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Aches & Pains
Essential Oils In Pregnancy
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The Work Of A Doula
Let's Talk about it. |
All
Aches & Pains
Essential Oils In Pregnancy
Labor
Labor Prep
Loss Recovery
The Work Of A Doula
Emily Sisco, a Certified Nurse Midwife with Mayo Clinic Health System believes in the health benefits of using essential oils but warns, "the research is still limited, and it is best to talk to your medical provider first." She recommends less as better and since in pregnancy you are already sensitive to smells, she warns to take it slow and to never ingest oils while pregnant ("Essential oils and pregnancy - Mayo Clinic Health System," n.d.). Sisco recommends using Peppermint with headaches, nausea, nasal congestion and muscle aches. Lavender and Rose have been known to decrease anxiety and may do so in labor. Pain is decreased naturally when relaxed and both these smells provide a sense of memory and comfort to relax moms in pregnancy ("Essential oils and pregnancy - Mayo Clinic Health System," n.d.). Pain can slow or halt the progress of contractions and there are many oils that Sisco does not mention that are safe to use in pregnancy and come recommended in the Reference Guide for Essential Oils (2017). Gentle Baby is designed specifically for expectant mothers and newborn babies and can relieve stress during pregnancy. Its help with skin elasticity and fighting stretch marks are a bonus. Geranium improves energy, stimulates circulation and facilitates easy breathing. It will help release negativity and bring you back to peace by balancing emotions and lifting spirits. Ylang Ylang balances emotions and hormonal systems. Roman Chamomile releases muscle tension, calms nerves, reduces irritability and nervousness, and is mild enough for infants and children. Grapefruit helps fight fatigue, headaches, and stress. It has a cleansing affect to the kidneys, lymphatics and vascular system. Tangerine aids with constipation, dizziness, flatulence, irritability, sadness, stretch marks, stress, swelling and reduces water retention. Elemi traditionally helps with skin issues but has also been known to reduce inflammation. Ginger aids gas/flatulence, indigestion, morning or motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting (Higley & Higley, 2017). Oils in LaborAlong with any of the previously mentioned oils, some are used more specifically in labor. Jasmine for instance helps reduce anxiety and deeply affects the emotions, it is uplifting and promotes power. Folklore lists it as an oil to induce labor. Lavender promotes circulation, is calming, a natural antibiotic, and is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Nutmeg is great for so many things from balancing your hormones to calming the central nervous system, and alleviates anxiety. It also increases circulation. Valor empowers you physically and spiritually so that we can overcome fears and stand tall in adversity. It has also been found to be beneficial in aligning physical structures of the body such as the hips, and balance energy flows of the body (Higley & Higley, 2017). Some oils should only be used in labor because they can produce contractions or uterus stimulation. Clary Sage for instance is known to kick labor into gear. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) (n.d.) lists Clary Sage and Jasmine as "essential oils that can help contractions and ease muscular pain," (Horne, 2010). Caution should be used in the use of essential oils. A licensed aromatherapist should be consulted or someone with much experience and training in the use of essential oils. Large amounts of Nutmeg can cause nausea, stupor and tachycardia. Oils to avoid with hypertension: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and Peppermint (Higley & Higley, 2017). References
Essential oils and pregnancy - Mayo Clinic Health System. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/essential-oils-and-pregnancy Higley, C., & Higley, A. (2017). Reference guide for essential oils. Horne, V. (2010, July 14). Which essential oils will induce labor? Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/174847-which-essential-oils-will-induce-labor/ Make Images, Videos and Web Stories for Free in Minutes | Adobe Spark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://spark.adobe.com/sp//sp/
