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Relaxation apps and CDs to relax during pregnancy and prepare for birth
Deep breathing and relaxation are very important skills to cultivate for life in general, but doubly so when preparing for birth. My first therapist, a LCSW, introduced me to guided imagery relaxation techniques…
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Being proactive in pregnancy (without being obsessive)
If you have followed my blog over the years, you know that I struggle with perfectionism, longing for control, obsessive thinking, and trying too hard. I’m a proactive doer. Type A, if you…
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Fighting discouragement in pregnancy
As I write this I am one day short of 23 weeks pregnant. Over the past three weeks I’ve felt very discouraged. I’m already dealing with so many pregnancy nuisances – heartburn, rib…
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Finding emotional healing from my primary c-section
Written on April 30, 2015 23 Weeks, 1 day Last week I realized that I didn’t remember what the pain felt like. I know it was bad and there was screaming, but it’s…
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Going Local: VBAC-friendly birth resources for Triad, NC Moms
When I moved to NC in 2013, one of the first things I did (before we even moved) was start Googling to try to find resources to prepare for a VBAC in preparation for…
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Optimal fetal positioning: what does science have to say?
Optimal fetal positioning is a hot buzzword in the natural birthing world, especially when it comes to VBAC. So what is it all about, and why does it matter? More importantly, what does the…
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Affirmations for ANY birth (even a c-section!)
Birth affirmations. Those wonderful mantras that mamas repeat to themselves in pregnancy and birth to maintain a positive outlook on birth. When I was preparing for my VBAC, I ATE THEM UP! (You…
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Ultimate list of printable birth affirmations and scriptures
In my last post on art therapy, I talked about how positive words helped me maintain mindfulness throughout my pregnancy. Another way that I sought out mindfulness was through pregnancy and birth affirmations…
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Birth Art Therapy Project: Magazine Scrap Birth Affirmations Collages
Using Our Birthing From Within Keepsake Journal really opened up my mind to the idea of birth art therapy. I consider writing and music to be my primary art forms, and haven’t ever…
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My VBAC Preparation Pregnancy and Labor Playlist
Music was one of the most instrumental things that provided comfort, healing, and hope for me during my pregnancy and birth. I started looking for songs for my playlist in the first trimester.…