sat, I called my dad. Based on my progression, my dad and stepmom decided to drive back home to Healdsburg. We laughed about the possibility that Mekhi would come as soon as they got home. Arlette soon returned to the car and we drove home. I had got the same thing I usually get from David Berkeley's, a vegetarian sandwich on dark rye bread. It just was not tasting that good to me and I had trouble eating it. I was feeling really uncomfortable and trying to rest in the dark, breathing through my contractions, which seemed to be getting really strong and very intense. At this point, Arlette called Tosi and she told her to get me to eat anything and try to go to bed and if I had not fallen asleep by 10:00 pm to call her back. So Arlette made me the baked pasta dish I had made and frozen (upon my request). The smell of it baking was nauseating to me, so she threw it away and got it out of the house. Then she made me some guacamole, one of my favorites, again, I could not eat it. She then got me some chocolate pudding and I was able to eat a few bites and that was it. My contractions were getting so intense and I went back to our bedroom to see if I could sleep (who was I kidding, I had not slept through my contractions in days). I was in bed only moments, lying on my left side, Arlette standing beside me, letting me grab her while I breathed through my contractions. [At this point, my memory gets a little bit sketchy, but with the help of Arlette and my Birthstream labor record, I have been able to piece it together.] I felt like I had to go to the bathroom, so Arlette helped me to the bathroom and I passed my mucus plug. Arlette got me back into bed and called Tosi. She said she was pleased with my progression and to get me to rest and keep her informed. Meanwhile my contractions were so intense and close together, about 1-3 minutes apart. I told Arlette I felt like I needed to push. She immediately called Tosi back and Tosi said she would call Rachel and be on her way. At 10:00 p.m. Tosi arrived at our house and I believe Rachel had arrived at this point too. I was still lying in bed on my left side, really feeling the urge to push, breathing through my contractions, with Arlette by my side. During this time, Rachel was getting the birthing tub filled up along with prepping everything else. My contractions we now 3 minutes apart lasting about 60 seconds. At 10:10 p.m. Tosi did a vaginal exam and I was 7-8 cm dilated and Mekhi was very low down. At 10:56 p.m. I went into the bathroom - still wanting to push - and as I went to the bathroom, I felt this pop, and my water broke! The clear fluids felt like they rushed out of me. By 11:03 p.m. Arlette and Tosi had gotten me undressed and out into our living room where the birthing tub was. Someone helped me into the tub (memory lapse), which I was dying to get into, and I immediately started to relax from the warmth of the water. The water was so amazingly comforting and peaceful and the pain I was in lessened in an instant! I ended up kneeling, legs spread apart, facing the wall of the tub and squeezing the edge. By 11:07 p.m. I was bearing down with my contractions. I was very withdrawn and had totally turned inward, I was just listening to what my body wanted me to do. For the most part, no one was talking when I was pushing, it was very peaceful and allowed me to do what I needed to do. I tried to let go of my mind and just let this birth process happen. Arlette kept cooling my face, neck and back with a damp cloth. She was so loving, caring and attentive to my needs. By 11:15 p.m. I felt Mekhi moving down. At 11:25 p.m. I started actively pushing and Arlette fed me sips of water. I remember that I was making some loud sounds, mostly moaning loud, which was very beneficial. I was just doing what my body was telling me to do. I was positive through the whole experience, I just turned myself over to my body and listened to her, and she told me what to do and I trusted her. I tried to focus on surrendering to and trusting my birth process. I quietly told myself, "You can do this, you are strong, women have been doing this forever, trust yourself, your body knows what to do". At 11:48 p.m. Rachel got me some Tropical Recharge and I took sips of it to give me some energy, a little boost. At midnight, Tosi and Rachel called Arlette to the back of the tub and they all saw the top of Mekhi’s head. Tosi said, "Your baby has dark hair, feel your baby's head", and I reached down and felt her. As I felt her head I thought to myself, she is almost here! At that moment, I felt Mekhi turn her body inside of me, turn her shoulders and I felt her coming down! This was the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced. Before I knew it Tosi was softly telling me not to push, but to just blow through the contraction. So that is what I did and at 12:21 a.m. Mekhi's head was out and at 12:21:30 seconds, March 8, 2007, Mekhi Grace was born! Tosi gently pushed Mekhi through my legs and said take your baby. I picked her up out of the water, held her and turned around in the tub gazing at her. She gave out the sweetest little cry. Arlette and I looked at each other and exchanged a kiss. We were both so overjoyed with love. Giving birth to Mekhi was the most amazing and rewarding experience.
