While I think c-sections (c/s) are VERY needed in few cases to save lives – our current c-section rate for first births (33% in 2005) is absolutely ridiculous. According to the World Health Organization the percentage for c/s should not be above 10%. At the time the city I lived in had a 40% c/s rate! So, I knew I had to do everything I could to have a vaginal birth this time in order to have normal births from here on out, because once you have two consecutive c/s there are VERY few people that will work with you to have a vaginal delivery. There were other issues also, like the fact that each subsequent c/s gets more and more dangerous for the mother, and each pregnancy gets more dangerous for the baby (as the scar is more likely to rupture and cause damage to the child).

None of the OB’s I interviewed felt right, so we decided on a Midwife, Linda, for a homebirth with a doctor back-up in case of hospital transport. I really enjoyed the midwifery care: blood tests, ultrasound referrals, heart rate checks, urine tests, blood pressure checks, and more– all in the comfort of my own home!!
Then around 30 weeks pregnant I started feeling uneasy about everything. I kept asking my husband Jared “Are we doing the right thing?” He would reply “I think it will be fine. I support your decision to home birth.”
Well, for me to feel totally comfortable I needed to hear him say “I think it’s best to have a homebirth”, and he just wouldn’t do it! So, I prayed and prayed. Two weeks later I met an OB, Dr. Anderson, at a screening for The Business of Being Born.

I spoke to her after the movie showing and told her my situation. She advised that first VBACs should be in the hospital (but that subsequent deliveries could be done at home or a birth center) and that she would work with me to do everything possible to ensure a healthy, natural, vaginal delivery – but in a hospital.

So, I went to visit her in her office and HATED the office experience. Oh, how different it was from home midwifery visits! I told Jared everything the OB said and how I felt, which was still unsure. Jared liked the idea of continuing care with Linda, the midwife, and laboring at home with her then transferring to the hospital when we were SURE delivery was close (around 5-7cm). Linda would then continue as a support person at the hospital. This is the same advice Dr. Anderson gave, so we went with it!

Speed up eight weeks later to my due date……(here is the good part)

On a Friday night our friends, Rochelle and David, came in town because I thought I might be in early labor. Rochelle had had natural childbirth and would be helping me with the birth. David would be caring for their 2-year-old son and our 2-year-old daughter while I was in labor and at the hospital.

Friday and Saturday nights I had regular (6-7  minutes apart)  soft contractions. Monday though Wednesday I had hard regular contractions. Monday night the midwife came because the contractions were 3 minutes apart and strong. Linda spent the night, but by morning the contractions had slowed down and I had only dilated about 1 cm though the night (from about 1.5-2.5). How incredibly frustrating! I started to think that another c/s would be much easier!

Those days of labor Rochelle was so good to me. She kept me hydrated, fed well, relaxed, and anticipated my every need. I couldn’t have imagined anything better. Also, the kids got major Daddy time – Jared and David took the 2-year-olds to parks, stores, junky food places, and so much more. I think it was a hit for that crew!

On Wednesday afternoon I decided to go see Dr. Anderson. I had had hard contractions the night before, and they didn’t let up throughout the day. Jared took me in and I had several painful contractions in the car and the doctor’s office. Dr. Anderson checked my cervix and announced that I was at 0-station, 90% effaced, and 4 cm dilated. She said I could go home, labor, and come to the hospital that night whenever I felt ready. Dr. Anderson was sure I was in early active labor.

About 6:00pm Linda the midwife came over and helped me labor. I was in and out of the birthing tub and really frustrated. I thought I was making no progress! I was wary that I was actually in labor–the contractions were not any stronger or closer together than on Monday night, and I had not made any progress then….. Why would I now?

Linda checked me again and couldn’t tell how dilated I was but that the baby had moved down even further. In those couple of hours at home I asked several times to go to the hospital. Rochelle, Linda, and Jared all looked at me worried that I just wanted drugs. I have to admit… the thought DID cross my mind *wink*. But, mainly I just wanted to get the show on the road. I thought labor would be real and I would progress if I was at the hospital.

About 10 or 11pm we drove and checked in to the hospital. Dr. Anderson had prepared the nurses that I wanted a natural, no intervention delivery and the nurses obliged beautifully! Although, I think I may have had some effect with the nurses before my team came into the room. I had several contractions and asked them “Come here please” to hold me standing through contractions……they all got big rocking hugs.

