After the birth of my fifth baby I struggled to enjoy the process. I dreaded waking up in the morning to my children and looked forward to bedtime only to dread waking up again the next morning to start over. I didn’t feel like I was meeting anyone’s needs successfully, including my own. I didn’t […]
The Just Be Glad Game and my Postpartum Struggle Read More »
Cherise is an Arizona Mother, Doula, Childbirth Educator, Placenta Crafter, and Creator of the marvelous “Big Baby Project” (a website full of empowering vaginal births of babies 9 lbs and over). I love how her story illustrates what I wrote about in my essay “Unity with Providers of Care” in The Gift of Giving Life. I love that Cherise continued to search and pray until she found the right care provider for her. -Lani
The Weight of My Decision, Caused Me to Doubt )Sacred Space for Birth, Part 1) Read More »
“Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?” Alma 5:14 Life as a doula. Every birth changes me in some way. I always learn. Often the lessons are unexpected. A little over three years ago, I attended at birth that I recognize as one of those unexpected yet key experiences that shape a doula.
Their Hearts Were Changed Read More »
I want to thank my friend Natalie for this beautiful post. We became friends because of our mutual love for birth but beyond that Natalie really is a beautiful person inside and out. –Robyn I am currently “overdue” with my FIFTH boy. Yes, my fifth. There are no girls among them. That’s a lot
How a Prisoner of War Story Helped Me Prepare for Birth Read More »
I’m writing a new book! Towers of Strength: Stories of Triumph over Darkness will be a collection of thoughts and stories about mental illness from the perspective of Latter-day Saints. please spread the word on whatever groups, forums, and facebook pages you feel might generate interest. The deadline for story submissions is March 1st.
Towers of Strength: a Call for Stories Read More »
In a priesthood blessing, God answered my question: “You will be able to be happy without medication.” He didn’t tell me how long it would take, but I was satisfied with just knowing that someday I’d get there. And so I went on, taking my medication, feeling grateful for my rescue from the darkness.
God Keeps His Promises Read More »
If you find yourself weighed-down by dark clouds of despair, take heart. The sun will come out again. It will. And you may even be grateful for the clouds that made the sunshine all the more welcomed and cherished. Hang on, my friend.
The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow Read More »
A year ago, I thought I knew the will of the Lord for my family: more babies down the road. But now I’m not so sure. I just don’t know what to do about those two spirits I once believed were waiting for us to welcome them. And I couldn’t help feeling a pang of guilt, knowing that my womb may never again give life, when I heard Elder Oaks’ General Conference talk.
In Wisdom and Order Read More »
Elizabeth’s story has tenderly reminded me that it is during our darkest hours and our most difficult moments that we can feel certain we are in the presence of angels. Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience, Elizabeth. Elizabeth and her husband have been married for nine years. They live in a small town in Utah where they spend their free time swimming, playing board games, and battling with swords.
From Beyond the Veil, by Elizabeth Read More »