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PHOTO: ("What is a Doula?," 2016) DONA, International defines a doula as “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible," ("What is a Doula" DONA International. n.d.). Hold your space.Simply put - we hold your space. It is a presence during your labor, using verbal and non-verbal communications that are felt rather than always having to be said, and a trust in the mother and the process of labor. During the storm, we keep the calm. A doula has the privilege to witness and literally feel the power of birth. It's magical. During birth.Based on my experiences with birth, we are available in a number of ways from the interview to birth and after. Let's start with the interview. It is important to point out, we interview each other! This has to be a good fit for BOTH parties. Birth is special and intimate, I want you to feel as comfortable with me as I do you. Once hired, we do at least two prenatal visits that are 1-4 hours in length. We answer your questions about anything and everything - the good, the bad, the ugly and the gross. We also offer phone support and check-ins - we will troubleshoot with you on how to get comfortable sleeping, ask how your doctor's and midwife visits went and talk through any new information that came from these visits and how they affect your plans for labor and birth. If there is something out of our scope or that we can't help with, we will provide you with referrals based on our first-hand knowledge of prenatal massage therapists, prenatal yoga classes, chiropractors, birth classes and more. When the time comes, we will offer birth support and talk to you through contractions and determine whether they are true labor or just a warm up. We answer your calls and texts throughout the night when it is true contractions and you aren't quite sure you need me, but you do need guidance on early labor to get comfortable and maintain your endurance. We are on call from 37/38 weeks on. Meaning, we drop everything to get to you when you decide you need more support. During labor, we will suggest different positioning or ideas to help labor progress, to get more comfortable and to provide options and choices. We even squeeze your hips during contractions with back labor. The physical support (rub your back, catch your puke, turn off lights, shut the door, pull curtains, feed you ice chips) is just a small portion of a doula's work compared to the emotional and familial support a doula brings. We are here to encourage you when something comes up unexpectedly, reassure you of signs and progress, and keep the environment calm and supportive. Never do we "take the place" of anyone, but we will quietly and politely guide your partner to help you with positions and how to relieve the intensity of a contraction through this guidance, and we will update your family and friends on progress. If or when your priorities change, I will remind you why you hired us and ask if you need time to process decisions so you don't feel pressured to make decisions on the fly. It's our job to remind you of your preferences and goals when labor challenges you. After birth.Why stop the support there? We have just been through one of life's major moments together! We will never leave you hanging without support after. The very first hour after the birth is the most crucial to breastfeeding success. The sooner the better and we are here to help. We will then check in with you in the first 24-72 hours to see how you are feeling, validate the experience and help you begin the processing. We then come to your home in the first 1-2 weeks after birth to reflect and remind you what a badass you are! References
Make Images, Videos and Web Stories for Free in Minutes | Adobe Spark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://spark.adobe.com/sp//sp/ What is a doula? DONA International (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/ What is a Doula? (2016, July 1). Retrieved from http://www.thrivebirth.org/blog/whatisadoula It's important to be active any time of the year or at any point in your life, but being pregnant adds an extra need...or let's call it an incentive. Exercise during pregnancy can help alleviate symptoms, prevent pains, give you more energy, help you sleep...I mean, the list just keeps going! Let's break the benefits down. #1. SLEEPExercise along with good nutrition helps you to burn off extra energy so that you can have a restful night's sleep. Exercise also reduces your stress and tires you out so that you sleep longer, naturally. It improves your sleep quality with as little as 10 minutes per day ("How Exercise Affects Sleep" Sleep.org, 2014)! #2. CONSTIPATION Exercise decreases the amount of time that it takes for food to move through your GI tract. It also stimulates natural contraction of the intestinal muscles which will help expel the stool. It's best to wait at least an hour after eating to work out so that the increase of blood flow flows to your stomach and intestines rather than diverting to the heart if you exercise right after eating. Since the contractility of the intestinal walls are directly affected by the quality of blood flow, less motility and contraction will increase constipation and maybe even increase your risk of hemorrhoids ("Exercise to Ease Constipation," n.d.). Better get moving! #3. WEIGHT GAINThe current guidelines for weight gain are based on your BMI and range from 11-40 pounds. Nutrition is so important, particularly in pregnancy because you are literally passing along that nutrition to your baby. If you are not as active, the American Pregnancy Association