Khloe's Story.....

I realized very quickly that when I told people that I was going to be a first time mom, a lot of them would tell me the horror stories of their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experiences.  Thankfully, I had strong women in my life that had wonderful experiences with birth that encouraged me to not be afraid but to enjoy this miracle that God blessed me with.  I had the opportunity to attend the Childbirth Education classes that Birthright Babies offered, 3 times during my pregnancy!  I couldn’t get enough! Not only are the classes free, it is jammed packed with crucial information for any expecting mommy and talks about pregnancy, birth and postpartum as a positive experiences.  I honestly feel that attending these classes was the best decision I made for myself, for my husband and our baby girl.  During the classes, I was able to meet friendly and educated birth workers who took the time to get to know me personally.  These women constantly reminded me that God designed my body to birth perfectly fine on its’ own.

With their help and encouragement, I was able to deliver my baby girl in a birthing tub at home and my entire labor was only 5 hours long, definitely not typical for a first time mother!  The ability to labor in my own home, surrounded by people that I trusted instead of on-shift doctors and nurses, made me feel safe during my labor.  Even though I was working hard during labor, I felt a God given peace.  The room was filled with so much love to welcome my baby girl into.  It was absolutely perfect.  My birth team was also a big help to me during postpartum, I never felt so loved and cared for. 

I never felt anxious or afraid as my time to deliver came closer.  I felt empowered and incredibly supported by my birth team.  Dr. Lori Kimata (midwife), Pastor Mari Stewart(doula) and Pastor Bek Botello(doula) were by backbone during my whole pregnancy and labor from beginning to end.  They set up, cleaned up, helped me with breastfeeding and even brought my beloved grilled cheese to me!  Now I cannot see myself giving birth without them. 

For my postpartum recovery, I had decided to get my placenta encapsulated by Pastor Mari, she got them to me quickly with detailed instructions on how to take them.  The placenta capsules helped stop the bleeding quickly and brought back my energy!  The chance to be able to enjoy bonding time with my husband and our brand new daughter was priceless.  I cannot express how thankful I am for Birthright Babies, these women helped bring our daughter to us in the best way possible.  I am still in awe of how God created a woman’s body to endure pregnancy and birth.  It is such a surreal experience that shouldn’t be feared but embraced!