Birth Art

I'm in the lovely process of preparing myself for childbirth. In doing so, I've taken up reading Birthing From Within...thank you for the recommendation, Sara (our Doodle...that's what Mia calls our Doula). I just read the chapter on Birth Art, and today it felt right to start exploring my thoughts and feelings. Here are some main points of the Birthing From Within philosophy that speak loudly to me:

• Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).
• The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information
• Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.

Birth Art 1- Comforting Warmth

medium: crayon

I found myself with my pink baby deep inside me...while I rested on a big soft purple pillow...floating on calm water...myself and my baby being warmed & baked by the sun

Birth Art 2 - Transition

medium: washable marker

I felt pain in my back and my belly...it was stronger than I was... there was just a hint of my form...the focus on the pain, and the baby was breach. I stopped as soon as I noticed that and went on to my next drawing

Birth Art 3 - Beauty

medium: washable marker

I'm radiant and powerful...my face, calm and made of love..my baby also calm and made of love...and in a position to be born.

Birth Art 4 - Safety

medium: colored pencil

We are a family united by are love and shielded from the chaos (outsiders, complications....) I hold my eldest in the crook of my arm, my baby safe inside, my husband watching over us all.

I noticed that in all my pieces, I wasn't pushing...I'm not quite there yet. Loving Miss Lily inside of me, thank you very much. I do feel that learned a lot about myself while creating and exploring...looking forward to more! :)

May I Hold Her?

Now that we're almost 8 weeks pregnant with our second baby, I've been thinking a lot about the birth of our first. Our Mia. There were so many wonderful first moments, but when I look back at pictures, I'm reminded of the sweet looks and cooing she received, then the hopeful looks to Daryl and me with the question, 'May I hold her?'

Some sweet bloggin gals, Kristen and Rebecca are growing their families as well. Let's give them warm wishes and sweet thoughts....soon everyone will be asking them 'may I hold your baby?'.

For more info about them and the wonderful online baby shower click on the button below :)