Minutes after Mekhi was born, Tosi and Rachel helped me out of the tub and to our couch. Mekhi was pretty alert and she immediately tried to wiggle up my chest to nurse. This was so beautiful watching her do something that is so natural. There she remained, trying to suckle. At 12:40 a.m. I delivered the placenta, Mekhi's first home. Five minutes later Arlette cut Mekhi's umbilical cord. Arlette and I just spent this precious time watching Mekhi in amazement, so in love with her. During this time, Rachel had been in the kitchen and came out with a surprise. She had put together a birthday plate beautifully arranged with apples, cheese and crackers and in the middle a purple candle. Rachel and Tosi sang Happy Birthday to Mekhi. This was such a special and thoughtful surprise.
By 2:00 a.m., Rachel gave Mekhi her first exam. Mekhi weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long. She was in perfect health. Around 2:30 a.m., Arlette took care of Mekhi while Tosi took me to the back of house to help get me cleaned up. By 2:40 a.m. Tosi and Rachel had helped me into bed. I had a small tear that Tosi sutured while Rachel gave me some homeopathics to naturally help with any pain. By 3:45 a.m. Tosi and Rachel tucked Mekhi and I into our bed. Meanwhile, Tosi left to go to another birth and Arlette helped Rachel clean up a little. By 4:10 a.m. Rachel had left to join Tosi at another birth. Arlette came back and joined sleeping Mekhi and I in bed. We talked for about a half an hour about our experience and we watched Mekhi sleeping. This time was so special. We were so elated that Mekhi was finally here with us.
Having a homebirth was the most amazing experience ever. I could not imagine giving birth any other way. Arlette and I believe that birthing is not a medical procedure and I certainly was not sick, so there was no reason for me to give birth in a hospital. It was so special being able to give birth in our own home, in quiet, semidarkness, with the love of Arlette, Tosi and Rachel. To be in our own bed at the end was the biggest gift ever. This is the way it was meant to be. This was a true family experience. Laboring and giving birth to a baby is the most natural thing and women have been doing for years and years. A woman's body is built to do this. Birthing is such a sacred experience, a special journey, one you can never get back.
Conner James' Birth Story
Halloween day, started out pretty much like any other day. Sent off my husband to work, got the two girls some breakfast. But as I was buttering the toast, my water broke. It wasn't like you hear in movies or what I expected. Instead it was a slight release of fluid and that was it. At first I though maybe it was just some kind of discharge but when I pushed a little, more would come out. So, I called my husband and the midwives. Tosi told me to call if contractions started but they would be arriving that afternoon. I sent my two girls 5 and 3 to Grandma's house to spend the night and prepared for what I was sure would be a long day.
Through the morning my husband and I made sure everything was ready, we went for a walk, talked, laughed and wondered how labor would progress. I had a handful of extremely mild contractions, not even as many braxton hicks contractions as I would normally have. By 1pm I started wondering if my body was going to do what it should. Tosi checked in on me by phone to make sure I was ok. One of the things that I love about this birth by comparison to my other 2 hospital births was that, I was very intuitive and more aware of what would happen with my body and labor. My first was a textbook hospital labor; they broke my water, induced 2 hours later, I recieved an epidural, an epesiotomy and was extremely unhappy with the way my first child arrived. They even used forceps after I had been pushing for 20 minutes to give me "a little help". Our second child was different. I determined to educate myself. I attended lamaze classes and decided I would not get an epidural ever again. And I didn't. Alyssa arrived 10 days early, by induction without an epidural or anything else. It was her and I. I still thought however, that there had to be a better way than forcing my body into labor. I knew that if left alone, my body would do all that it should, when it should. So on Halloween, exactly 1 week after my due date. labor would start.
