a ray of sunshine

Wednesday was a beautiful day to have a baby! It may have been overcast and cold, but at 5:30 p.m. a 9 lb 1 ounce ray of sunshine was welcomed into the world.

Wednesday was the full moon and I was sort of anticipating the birth with that in mind. I love/hate the anticipation before a birth. For days or even weeks, I set my phone on volume high and tell myself to not go into a deep sleep because I don't want to miss any calls during the night.

I didn't miss this call. Marianne called me in the middle of the day. She had gone in for a check-up because the night before she was up with contractions. Gratefully, she was dilated to a seven, progressing, and staying to have her baby. I got to the hospital around 3:40.

We were all so happy to be there. The atmosphere was very laid back. Contractions were coming regularly and strong, but not disabling.  Marianne was in and out of the tub. Within a short time, things were intensifying. The contractions were getting very uncomfortable. Marianne moved to the bed because water births aren't allowed at that hospital.  After blood, sweat, tears, laughter, position changes, and 30 minutes of pushing baby Violet was here!

Immediately we all knew Violet's sweet disposition. She is calm and good natured.  She is absolutely  darling with lots of brown hair, big lips, and wrinkle line above her nose. Totally irresistible!!

I remember during transition looking at Marianne. I felt so helpless for her- I knew that no comfort measures could help her at this point. She was in great distress and discomfort. Then all of the sudden time stopped long enough for Marianne to compose herself.  It was as if someone came in the room and wiped the agony away. Her breathe slowed and her face changed. The world started spinning again and the next push Violet was here.

Childbirth is totally amazing. Every birth is different and yet the same feelings of reverence, admiration, and humility flood through me. I envision a gathering of angels present at every birth. They all get the invite and bless the new baby. They've come to celebrate family. I am happy to share in this celebratory  experience. That is one of the many reasons that I am a doula.

Hey Everyone!

April is my favorite month! In honor of Spring and renewal, I am sending everyone a coupon for $12 off any service. This coupon is only redeemable in April. Spring is the perfect time cleanse the body, relax, and renew!

If you want to "spring clean" your body, I recommend the Raindrop Technique. It's detox that will leave you feeling great for weeks!

I am also excited to announce that I am a birth doula. I help, support, and serve pregnant women. If you or someone you know is pregnant and wants a doula, refer them my way. Anyone who hires me or refers someone that hires me as a doula will receive a free massage!

My office is in Everybody Wellcome in Orem (right on State street). You can call or email to schedule your appt. I look forward to seeing you this month.

Pregnancy

I seem to be more aware of pregnant women in springtime. The cylce of re-birth is here. Many of you are either pregnant or know someone is pregnant. Why should you consider a doula? A doula assists in so many ways. She provides emotional and physical support, stays with the woman throughout her entire birth, and nutures the mom to feel more secure and cared for. Having this kind of support results in shorter labors, fewer complications, less interventions and pain meds. Nature operates pretty simply. We over complicate things most of the time. When woman are supported, safe, and cared for their bodies operate more easily.

Please don't ignore your questions. Get answers. Email me anytime. Research away! The answers are waiting for you to find them!

A Beautiful Birth

It's almost been a week since I attended a beautiful birth. Unbelievable how fast time flies. I was in attendance as a doula & friend. Esther delivered at Birthing Your Way in Orem. http://birthingyourway.com/ I had never attended a birth outside of a hospital setting before. It was totally incredible! The center was so safe, relaxed, and home-like. I felt very fortunate to share the experience with such a knowledgeable, strong, and diverse team. There were two midwives, one midwife assistant, one student midwife, and me. Not to mention Esther and her mother are both nurses and Keyvan is really informed about natural childbirth.

I find it hard to express with words how miraculous it is to welcome a new baby into the world. Angels are dancing and singing, tears and laughter are flowing, and God is smiling.

Esther labored at home for many hours before going to the birthing center. She labored for another 8-9 hours at the b.c. It was nice to not only have the options but be encouraged to eat, bathe, drink, walk, listen to music, change positions when pushing, and be vocal.