Oh! That is another thing… I had back labor. I had to stand or be on my hands and knees through the contractions. I’m sure that helped by baby move down the birth canal properly. Although it was back labor, the contractions never got closer than about 5 minutes apart and they never got super strong or long. So, I count that as a real blessing.

At the hospital the nurses were very respectful and helpful. I had one saline bag through IV then they took it out so I can move around (only a Heplock).  I was also hooked up to the Electronic Fetal Monitors (EFM) but could take them off to shower or use the bathroom. Actually the EFMs weren’t all that bad. I wanted to be close to the bed to hold on to and the EFM didn’t seem to get in my way too bad. I was still able to stand up and get on my hands and knees.

When I checked into the hospital I was 5.5cm! Even though it wasn’t a whole lot of change, it was something and I was encouraged. After an hour of so I asked for Stadol to help me sleep in between contractions. It did help me sleep some, but the main thing it did was make me a bit loopy so I didn’t care what was going on around me. I was able to rock, move, hum, sing, stand, wiggle, dance, etc without caring who saw me. Basically, it removed me from the situation to completely concentrate on what my body was telling me. I probably didn’t need it, but it was cool to have it and I didn’t notice any bad side effects. But everyone else I’ve ever talked to HATED Stadol and the effects – go figure…..

More of the same through the night and early morning….. contractions about 5-7 minutes apart.

Then, at about 5:00am the nurse checked me again, I was 9cm!! Woo Hoo!
As soon as she left the room I had a contraction and my body literally went: WHOMPF and pushed itself. My water broke at that moment. For the next 20 minutes or so I let my body just push in the contractions. Then the doctor and nurse team arrive. I pushed squatting, on my hands and knees, and standing. It was the most fun of the whole delivery. I don’t remember any pain during this part. Finally they said “Lay back the shoulders need to come out.” I did, and the doctor delivered the head and shoulders nicely, and all off the sudden I met my dear daughter at 5:57am. She was 8’9, 21.5 inches,and perfect!
How amazing!

Looking back, the most important thing I did to prepare for a successful VBAC was (in no particular order):

- Find Doctor that I trust.
- Follow my husband’s lead.
- Use a midwife
- Avoid all Health Care Professionals that used words like “You can try”, or had high intervention rates
- Research Research Research. Knowing that Puttering Labor is NORMAL. Labor doesn’t have to progress at the 1cm per hour rate to be normal
- Have an amazing friend that helped me through the days of labor. She kept my hope alive, my body functioning well with good food and hydration, my mind off all the worries, massage, relaxation, and fun!
- Trust my body, that it was meant to have babies naturally and that surgeries are NOT a normal way to deliver.

In July 2005 I was 9 months pregnant with my first daughter. I knew nothing about normal pregnancy and delivery. I thought just like most OBGYN’s do now: Birth is guilty until proven innocent (or complicated until proven uncomplicated). I read all the mainstream books and watched the mainstream TV shows about birth…..

I was induced at 39 weeks because I wanted to be …… I was SOOOO ready to meet my baby! And the doctor “was going to be working at the hospital on Saturday anyways”. On a Friday night I checked into the hospital and was given prostaglandins on my cervix. In the AM I was given Pitocin. The baby’s heart rate dropped when given Pitocin but came right back up to normal, which I now know is quite normal. A that point, I was 2 cm dilated and 0% effaced and the baby had not dropped.

At around noon I was given an epidural. It was suggested to me from the nurses because if an emergency happened I did not want to have to be ‘under’ (general anesthia) for the c-section. I consented and the baby’s heart rate briefly dropped again, which again know now is pretty normal.

After 2 quick drops in the heart rate and no progression from the induction I was told it would be better to have a c-section, and my husband and I consented without reservation. Our sweet daughter was born at 2:21pm! So exciting! Looking back, my body probably just needed another week or two, but alas….. we had a healthy baby and I was HAPPY!!!

The only problem I seemed to have from major surgery was breast feeding. I think it was all the drugs in our systems and the fact I was not able to nurse for the first few days. Being incredibly stubborn about nursing successfully I started asking A LOT of questions and reading a lot about breast feeding. After about 6-8 weeks I was able to nurse her exclusively and without having latch troubles.

That nursing quest got me on the road to natural health! I will never forget the day the Nurse Lactation Specialist at the Pediatrician’s office said “Go to a health food store and get Fennel tea. It will help increase your milk supply.” I was shocked that a health professional was suggesting something outside the realms of FDA drugs.