gives specific guidelines for caloric intake during each trimester ("Pregnancy weight gain" Weight Gain During Pregnancy, 2015). Studies show the healthier the mom, the healthier the baby. Keeping your weight in check will not only help you lose the baby weight after birth but help reduce complications during pregnancy, reduce the risk of juvenile diabetes and give your baby long-term healthy benefits ("9 health benefits of prenatal exercise" Knocked-Up Fitness, 2017). #4. BACK PAINExercising and stretching can decrease muscle spasms, improve spinal function and decrease pain. Strengthening your muscles in a slow and controlled manner is as important as cardio to the prevention and treatment of back pain in pregnancy (Alicia Silva, MSPT, n.d.). Other exercises like Yoga, Pilates, and physical therapy will release tension, stretch your overworked body and improve your ability to carry your baby in comfort ("9 health benefits of prenatal exercise" Knocked-Up Fitness, 2017). While it's important to start your pregnancy with a strong core, even during pregnancy you can strengthen your muscles to prepare you for the full 10 months and set you up for a successful labor. #5. EnduranceExercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and provides endurance. The stronger your muscles, the more you are able to accomplish with less effort ("9 health benefits of prenatal exercise" Knocked-Up Fitness, 2017). If you were very active before pregnancy, you should be able to continue to be just as active. If you are new, start slow and work up to moderate activity of 150 minutes per week. According to ACOG (n.d.), moderate activity is considered enough raise your heart level and start to sweat ("Exercise during pregnancy" ACOG, n.d.). WHEN TO USE CAUTION Avoid exercises that are contact sports (basketball, soccer, football), exercises that could result in a fall, hot yoga or pilates, scuba diving and high altitudes. Exercise increases your body temperature naturally so exercises that involve "hot" such as yoga, only increase your body temp which can affect development. Pay attention to your body, when you exercise blood diverts away from your uterus to other organs, restricting oxygen to your uterus. Also, your center of balance shifts with the extra weight making falls easier ("Effects of exercise on pregnancy," 2016). ACOG (n.d.) warns to pay attention to the following warning signs and instructs you to notify your provider if any of these occur:
References
9 health benefits of prenatal exercise. Knocked-Up Fitness. (2017, February 7). Retrieved from http://knocked-upfitness.com/9-health-benefits-of-prenatal-exercise/ Alicia Silva, MSPT. (n.d.). Exercise for back pain during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/pregnancy-and-back-pain/exercise-back-pain-during-pregnancy Effects of exercise on pregnancy. (2016, March 29). Retrieved from http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/effects-of-exercise-on-pregnancy/ Exercise during pregnancy. ACOG. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Exercise-During-Pregnancy Exercise to ease constipation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/exercise-curing-constipation-via-movement How exercise affects sleep. Sleep.org. (2014, October 28). Retrieved from https://sleep.org/articles/exercise-affects-sleep/ iStock-26545083_wide.jpg [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/0_hyperemesis-gravidarum-severe-morning-sickness_10376363.bc Make Images, Videos and Web Stories for Free in Minutes | Adobe Spark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://spark.adobe.com/sp//sp/ Pregnancy weight gain - weight gain during pregnancy. (2015, December 12). Retrieved from http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/pregnancy-weight-gain/ Growing a baby may be fun, but nobody said it was easy! Pain in pregnancy can be extremely common, especially the further along you get. Let's discuss what is common and how to deal with it! Back, Pelvic and Abdominal PainThe increased weight pulls at your spine and that little nugget literally pushes all your organs up, back and to the sides. Of course that's going to hurt! Correcting the pull forward can strain your lower back muscles. In addition, hormones are causing your ligaments to soften, loosen and stretch which provides less support to your back ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Here are some tips: maintain good posture, get regular and moderate exercise (i.e. strength toning, yoga, pilates, water aerobics), avoid the same position for too long, avoid lifting heavy objects (10-20 lbs is usually max recommendations by your OBGYN), get a massage, take a warm bath, and use a maternity belt or KT tape for extra support ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Pelvic Pain, SciaticaThe pelvis consists of three bones - the sacrum and two iliac bones (your hips). They are connected in the front by the symphysis pubis joint and in the back by the sacroiliac joints which are stabilized