At around 2 or 3pm, Rachel arrived. We talked while she checked me and the baby for vitals. I wasn't feeling any contractions and so Rachel told me she would like to do a relaxation excersise with me. I agreed and laid down with her hand on my back and my belly. Whatever she did stimulated contractions within 30 seconds. From that point on, contractions were consistent. I sat on the birthing ball, and watched movies, and drank juice and ate some snacks. After it was dark (I had no concept of time) I started feeling tired and needed to sit in the tub. It was a welcome relief and contractions slowed way down. They were still powerful when they did come just not as frequently. The time in the tub gave me some breathing time to gather my strength and gear up for the birth that I was sure was coming within an hour or two. I had to use the bathroom a lot, and did so after I got out of the tub. Contractions started immediately and were more intense. Rachel was there on her own up until this point and I enjoyed having her there. She was so soft spoken and willing to let my body do what it needed to. I remember being somewhat irritated, though, I'm not sure why at this but it also soothed me at the same time.
Finally, it had been about 6 hours, (previous births were both 4 hours from first contraction to delivery) and I had to use the bathroom again. I had a huge contraction sitting there and looked to my husband and said, I have to be close. I want to be done now." He said, "oh, you're close, your really close." For me, that's all it took and within 20 to 30 minutes I decided to move to my bed. I sat on the bed with my husband supporting me and breathed my way thru about 10 minutes more. By this time I realized that Claudia was there and Rachel suggested that if I felt like pushing it would be ok. This I knew was what I needed to do, but, I didn't want to and I didn't feel at all the urge to push like I did with my previous 2 births. I did it anyway and within a couple of pushes (or so it seemed) my water exploded. I still didn't feel a huge urge to push but was relieved when I did. I remember thinking, "why is he not coming, something doesn't feel right." Rachel had tried to suggest going to the tub again but I didn't want to move. Everytime I did, I would get a contraction. Finally I said I wanted to go into the tub and tried to walk on my own but couldn't. I had two contractions just in the hallway. With Rachel and my husbands help I finally made it to the tub. I had just put both feet in the water and squated when I felt this huge urge to push, just like I remembered. When I did, Conner crowned. I pushed once more and his head was out. I confess it felt more like a bolder than a baby, I knew he was bigger than my previous 2. By myself I pushed and if I counted right it was about 3 pushes and he floated right on up to me. Rachel and Claudia were both surprised at how much vernix was covering my 8lb. 13 oz child and I was shocked that he was 21 and 1/2 inches long and full of black hair, adorable as anything! Never did I think that I could deliver an almost 9 pound baby without an epesiotomy. Labor was 7 hours and was the easiest labor I had! I required no stitches and was able to rest while Rachel and Claudia cleaned everything and made sure that Conner and I were comfortable and eating. They sang to him (my favorite part) and got me my favorite snacks.
As I laid there more sore than I remembered in a long time, I thought to myself, I did it!!! How do you thank someone for giving you such a gift, such a wonderful experience! Thank you Rachel, Tosi and Claudia for choosing a wonderful calling in life. Thanks for a wonderful birth experience for Conner and for myself. I will never return to the hospital for a birth again!! I am stronger, and more confident because of it and everyone was so professional, kind, respectful, and thoughtful! Thank you so much for everything!!! Conner is so happy, so sweet and so easy going. The first baby I had that slept thru the night before they were a year old. Such a wonderful, and fulfilling experience to give birth my way!