Baby girl cuteness came at 4:21 after an 1 1/2 hours of pushing. She was put on Esther's chest and peacefully gazed up at her mama. When dad said something her head and eyes immediately turned to him. She was alert, calm, and serene. She has a full head of black hair, black eyelashes, gorgeous skin, and the prettiest little face. She wanted to eat almost immediately and she did!

It must have been an hour or more before she was weighed (6 lbs 14 oz) and measured (19in & 3/8s) and assessed. Both mom and baby are happy and healthy.

I know there is a lot of fear and misinformation about birthing outside of a hospital. Is it safe? Can I transfer to a hospital if I needed to? Are midwives informed? Will my baby survive? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. As a doula, a woman, and a witness, I speak honestly that it is safe and normal. If you or baby have health problems maybe the hospital is the best place for you to deliver. Either way consider your options. Talk to people who have birthed outside and inside hospitals, with midwives and with obgyns, naturally and medicated. There is no right or way way to bring your baby into the world. Choose to be informed!!

Working as a doula is amazing. I support everyone and every scenario. Doulas help mamas to make informed decisions. My wish is for every laboring woman to have a doula. Women are really good at supporting, informing, and comforting women. Every doula I know works with budgets. If you have any questions or curiosities get answers! You won't regret being informed, it's empowering!

Barter for Births

Hello dear readers,

I want women/couples to have beautiful, supported, and relaxed child birthing experiences. Hence, I offer my services for barter. If you are interested in having a doula, but don't have the extra funds, want no more. Any thing or any service will be considered. Payment plans are also an option.

Birth is so intimate and should be experienced with support. Having a doula present allows you to be more involved in your birthing experience. Email to set up a free consultation.

Also, for those who would like to trade for Raindrop technique, massage, or reiki the same offer applies (with the exception of payment plans).

Wishing you Love, Happiness, & Options,
Stacie

Pregnant and Swine Flu

I am not pregnant nor do I have swine flu, but one of my lady's that I am doula-ing for who is DUE in a week and a half got swine flu. Saturday I went over and gave her a Raindrop Technique treatment. I called her today and she is feeling great- nearly whole again! It is such a relief knowing that she can have the strength and health to have her baby.

If you or any of your family members are sick (even if they are quarentined to the home) there is hope. I can help you. Don't let the sickness get any worse than it has too. I can work on infants, children, adults, elderly- anyone and everyone. I am quite optimistic about staying healthy during the fall and winter months!!

If you have questions or need more info call or email me at anytime.

Want a DOULA to help you with your next birth?

I recently attended a doula training and am now a trained doula. Yah! In order to get internationally certified, I must attend and participate in three births. So, if you are pregnant or trying and interested in doula services please contact me asap. Not sure what a doula does? Emotional, physical, informative, and any other kind of support during your labor. Women you are awesome, intuitive, and powerful. I want to help and support you in your hardest and most amazing phyiscal experience.

Buy some gift certificates today!!!

Dear friends and family,

Some of you may have heard that I quit my day job so that I can really concentrate on what I love: massage and healing arts. I am struggling with things so far. Alas, I am having a HUGE two week sale on gift certificates:

Full Body One Hour Massage Reflexology 30 Minute Massage
1 for $40.00 1 for $25.00
3 for $105.00 3 for $60.00

Think of anyone you know that has a birthday coming up, a gift in general (father's day is coming up...), and of course for yourself!! To purchase gift certificates on-line through paypal go to my new blog: http://thepeacefulyou.blogspot.com/ If paypal isn't your thing, I accept cash, credit, or check at my office.

Please help out by forwarding this to everyone in your mail box. My goal is to sell over $1300.00 worth of gift certificates.


Love to all,
Stacie, LMT
801-885-6325

Introductions

My name is Stacie. I am a massage therapist, reiki practitioner, and a raindrop technique junkie. I am interested in all sorts of holistic healing and healthy choices. This blog allows me to spread awareness about these modalities and about anything else health related.