| The Gift of Giving Life

Hilary’s Footling Breech Cesarean Birth

I hadn’t forced anything by doing a version or getting an induction, both choices I was fine with making, of course. It was just reassuring to me when my water broke and left us with one, clear answer. I wasn’t nervous anymore (still freaked out about the recovery, but the surgery itself, I was really pretty chill with), and it no longer seemed like the undesirable choice. It was just the way this baby needed to come into the world, and who was I to argue with that or stress or worry about it. It was right, and I knew it.

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My Healing Repeat Cesarean by Jennifer

2 Comments / Heatherlady

I was touched by Jennifer’s birth story. Things obviously didn’t go how she had wanted but I think her story shows how, when women are allowed to make their own choices– guided by the spirit– every birth situation can be beautiful and healing. I am so glad she was willing to share. March 4. My

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Placenta Burying Ritual

4 Comments / Felice

The whole point of the placenta burying ceremony is that it is a strong way of “closure” to the time of immersion mothering right after a birth. It can be done on it’s own or in conjunction with some milestone, such as a blessing, first birthday, return of menstruation, etc. Though I thought 18 months was a long time to keep it in the freezer, I think I did it at just the right time for us.

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Our Deliverance

1 Comment / Lani A.

“Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him” (Alma 58:11).

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It was so Special and Normal (Sacred Space for Birth, Part 2)

Lani A.

This is Part 2 of Cherise’s birth story. I love how the words of one of my favorite songs gave Cherise strength when she felt like giving up.

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The Weight of My Decision, Caused Me to Doubt )Sacred Space for Birth, Part 1)

2 Comments / Lani A.

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

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Hello 2022! You Already Are What You Are Becoming

4 Comments / Felice

I was asked to speak in church (sort of) on Christmas Day and some of the message I think is perfect for a New Year, so I am recycling it here. You Already Are What You Are Becoming Perhaps some of you have already set your New Year’s intentions. Even if you haven’t, that’s okay.

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More Miscarriages than I can Remember

Sheridan

Ashlee’s post is about stories and journeys, coming to terms with loss, and transformation and rebirth.

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How was Planning an Unmedicated Birth for My Own Spiritual Growth? – Episode 20

5 Comments / Felice

Something I used to frequently say regarding childbirth was that I was born in the last days because Heavenly Father knew I couldn’t handle a natural childbirth and knew I needed epidurals. It was something I would always joke about, but also really believed. I might be mentally strong, spiritually strong, but physically strong? No way. That was not for me. I wasn’t a hardy pioneer woman that pushed handcarts and gave birth along the Mormon trail. Heavenly Father knew me and knew my mental and physical limitations. Or so I thought.

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The Sacrament of Birth – Ina May and Elder Holland – Espisode 3

Robyn A.

Not long ago, I attended a birth as a doula. Shortly after the baby was born, I heard the doctor quietly say, “that was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” I was touched by her heartfelt words. I was surprised to hear them knowing that she must have witnessed quite a few births.

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birth stories