So many of you are probably wondering what Nora’s birth story is. And so we wanted to share:
First, preemptively, for those who don’t know, I struggled with Lyme, high lead levels, Candida, other infections and infertility for the entirety of our marriage (8/2015). We found out we were pregnant only 2 months after my (the BEST) Dad passed away last year, so she is our precious little miracle baby.
Travis and I always wanted children and prayed the Lord would provide, but waited patiently while I also healed my body.
Fast forward to Wednesday night when contractions started (thank you, to my sister Ashley Ruiz who walked me through that!!). I was up all night sleeping in between 4-10 minute contractions.
We planned a water bath birth at home, too. 5AM, Thursday, I updated my midwife, Brooke, and doula, Shiraya, (truly an AMAZING team) about contraction timing.
Brooke stopped by to check me (I mean, first time baby and 6 days ahead of schedule? I was likely going to take a while). Turns out by 830am, I was 8cm dilated and Nora’s head was LOW.
Despite the increased intensity and pain with the contractions, Travis and Shiraya helped greatly with hip squeezes (get a doula, friends!).
At the next point, I was in the (amazingly warm) pool and everyone was so helpful, guiding, encouraging,
and loving me while I worked through the harder laboring.
One more contraction and I was going to have to relocate due to some bleeding. Well, within that one contraction and 2-3 pushes, Nora came quickly out. She was born in her water sack (water never broke – in 7 years of being a midwife, Brooke said that she only ever saw this phenomenon twice before and those women lived really healthy lifestyles! So, it’s rare)!
The team quickly pulled away everything and when they pulled her up out of the water, we heard her first cry…
And I lost it. Bawling my eyes. Talking to her. Kissing her. Our long-awaited precious baby had entered the world.
This was a very uncommon birth, but I attribute it to our (and YOUR) prayers, my lifestyle of detoxing and high nutrition, yoga/stretching in the months ahead, and other preparatory work. Praise the Lord who hears his children’s hearts and gives so generously.
If you’re ever curious to learn more whether for yourself or another, please reach out anytime, as I would love to help however I can! (Especially right now while we have a little sleepy potato sack).
The Gut Detox Coach
functionalhealthfoundations.com 