That simple statement led me to where I am now. I realized doctors are not Gods (though useful in certain situations) and that the medical establishment does not have all the answers….. and neither does mainstream the mainstream “normal” thinking. My views on parenting, nutrition, healing, birth, marriage, and God were all challenged and ultimately radically altered. Even though this first birth had so many things that went “wrong” I am incredibly thankful for my four year old daughter, and the experience that was a catalyst for so much of what we hold dear now.

Next I’ll tell you about my second birth – A great hospital birth and VBAC!

As with almost all store bought baby products…. there is a cheaper, natural, and healthier alternative. Baby powder is no exception.

Here is a recipe for natural, homemade baby powder that my friend mailed to me. I LOVE the scent and how soft it can make our skin!

Baby Powder
1 1/2 C arrowroot
1/2 C. baking soda
1/2 cup calendula, chamomile, elder, or lavender flowers, finely powdered
1/2 cup rice flour
20 drops(or more if desired) chamomile, lavender, sweet orange, and or TTO essential oils

Combine all ingredients well except oils. Stir in essential oils a few drops at a time, until well mixed. Put in a container with a tight lid. Use within one year.
My sister enjoyed it when I used an empty plastic salt container (Redmond sea salt), because she could “sprinkle” the powder on.

One thing I always want to know is: What’s wrong with the product I could just buy? Well, for baby powder it’s all the chemicals. Talcum powder is a common ingredient in baby powder (but not all), and Talc is NOT something you want getting in your lungs as it can cause pneumonia and/or cancer.
So, check the ingredients on your makeups and powders around the house! And even if it doesn’t have Talcum Powder… why not try something that smells a little better and is homemade!? It also makes great gifts – I know first hand.

For more information about Talc.

Here are some things we’ve been up to:
- My husband was away working on a movie for 10 weeks! We’ve never done anything like before, and don’t plan to again *wink*. But it was a great experience and he’s proud of the work – and I got to have some good times with my girls before the baby was born…. which leads to my next “project”.
- Our first son, Ethan, was born! We are so thrilled to have a baby boy in the house, everyone just adores him! His birth was a great experience and I plan to tell you about all 3 of my birth experiences, because the first one was a catalyst that changed my whole world view – and not just the Mommy factor.
- The last big thing is that we moved to a new (to us) house. I’ve loved having a wood burning stove to keep us warm through the winter. I am usually cold ALL winter long, so it’s been great to go sit in the rocking chair next to the stove and get hot – even when it’s freezing outside. There have even been some days we had to open windows because the living room & kitchen got too warm. I couldn’t ask for more!

So, with all this time to think – I have a lot of great posts I want to share with you….. starting with birth & baby information (Go midwives!) and Thai Recipes (it’s all I want to eat!).

And if I were you, I’d want to see a photo of the new baby – WELL – I don’t have any on my computer at the moment, but I will post one soon! Along with a recipe for some homemade (safe and healthy) baby powder.

First, she would spread out her feathers and rush the vehicle. Wisely, she discovered the van would win and run away from her nest pretending her wing was broken.
I’ll admit- it was a little more intimidating while walking by the nest. The Killdeer would immediately try to draw you away from the nest by acting wounded. Once you got close she would fly away. It was a little sad when they hatched and I no longer see my little buddies.
Aren’t the details amazing? How can that be an accident?

Here is someone’s YouTube example:

We missed a 20 year high flood while out of town. Our garden was pounded, but our house is far enough from the creek and larger rivers to be safe (oh, and that photo is NOT our house). Horses were floating down the creeks and everyone said it was an exciting time (nobody was hurt though and all the cows & horses lived!).

Speaking of our garden……. I still have four things to plant: Squash, Pumpkins, Watermelons, & Beets. Even though it is high time to plant, we are late because of the enormous amounts of rain (and we should have planted before the rains started).

Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Pole Beans, & Marigolds made it in on time.

Here is our lettuce & spinach patch. This has been my absolute FAVORITE!

What about Kristen’s Chickens?
You’ve probably been wondering if they are out of the house. Well the answer is YES…. They ARE…. and we never even had to chase loose chickens in our living room.

Last but not least: the fruit trees. We will have a lovely year of blueberry picking and peach pies. Look at the start of these yummy fruits!

Next few days I’ll be writing about “Killdeers Harassing Me In My Driveway”. Weird huh?

