Your Name: Heather
Partner’s Name: Ryan
Babies: Phoenix (Dec 5, 2011) and Soren (Jan 2, 2013)
1. What is the best part of being a mom?
I’ve experienced way too many to narrow it down to just one! I love the nights they fall asleep with us in bed, and the mornings I wake up with their precious faces staring at me. I love the unconditional love I have for them and they have for me. I love coming home from work, and knowing I’ll be greeted with big smiles and lots of hugs. I love watching their milestones. And really, secretly, I love buying them the fun toys that I used to play with so that I can enjoy them again!
2. Give us the cliff’s note version of your birth story.
Well they were both so different, so I’ll break them down per child.
Phoenix: 15-hour first-time, natural labor in The Desert room at The Midwife Center for Birth and Women’s Health (by the way, they’re such an amazing group of midwives). I was afraid but also empowered by my care providers, Deena’s birth class, and my partner. Phoenix was “sunny-side up” and therefore causing terrible lower back pains with each contraction that I alleviated by walking, standing, and dancing; and we also had some shoulder dystocia that we relieved by simply changing my birthing position, and out came Phoenix! It was a very empowering birth.
Soren: My labor lasted only an hour and a half and ended with me delivering my own child in the front-seat of our car on our way to The Midwife Center. Seven months later, I still find the delivery so organic and surreal, but ultimately thankful that both of us were healthy. And really, it all happened so fast, there was no time to freak out – very much unlike the movies. All I have to say from that experience though is that catching my own child really made me feel like such a woman.
3. How do you find your “me time?”
At this point, I’ve figured out that I will never just “find” it, but I have to make it. I work 40+ hours – both night and day shifts – and the not-so-steady schedule definitely makes it hard for a steady break. So I plan my time maybe once or twice a week opposite one of my work shifts and get myself to a yoga class, read a book in the park, or get out for a lunch with friends. My family LOVES the time they get to spend with the girls when they help me out, and everyone wins in the end.
4. What’s the last non-baby related book you read?
I adore books of all forms and am always in the process of getting through one. However, since HBO started the Game of Thrones adaptation from George R.R. Martin’s book series The Song of Ice and Fire, I’ve been rereading them. Yes, I’m a total nerd.
5. What’s the most useful baby product you have? Why do you love it?
Both of our girls wear an amber teething necklace, and they have been fantastic. Phoenix never got fussy while teething (even when she had four coming through at the same time), and Soren just started teething, and I didn’t even know until they were almost half way through because she was never unlike her usual playful, giggling self! Plus, they’ve both become attached to them – like a security blanket almost – and I love when Phoenix is winding down for the night and twirling the little beads around her neck for comfort.
6. If a newly pregnant mom asks you why she should take classes here, what would you tell her?
The class that I took with Deena is what set me up for a successful, natural labor. The first 7 months of my pregnancy was riddled with fear and doubts about whether or not I would be capable of really having a natural labor. After taking the Confident Birthing class with Deena, I felt so empowered and strong in my body but also confident in my capabilities as a woman. I learned several relaxation techniques for when I was in labor and some delivery positions. And yes, I did use a lot of them! I can’t thank Deena enough for instilling that knowledge and confidence in me and Ryan.
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