So there I was, 3 months postpartum trying to fight off depression and isolated alone at home with 3 kids (6,2 & infant). There was a 2 week period where nobody laid eyes on me except my children. My poor children bore the entire load of my breakdown. For that I will always be regretful.
Read More“Today I was interviewed by Jamilah Muhammad with Spectrum 1 News out of Louisville, Ky. She had questions about families switching to home birth during Covid-19 and how virtual Lamaze classes can help families prepare.”
Read More“On February 13th, we put another Kentucky Home Birth Coalition (KHBC) Lobby day in the books. Every year, they run smoother and become more successful. This year, we had hundreds of constituents representing 85 districts of Kentucky. Thanks to photojournalism student Mhari Shaw, I have the whole day documented and they tell a memorable story. “
Read More6 years ago, I met with Senator David Givens for the first time. It was my first time ever meeting with a Legislator, and here I was leading a meeting. I was only 6 months postpartum and had my baby on my lap. I had never shared the details of my traumatic hospital transfer with anyone outside my inner circle before. Sen. Givens was kind and attentive, and the meeting left me feeling confident that I could continue to do this (despite not yet knowing what “this” would become).
Read More“We’re still slowly working our way through the process of introducing new food, but this boy is quickly challenging my desire to be selective. His sister was happy to not have much food until she was one year old, but this baby wants all the food!”
Read More“A lot of people ask me about introducing foods and Baby Lead Weaning. I’m going to share, as we go through food introduction, so you can see what we do with a few rules in our house. Keep in mind, every time baby gets a new food, they are digesting that food for the first time. It can be difficult on their little systems. Watch for pain, discomfort, rashes, etc.”
Read More“I woke to them bringing him back in the room, and jumped up to grab him. I picked him up and held him close. I teared up looking at his beautiful face. I scanned his body, noticing a big bruise on his hand, several scabs from needle pricks in both his arm and his foot, scratches on his wrists and ankles from all the little bracelets they had on him. In that moment, what was left of my heart crumbled in my chest and I sobbed again. My poor sweet boy had been through so much and he wasn’t even a day old.”
Read More“My eyes begged for an answer. She looked up at me and calmly said, “Everything is going to be okay, but we need to head to the hospital right now.” I wanted to cry, but I didn't have time. I just nodded my head. Everyone was moving quickly around me, and I was just caught in a sort of stupor. Not only was my dream birth coming to an end, but my baby's life was in question. My body moved, but my brain was frozen.”
Read More“Pushing was the hardest part of labor. I had to be fully present in my body and actively labor. I don’t know how long I pushed for. I had a moment where I thought that I couldn’t do it. Mary told me to look into David’s eyes and focus on him. I experienced a side of myself that I haven’t before. It has always been there, this primal animal-like part of myself that gives in completely to the body and embraces the extreme physical experience.”
Read More“She walked up to my baby and started talking to him. In my head I was thinking “don’t touch my baby” and kept an eye on her as she got closer and closer. Then she put her hand down on my table to get my attention and told me to get off my phone and pay attention to my baby.”
Read MoreLet’s not pressure small business owners to deeply discount their goods or services like Black Friday. Instead let’s value their services and trust that the price they charge year round is what they need to make a living. Let’s support small business owners by valuing them, paying them fair and helping them thrive.
Read More“It’s important to me, to do everything I can to keep my daughter healthy during the holidays. Eating or drinking too much sugar suppresses our immune system, making us more prone to sickness. So how can we limit our children’s sugar intake, during a holiday where candy is everywhere? I’m sharing a few favorite recipes to limit sugar.”
Read More“This program empowered me with the realization that fathers play such an important role in the pregnancy as well as labor and delivery. She equipped me with all of the information I needed to support my wife through the entire process and when our beautiful son was born, I held my head high, proud that WE had worked to build this family.”
Read More“So there I was, sitting in a dark theater next to the man I love watching the feel good movie of my lifetime. Then suddenly, contractions started to pick up. I sat on the edge of my seat, lightly swaying when I needed and squeezing Les’ hand when the intensity rose.”
Read MoreI remember saying, “I’m not getting off this toilet.” It was then that she did not pull me, but gently took my hands and guided me off the toilet. I think she knew then, that I was farther than we thought, and I was going to have this baby on the toilet.”
Read More“When I was pregnant, I made many parenting decisions. Despite knowing these decisions were my choice, it was frustrating to have experienced parents scoff and say, "we'll see" and “none of that is practical”. It made me feel like I had lost before the game even started.“
Read More“The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidelines on car seat safety (CSS) for 2018, with some significant changes in prior recommendations. Probably the most significant, was the following change in how long they recommend a infant or toddler remain rear facing in a car…“
Read More“Mary Duke Lcce how do I get my 13 yo daughter prepared to see me give birth? She has been wanting to be there for the last several children…When the time comes she will kind of be stuck there until the end and I want her to be ready. Any advice?"
Read More“After rushing around to get everyone ready to leave, I realized sister had piled stuffed animals on top of baby. I overreacted. I spoke to her in a way I’m not proud of and that wasn’t necessary or appropriate. Immediately, I regretted it. She immediately broke down crying. A real, stress filled, tearful cry. She lunged for me, with arms open, and I caught her and held her. She sobbed in my lap and the following conversation took place…“
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