Better late than never…. this is what I used in strong teas (mixed with honey for taste):
-Red Clover, which is known for it’s anti-coughing agents (was the choice herb for Pertussis), and because my kind neighbor brought it over for me.
- Double E Immune Booster Tea
- Extra Elderberry
- Extra Echinacea

Non-Herbal Tea Actions:
The BEST cough syrup
Vitamin C (pill form)
No sugar/ Corn Syrup (it decreases your body’s capability to fight disease)
No processed foods
Lots of fluids (water & tea)

The cough didn’t go away immediately (I should have started treatment at first sign), but it did decrease and in a few days was gone!
Others, who had the same virus, eventually developed Bronchitis or had a cough that lasted 3-4 weeks-Terrible!

You really can avoid many illnesses through the use of high quality foods (including herbs)….. and I am thankful that we have access to the knowledge and the herbs all around us available for use – Red Clover, Elderberry & Echinacea all grow within walking distance to my front door.

ABC Herbal is one of my favorite books to get you started in taking care of your family- naturally.

This post is linked over at HeavenlyHomemakers (a blog I enjoy) for Gratituesday!

My little girl is starting to grow up. She’s got chores and responsibilites that she does all by herself now. So, when I tell her “You’re growing up Emma!” she says things like “Does that mean I can get married now?” or “That means I don’t need to take naps like babies, right?” She may be big and an important member of the family now, but she has yet to outgrow her need for a nap- or find the need for a husband…. even though she is SURE she has found the one.

This winter we began to have nap problems. Her mind just would not slow down. I would put her down for a nap. Up and down Up and down she would go. Bathroom trips, banging on the wall, singing songs. I started to get frustrated! I felt like I was on the defense (not a good place for a parent to be) and was daily dealing with a new reason she could not settle down and rest.

So, I decided I can’t force her to sleep…. but I can give her clear rules of what TO do during her naps… Emma knows her letters and sounds, but being a pre-sign reader I figured I should use pictures and words to get the point across.
I got a black piece of construction paper (to represent sleep/night) and drew in white crayon, with corresponding pictures:

1. No Noise
2. Head On Pillow
3. Lay Still

We went over the rules so I knew she fully understood, and we taped the sign on the wall next to her bed. So sometimes, before nap I say something like “You don’t HAVE to sleep, but what are the things you must do?” She recites her rules, and after I am gone she has the visual reminder on the wall.
While I had to enforce the rules a few times – she wanted to see if I was serious …..We have found SLEEPING SUCCESS!

It’s amazing! She sleeps most of the time now- and mom and daughter are not grouchy in the evening due to lack of rest.

I’m already devising where I can post other instructions WITH visuals pictures to make our family life run smoother.

Linked over at Works For Me Wednesdays

These topics are thoroughly covered:
Fluoride
MSG/ Food Additives
Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)
Organic Foods
Large Chemical Companies
FDA
Conventional Cancer Treatments
Gershon Therapy

From The Beautiful Truth Movie:

Garrett is a 15-year old boy living in the Alaskan wilderness with a menagerie of orphaned animals. Growing up close with nature has given him a deep understanding of nutritional needs required by diet sensitive animals on the reserve. Unfortunately, the untimely and tragic death of his mother propelled him into a downward spiral and he risked flunking out of school. This led to his father’s decision to home-school Garrett. His first assignment was to study a controversial book written by Dr. Max Gerson.

Written over 50 years ago, Dr. Gerson found that diet could, and did, cure cancer. Controversial at the time (and even today), Garrett took on the challenge of researching this amazing therapy, which drew the interest of his neighbors in the small Alaskan community. With the help of Dr. Gerson’s daughter, Charlotte Gerson, and grandson, Howard Strauss, they gave him the ammunition needed to go in search for the truth – a truth that would affect not only him, but his entire Alaskan village – all of whom wanted to know if these claims were true.

After a number of cancer patients, who were diagnosed as terminal, shared their stories and their medical records with Garrett, it became abundantly clear that, contrary to the disinformation campaign spear-headed by the multi-billion dollar medical and pharmaceutical industry, a cure for virtually all cancers and chronic diseases does exist – and has existed for over 80 years!

Garrett’s mission now is to tell the world.

Kristen’s Notes: I have not studied Gershon’s therapy. I have however studied: MSG, GMOs, Chemical Sprays, Organic Foods, and Coffee Enemas (hehe)…. and their affects on the body.

If you want to have a garden, no matter how big, this show is for you!!
Emily, an experienced Gardener from Mississippi, gives a fabulous lesson on starting, maintaining, and harvesting from your garden.

I have very little experience with all of this, but after doing this interview with her I feel SO confident that I can do it. Well, atleast try….who knows how much will grow?