Nate & Heather Goodman
Mary's Birth Story
It began at around 7:30pm. Your Dad and I began a short walk around the neighborhood to spend some time alone outside, to talk and just enjoy each other. We had been able to take these walks almost every night for over a week because Grandma and Grandpa McDaniel were here waiting for you and they could stay with your sisters and brother. You were 7 days past you due date already and I was really hoping you would be arriving soon. I noticed that I was having more frequent braxton hicks contractions on the walk but kept this to myself. These contractions stayed about seven to ten minutes apart until about 10:30pm when I finally got your brother Joshua to sleep. I decided to tell your daddy what was going on. I had not wanted to admit to myself or anyone else that this might be the start of labor but I had a sense this might be it and felt I should let Russell in on it. So I told him and he agreed and even insisted that I call Rachel F. and let her know what was going on. I did and we agreed to keep her updated. The contractions stayed at about 6-8 minutes apart and got a little stronger until around midnight. I woke your Dad up at about 12:55am telling him that the contractions were about 5 minutes apart and now felt like menstrual cramps, a sign for me that labor is actually beginning. We agreed to call Rachel back and daddy wanted her to come. I feel it is too early but daddy really wants the midwives here so we agree to them heading over. I am hungry and head out to the kitchen to tell Grandma and Grandpa we think you are coming soon and to get something to eat. I eat some cheese and drink some juice and Grandma and Grandpa, your Daddy and I all set up the bed and the tub. The labor is picking up. I am having to breathe a little through the contractions and I am wanting to walk through them. I am beginning to shake and feel a little chilled. These are all signs to me that my body is doing what it needs to do. I am very encouraged that you will be here soon. I am also glad daddy decided that the midwives should come. The contractions are getting closer and requiring more of my attention. Rachel F. arrives and I tell her that daddy was right to have her come. She sets up and Rachel H. arrives. Now I am using the edge of the tub for support. It feels good to lean on it and squat a little during the contractions. I am singing a little to manage the intensity of the contractions. They are still very manageable. I am starting to shut everyone else out. Suddenly with a contraction and a big gush my water breaks. It is clear at first and then light meconium. There is so much water and more with every contraction. It surprises me. I ask Rachel about the meconium and she assures me it is thin and you are okay. I wonder if you are still pretty high up because your head was obviously not plugging anything up. Rachel listens and you sound great. I notice that it is 2am and guess that we will see you by 4:30am. When I go to the bathroom I notice there is darker meconium. I show this to Rachel and she shows Tosi (who had showed up sometime after the water broke). I can tell they are discussing something and ask to be filled in. For the first time for all of us we recognize that you may be presenting breech!
They tell me they will just watch. It is only a possibility and Tosi seems convinced that is more likely that it is meconium that had settled and mixed with mucus. I pray for wisdom for the midwives and for my peace and your safety. Peace is there and the room seems calm. I decide to get into the tub. Wow. It is so relaxing. I can almost sleep between contractions. I feel my belly and wonder what position you are in. I decide that the top of my belly definitely feels like a bottom. Labor seems to slow down and I ask if that is okay. Someone assures me it is and that it should pick back up. It may also be a rest time before pushing. I enjoy moving around in the tub and experiment with different positions during the contractions. The water is so helpful. I am a little worried about the amount of time between contractions. They feel far apart and too easy to be at this point in the labor. I wonder if this is going to be longer than I had thought. Daddy needed to leave to help Joshua. Joshua had woken up around 3am and Grandpa had really tried but Joshua was so upset and Daddy and I had agreed he would help if this happened. I had so many wonderful women around me, including your Grandmother and I was really just focused on you, my body and God. I talked to God as I had throughout your pregnancy. I repeated the prayers I had prayed so many times….”God is not a God of fear but of love…Nothing is impossible for those who believe”…I prayed for his help and strength, I prayed for my body to work perfectly as he had designed it. I imagined myself opening up to let you out into this world. Soon enough I had a contraction where I felt like I needed to push. Before I know it everyone is at the side of the tub. They were encouraging me that I was going to do this. I was going to have this baby…you. I talked to you and told you that I wanted to see you. “Come on baby.” I said. The next two contractions or so were mild and I had no urge to push. This was so different than my past experiences with this stage of labor that I was confused and a little worried. I