by ligaments that when not pregnant, rarely move. The hormones in pregnancy cause these ligaments to soften and prepare for vaginal delivery, resulting in an unstable pelvis. This can also result in inflammation, discomfort and pain ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). The pain can be felt in various ways. Sometimes it is just in the pelvic area or groin (or sometimes shooting through your vagina!), it can be just in your butt or travel down one leg (much like sciatica). You'll notice this pain more going up or down stairs, first thing in the morning or after a long day, and can range in severity ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). If movement is on one side more than the other, consider a maternity support belt for stability. Physical therapy, abdominal and Kegel exercises, acupuncture, and water exercises can be helpful. Avoid periods of extended exercise and get plenty of rest ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Round Ligament PainThere are two ligaments on top of the uterus that connect to the abdominal wall and support your torso. When the uterus enlarges, these stretch more and more resulting in brief, sharp pain or aching on one or both sides of the lower pelvis or in the groin. It's typical to see this pain start in the second trimester ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Here's what you can do. Visit to your doctor to make sure it isn't anything worse, first and foremost, for reassurance. Rest and relax with every episode. Lie on your side and bring your knees to your chest, or take a warm bath ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). HeadachesTension headaches to the sides of your head that are dull, aching or squeezing are completely normal in pregnancy due to hormonal shifts. However, if your headaches are accompanied with nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, dizziness, swelling, or if the headache just won't go away - please notify your doctor immediately ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). HemorrhoidsYou are particularly vascular in pregnancy as your cardiac output increases to compensate for the extra human being. This can result in unusually swollen blood vessels in the rectum, a/k/a hemorrhoids. They can be itchy, painful, and cause bleeding. My advice? Avoid straining! Your motility slows during pregnancy and constipation can be common. Make sure you're getting your fiber in! If you can't through diet, then utilize an over-the-counter Miralax or stool softener. A little probiotic never hurts any either, or warm lemon water to get things moving ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). HeartburnDid I mention how all your organs are pushed up, back and out by that growing little critter? If you feel burning in your chest, particularly after eating, but really at any time, chances are you are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). Once again, hormones do not help here either. If TUMS are no longer cutting, talk to your provider about other options. If you are trying to avoid meds, try ginger or peppermint tea and eating in small/frequent meals. If you find you are having some serious cramping or sharp pains to the upper right abdomen following a meal (or not following a meal), please call your doc - they may want to see you or run some basic lab work. Leg CrampsIt's not clear what causes this, but they happen a lot. It could be the weight or the growing uterus ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). Some people find bananas or magnesium supplements helpful! References
7 common pregnancy aches and pains. BabyCenter. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/0_7-common-pregnancy-aches-and-pains_10327839.bc Aches and pains in pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/aches-pains/aches-pains-pregnancy leg-cramps-during-pregnancy-hurting-legs [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://motherhow.com/leg-cramps-during-pregnancy/ location+of+round+ligament [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://heppechiro.com/blog/2016/12/8/round-ligament-pain-relief Make Images, Videos and Web Stories for Free in Minutes | Adobe Spark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://spark.adobe.com/sp//sp/ sciatica-during-pregnancy-722x406 [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://bethpagechiropractic.com/landing-page/sciatica-during-pregnancy-722x406/ You're not alone in your fears! Pregnancy, especially if new to you, can come with some serious fears. Movies do a great job of scaring the crap out of you! Let's chat about some of those fears. Maybe I can help debunk some myths or at the very least - ease your mind a little! #1. Pooping in LaborIt happens. It seems embarrassing. You might get embarrassed. You might laugh. You might cry. You might even scream. Catch my drift? There are many responses to this little dilemma. Let me assure you, it will not bother me as your doula and it will not bother your nurses