Getting My Shit Together

I made one last trip for a prenatal test yesterday. It was for group b strep (GBS) and I should get the results on Friday. I can't believe this time is finally here. I never took the GBS test with my last pregnancy because I went into labor at 36 weeks. I am happy to say that tomorrow marks my 37th week. This is very exciting for me, but its also a reminder that week 40 is just around the corner and I'd better get my shit together! I've been spending time collecting all the supplies I'll need for a home birth.

The black garbage bag contains a blanket for the floor if needed, a second set of sheets for my bed, and a shower curtain. The bed is to be double wrapped with the sheets you want clean on the bottom, then a plastic barrier, then a sheet set that's okay to get dirty on top. That way once I give birth, we can just strip off the top layers and have a clean set underneath:

 

The paper bags contain everything that I've washed twice. Once with detergent. The second time in plain hot water to remove any detergent residue. Then it was all run through the dryer. There's receiving and baby blankets, outfits for the baby, baby towels, bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths:

The plastic tub contains all the other supplies like disposable under-pads, plastic sheets, big black garbage bags, gloves, straws, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, cotton swabs, cotton balls, sanitary pads, bulb syringe, stop watch, blood pressure cuff, pen and paper, debris catchers, wipes, lavender oil, tea tree oil, ibuprofen, flushing bottle, flash light, gallon zip lock bag, scissors, and cord clamp.

Other items I have on hand that aren't pictured include diapers, heating pad, red raspberry leaf, motherwort, red wine, vitamin B complex, calcium lactate, lip balm, candles, music, video camera, and a full tank of gas. I've also made sure to fully stock my freezer and fridge with pre-made meals and snacks both high in protein and carbs:

 As a bonus, Danzo's birthday was not too long ago, so I was able to put away some of his presents and put together some goodie boxes for him to have when the baby comes so he doesn't feel left out. There are prizes and fun games in one box and brand new books and a finger puppet set that he's never seen in the other.

I've paid all the bills through the end of the month, have plenty of other things on hand like food and medication for the animals. Danzo has started to learn to take care of a few things himself. He's completely potty trained, pouring his own drinks, getting his own snacks out of the refrigerator, putting his dishes on the kitchen counter when he's done eating, and learning the importance of keeping toys off the floor.

All I have to do now, is continue my daily work of eating well, drinking water and raspberry leaf tea, taking my supplements and working some exercise in. I am feeling more confident and strong than ever. My faith that my body will take care of what it needs to do is at an all-time high. Thanks to all of you who continue to send good thoughts and prayers my way!

Blessingway Explained

The blessingway was at my house on July 28th and it was a wonderful experience! It lasted for about 2 hours and for that time, the room was filled with a love and common-purpose that I've never experienced before. Everyone was there to support and encourage me. Since the ceremony, I've felt very strong and determined in my quest to have this baby at home. I feel that my house is now filled with good, ever-lasting energy that will help me along the way. I am now filled with a faith and strength to keep my endeavors clear and unwavering.

Many people don't really know what a blessingway is... here's how mine went:

Before the ceremony, the attendees took the time to transform the room into a beautiful sanctuary by decorating with flowers, plants, special rocks, statues, candles, tapestries and prayer flags. Then all the women joined together outside to have their energy cleansed with a white sage smudging. I waited with my mom in the other room as this was going on. When it was finally time, all the women gathered in the room and waited for me. I entered with my eyes closed into a trust walk while everyone guided me to my "throne".

I sat down and opened my eyes and immediately was struck by the absolute beauty of the room and all the women's faces surrounding me. I had to choke back tears and take a moment to compose myself.

When I was able to somewhat talk, I called in my spirit guides:

“I ask for the loving presence and guidance of my spirit guides. Lakshmi to provide an abundance of loving intention, Ganesh to remove any obstacles that may stand in our way, Kali Ma to destroy any misconceptions or unrealities that may linger, and Diana to enhance our collective strength as mothers and women.”

Then the mood and intentions were set when my mother-in-law, Cindy did a wonderful job reading the Prayer of Intention:

  “We form this circle with clear thoughts, wise words, and kind hearts in support of Tami’s journey through this pregnancy, birth, and into a new phase of motherhood. Let us help her realize her own strength to achieve what she envisions as a successful and peaceful journey. Her desire to have a homebirth is strong, which is why we gather today. Let us come together as women and mothers to channel our positive energy to her through honoring her body, mind, and spirit. May she feel the support, love, and empowerment brought forth by each of us.”

This was followed by introductions. Each person said their name and how they know me. Some people shared special stories and memories. Then I got to let my hair down. My Auntie Brenda brushed my hair to physically and symbolically untangle my hair and the path that lies ahead. My mom placed a crown on my head to honor my journey into a new phase of motherhood:

My cousin, Danielle followed with honoring me by cleansing my feet. I have to admit, I almost omitted this part because I felt funny having someone wash my feet. I'm so glad I kept this part in the ceremony because there's something about having the feet acknowledged that really brings a feeling of peace to the spirit. There are a lot of acupressure points in the feet that really open meridians in the body. I could feel them open for sure. She did a great job!

Another great way to open me up physically and spiritually was through the group massage. Everyone took turns massaging my arms, legs, hands, feet, and shoulders. Wow! Talk about an exercise in not only opening up, but also RECEIVING! As women, we don't receive enough and sometimes its hard to do. I'm glad I got some practice because this part was essential to remind me to relax and receive from the universe during labor and to open the gates to the passageway for the baby to enter into this world.

After the massage, everyone took turns embellishing my belly with henna tattoos. Its been a couple weeks and they are almost completely faded away. I'm glad we were able to capture the art with a picture:

The bulk of the ceremony consisted of everyone taking turns offering gifts of a special bead to be included in my labor/prayer jewelry and a fabric square to be collected and made into a quilt for the baby. I also got some other beautiful gifts like handmade burp rags and bib, small soothing blankets, a picture frame, a couple of newborn onesies, and a framed poem written by my midwife. These things were offered to me with care and blessings.

I was also able to share poems, blessings, beads, and fabric from all the wonderful people who sent them in the mail. I displayed them on this board to be a part of the beautiful decor:

We then joined hands and I thanked everyone for coming, released the spirit guides, and closed the circle. Of course, after such an awesome event, we had to take a group picture!

Since the blessingway, I took some time re-stringing the beads with spacer beads to make it long enough to be a necklace. Here is the finished labor/ prayer necklace:

 

The necklace along with well wishes and blessings are arranged on a board next to my bed so I am constantly reminded of all the wonderfully strong women in my life who support and encourage me on my journey. This is the first thing I see in the morning when I wake and the last thing I see before I drift off to sleep at night.

I just know having these physical reminders of support and encouragement will help me achieve the birth experience I want. Thank you to everyone who took part! I love you all!