prayed again for you, for your health and safety and my peace. Everyone assured me that is was okay. Soon enough I felt I needed to push again and I pushed hard. I could feel you come down and the first push actually felt great. I had never had an experience of a push feeling good. But the next few pushes I felt you come down and then slide back up. I was frightened. This was new and difficult. It was here that I began to get afraid and lose my focus. Soon after that I remember Tosi saying: “I think we are going to know what this baby is before we know what it looks like.” You were breech! Wow! They were so calm. That helped but I was frightened. I pushed and I screamed. It felt different. I was afraid you might not come out. Some screams were fear and pain and some were prayers for God to help me get through it. Soon I felt some relief as your bottom was born but not the relief I had expected. It felt odd to still have your head inside of me. I was not sure how I was going to do this. I questioned if you would be okay. Thoughts of the risks of breech birth flashed through my head. I even remember thinking…”There is no way I can transfer anywhere at this point! It is here no matter what.” They had to tell me to push once your body was out because I did not have the urge to push after that. It was strange to just be pushing without contractions but I felt your head come down and out after a few pushes. You were born at 3:56am, well before 4:30. I sat up and Tosi began to hand you to me but we had to wait a minute because your cord was around your neck three times. She worked with you to help you wake up and join us. Soon a weak cry and a cough. Then more coughing and then a good loud cry that put all of us at ease. You were okay. At one point I realized I was sitting on your placenta. It had come out right after your head. But it was big and healthy. We moved to the bed. You were beautiful and wonderful. I had a small tear that didn’t need repair. As I held you you seemed to be rooting so I offered you my breast and you nursed for a long time. You were alert and had beautiful big eyes. Your birth was amazing. You were 7lbs14oz and 20 inches long.
Mary, your birth was exactly what you needed to be born whole and healthy. God had his hand on you Mary. Daddy and I and your sisters have been praying for you for nine long months. We prayed for your health and your safety. Even two-year-old Joshua would pray: “Dear God, Please help baby.” After your birth we realized how much God had helped you. We were so thankful you were tucked in tight obscuring us from recognizing your breech position. In retrospect, Tosi felt that an attempt at an version might have caused you problems due to your cord being around your neck and possibly resulted in an emergency C-section. Further, I had not planned on using the tub but in using it I was able to move more freely and work with my body to help you move down. It also helped keep your cord warm and wet so that you didn’t try to breathe until your head was born. Your birth may have even helped protect you from the GBS I had tried so hard to get rid of. The water washed it off quickly and your breech presentation allowed you the least amount of time of exposure. Tosi also explained that that my second stage of labor was different for a good reason. You probably needed the easier contractions and the long pauses between so my uterus could come down slowly due to the placenta being attached above your head. If it had come down too quickly the placenta might have detached too early endangering you.
Mary, we do not understand all of God’s mysterious ways. He does not always answer prayers in the manner we hope. Sometimes his plans and purposes allow for suffering and trials we do not understand. However, he is a loving God and His grace and mercy was shown through your birth. Psalm 139 says: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Your position in the womb was no surprise to the Lord. It was His perfect plan for you. He protected us from those who would have used their medical “wisdom” and “knowledge” in a way that would have most likely harmed you and me. Your grandma, who attended your birth and helped me to bring you into this world said: “You could not have had a better team of women to help you with this birth.” It is true. The women who watched over your beginning 10 months ago have been outstanding. They trust the way God has made women’s bodies and babies and they used this wisdom to help me guide you into this world.
Once you and I were settled we all marveled at your birth. I remembered that in those final weeks I had not felt comfortable praying for you to be head down. I knew this to be typically the best position for baby and mama. But when I would begin to pray this way it felt wrong so instead I had been praying for you to be in the best position for your birth. And you were. Joshua and Bethany got to see you first as they had woken up during your birth. Soon they were tucked back into bed and the house was quiet. We sang happy birthday to you and ate crackers, cheese and strawberries. The sun was beginning to rise and we said thank you and good-bye to the Rachel F., Rachel H. and Tosi. All of us were tired but smiling and thankful for what you and your birth had taught us.
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