or doctors. IT HAPPENS! The same muscles used to push out a baby are involved in emptying your bowels, after all. And before you ask, why don't they give me an enema before labor...let me tell you: 1) it won't reduce the length of labor, 2) it does not lower the risk of infection in any way from contamination, and 3) that can be SUPER uncomfortable and the last thing you need at this stage of pregnancy is any more discomfort! Chances are, you may not even realize your do the doo. If by chance you do get embarrassed and run through one or all those emotions above, I can tell you it will be short lived and in active labor you literally won't give a poop! Don't be afraid of holding back during pushing because you'll only risk lengthening your labor or increasing your pain. Embrace the poo! #2. Having a Breech BabyAcupuncture. Moxibustion. Chiropractic Care. Webster's Technique. Maya Massage. Craniosacral Therapy. Inversions. External cephalic version. You can see, there are a few ways to handle this. All of which are no guarantee that little one will flip around. So what do you need to know? First of all, breech fetal position is completely normal before 30 weeks and often until about 32 weeks. Secondly, trust your baby and your body. As silly as it may seem (or not seem), talk to your body and your baby - manifest the direction the baby should be in. Third, you have some options to try prior to making the hard decisions needed for labor. Start with a chiropractor around 30-32 weeks. Some practice the Webster's technique (a sacral adjustment to align the pelvis), others use varying techniques based on their experience and results. Moxibustion uses mugwort on a stick, a lot like a stick of incense, and holds it over an acupuncture point heated 2-3x per day for about 2 minutes on each side of the body. Moms have seen success in flipping breech babies, mostly in the 34-35th weeks of pregnancy. As your doula, we can also help with teaching and guiding specific inversion techniques and positioning exercises to help baby flip around. It's important to note, these options are not always successful and that many factors come in to play here. Believe it or not, breech seems to run in families. Personally, all of my babies were breech at some point in pregnancy! The womb shape, cord placement, hip/pelvis size and twin pregnancy also have an influence on the baby's position. As the pregnancy goes on, you will have some decisions to make if these trials are unsuccessful. A) you grieve (if necessary) and deliver via c/section or B) find a provider who is successful or experienced attending vaginal births! Like anything, there are safety variables to consider. The baby should show no signs of distress. You must be at least 37 weeks gestation. Labor must begin on its own and progression occurs steadily. Anesthesia must be ready and cesarean available on short notice (unless you chose a homebirth, in which your midwife will account for this). A "hands-off" approach will improve success but some co-morbities such as diabetes and hypertension increase risks. The baby's head should be normal in size with a chin tucked and frank or complete breech births are preferred, footling breech comes with added safety concerns. The mother should be allowed to move freely during labor. #3. Stalling LaborSome women just need time. As your doula we encourage you to labor at home as long as possible. It's important to note that length of labor and pain of labor are two separate issues. "A long labor with unexpected strength and perhaps no or slow progress is called a stall in labor. Its only a stall if after 4 cm, though we want to pay attention to why labor stops if before 4 cm, too, especially if the water broke," ("What to do when...(in labor), 2015). A lot of "stalled labor" is guided by ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) who, thankfully, have redefined this guidelines to give momma's more time. Active labor is considered dilation to 6 cm (no longer 4 cm) and current recommendations are to allow women to labor longer as long as the baby is safe and not in distress. The less time you spend on the hospital's clock, the less you'll be pressured to give birth within any "time frame". Things to remember that will help: 1) keep things dimmed down, lowing the lights helps you feel calm and relaxed; 2) listen to music (I recommend soothing); 3) diffuse your favorite oils for concentration, strength, courage and energy; 4) practice affirmations, positive self-talk; and 5) drown out distractions around you If at some point your labor does stall out, trust in your doula to offer guidance. We are trained to help you get through this through Rebozo sifting, inversions and releases. Having an epidural too early can prohibit these techniques, so having good birthing preparation is key to a successful labor! #4. Not making the hospital in timePHOTO: https://www.today.com/parents/photos-capture-exact-moment-dad-delivers-baby-front-seat-car-t108732 It's legit. You hear the horror