Below are some of Emily and Mark’s notes for you to review when the time comes to plant your own garden: Basic Tools Needed, Tilling, Making Rows, Planting, Harvesting, Weed Control, and Bugs!

Basic Tools Needed: For a teeny little garden, a hoe will go a long way, but if you’re going that route, don’t forget a sunhat & gloves, b/c you’ll be spending LOTS of time out in the garden! For a good sized garden (Mark says really for ANY garden), a tiller is almost a must-have item. Walk-behind tillers come in a big variety of sizes & prices. Lehman’s even has a manual one that my husband thinks is so neat! Aside from the hoe and/or tiller, it’s also great to have a hand-held pump sprayer, and a hand spreader, for fertilizer. My personal favorite “tool” is my husband and his Case tractor and disc! Amazing time saver!

Till: Till plot of land using walk-behind tiller, tractor w/ disc, or for very small plots, a hoe.

Fertilize the Soil: After garden plot is tilled, spread fertilizer. Other optional additions are lime (helps activate fertilizer) and a granulated herbicide for grass control. We use 8-8-8 for fertilizer. All these can be found at your local co-op, feed store, or nursery. You’ll now re-till the plot, to “mix” the fertilizer. For organic gardening, use a compost that you have made up yourself.

Making Rows: There are several ways to make your rows. The first is to just let the second tilling make the rows for you. Or, there is a plow attachment that fits on the tiller that you can use. This will make a taller bed, which will hold more moisture. And the third is to hoe. For a large plot, this is a huge amount of work. For a decent size garden, a tiller is really a must. (Check out Lehman’s).

Planting: There are a few different ways you’ll plant your garden. Some vegetables come in seeds, while others are already in plants. These can all be purchased at co-ops, feed stores, nursery’s or even Wal-Mart.
Trench: Using the pointed tip of a hoe, make a 1-11/2” deep trench down the middle of entire row. Sprinkle seeds by hand into the trench. Cover seeds lightly. This method is used for: Carrots, corn, peas, butter beans, and okra…

Holes for plants: For plants, such as tomatoes, bell & other peppers, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, & brussel sprouts, you’ll need to dig a hole deep enough to cover the root system of the plant. Then cover it, with leaves remaining above ground. *We fill our holes w/ water before dropping the plant in. The plants will need to be about 3 feet apart. (Bulbs will be done generally the same, but will need less spacing).
Three-seed holes: Some seeds, such as squash, zucchini, cucumbers & melons, need to be planted individually, in much the same way as the plants. This is actually fun, and is great for the kids: You make a small hole 1- 1 ½” deep and simply drop three seeds into each hole, then cover lightly (don’t pack). Like the plants, these will be done about 3 feet apart.

Pray for Rain & Watch it Grow!

Harvesting: Basically, you pick it when it looks done! For underground veggies, like carrots, you’ll one up here & there to test. The main thing is not to let your veggies be too long on the vine, and get too big. You’ll know by looking when things are ripe & ready to be picked.

Weed Control: There are several different things you can do for weed control, depending on your abilities & preferences: One is a spray herbicide, sprayed with a hand-held pump sprayer. Another is to till the rows until there is no room (plants get too big), and then use the hoe. Lastly, you can always remove weeds & grass with a hoe & your hands.

What about Bugs? We use a bug spray periodically as the garden grows. Obviously, we won’t be classified as Organic! You can study up on what plants and/or flowers to plant with your garden to help control bugs if you’re set on organic…or as Mark says, you can stand out there & swat! He sprays!

After the Harvest: After your garden is done, just till it and leave it for next year. There are a few options here. One is to just till it. Another is to till it with the lime on it. If this is done, there will be no need to add lime next spring. Lastly, you can plant a winter grass. When spring comes, just turn the grass over (till) for a rich soil.

Other Need-to-Know Facts:
Most people start their gardens shortly after Good Friday. This is not a hard & fast rule, mostly just tradition.
Some vegetables are planted a bit earlier than the rest, as they tend to not need or want such extreme heat: broccoli, cabbage, onions, cauliflower, green (sweet) peas. We also plant our corn earlier, to give it ample growing time before the extreme heat sets in.
You can plant in intervals if you wish to stagger and/or prolong your harvest. For example: We plant 24 rows of purple hull peas. But, we only plant 8 rows at a time, waiting 10-14 days before planting the next 8 rows. You can do this with most veggies, but you do run a risk later in the season of the weather (and thus your harvest) being less than optimal.
Don’t forget that tomatoes need to be staked up as they grow.

Go Have Fun!!!!