stories of moms delivering in an elevator or on the side of a road in a care - some on the freeway, for cripes sake! The fear is real. However, it is EXTREMELY rare! Chances are, especially as a first-time mom, you won't wait too long to head to the hospital - you are way more likely to arrive too early. If you really are concerned, if your Mom talks about how she shot out you and your siblings out like a cannon, then Google it. There really are step-by-step instructions out there on how to give birth in a car! Please note, as your doula, we are birth support and coaches - NOT A BABY CATCHER! Ha! We leave that to the docs ;) #5. Tearing the hoo-haPHOTO: (Lambrick, n.d.) It's a daunting thought, isn't it. OH, the things we do for those special wee-little one's! The thing is, if it's going to happen, it's going to happen. Your perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) has to stretch something fierce to get that baby out. Sometimes it just can't do the job fast enough and this delicate skin tears in the process. There are varying degrees of the tear:
Perineal Massage during pregnancy and labor can help ease tears. Avoiding Pitocin and epidurals (Pitocin increased contractions and force, epidurals leave you without feeling and make pushing more challenging) will also reduce the risk of tearing, but the best thing you can do is to let labor progress naturally, on it's own, descending naturally and without pushing prematurely! References:
[Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.today.com/parents/photos-capture-exact-moment-dad-delivers-baby-front-seat-car-t108732 Image ID : 64425566. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.123rf.com/clipart-vector/during_pregnancy.html?sti=myzjwhqjtfazzhizvt|&mediapopup=64425566 Lambrick, M. [Illustration]. Retrieved from https://www.the-pool.com/health/wombs-etc/2017/15/emma-jane-unsworth-on-talking-about-giving-birth Make Images, Videos and Web Stories for Free in Minutes | Adobe Spark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://spark.adobe.com/sp//sp/ What to do when….(in labor). (2015, July 6). Retrieved from https://spinningbabies.com/start/in-labor/what-to-do-when-in-labor/ I was scrolling through Facebook a few days ago and I came across a post about this year's company holiday party for my husband's work and it jolted me. It jolted me because on that day one year ago, we found out we were pregnant. A bit unexpectedly so. After years of natural family planning, we took for granted just how not easy or easy, it is to get pregnant. Mother Nature can be a tricky B, after all. We've found ourselves at both ends of the spectrum, conceiving our last child wasn't an easy task. Maybe it was the nonchalance, maybe it was the acupuncture I had been doing...regardless, we were both a bit taken back. I mean, we DO know how this happens (I am an OB nurse) but our reactions were still that of "oh shit" as we sat outside of my husband's company party when I broke the news. Our last child was 7 years ago! We essentially found ourselves starting over. Yikes! Exciting and scary all at the same time. So when my "numbers" (beta hcg) came back so low on day 40 of my cycle, roughly 10 days late for my period, I didn't know how to feel. They would either double in 2-3 days, which meant pregnancy was happening or they wouldn't and I had to prepare myself for a likely loss or missed abortion as we call it in the OB world. Looking back, in my heart of hearts, I felt so uneasy from the get-go. I think my intuition was telling me what my heart couldn't bare. Our little oopsie was, for whatever reason, not meant for this world. Six days later I found myself rooming other pregnant women when my little started to move on. It hit me like a ton of a bricks I didn't see coming, even though I did. When you have a miscarriage, your doctor advises to wait 1-2 cycles before trying again. This has to do with healing but there is also a lot of emotional implications following your loss. When you're in pain, the kind of pain that encompasses everything in you, every physical sense, every emotion you own rolled in to one big hot mess - you can not begin to know how you will manage that pain. I went from rational to irrational to numb to, "I may be crazy, but let's do this again." And that, my friends, is how Ellis Michael was conceived just about 10-15 days later one year ago. We learned of his being the morning my step-brother passed. "A beautiful and bright rainbow follows a storm and gives hope of things getting better. The rainbow is more appreciated having just experienced the storm in comparison." (kickscount.org.uk) Ellis, from Hebrew Elijah, meaning Lord is my God. Michael, as in archangel Michael and now his angel, Durand Michael. We are so blessed and fortunate. We have so many friends who have struggled with infertility and loss in their journey for a family. The love I have for y'all is real. Thanks for reading and holding my space,
- Rachelle |
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