Channeling my Inner Hippy

As some of you know, I’m planning to go through labor completely naturally. My  midwife is part of a practice of midwives and physicians who deliver at the Alternative Birth Center, which is part of Providence Hosptial in Southfield, Michigan. IF there were to be any complications that needed the attention of one of the physicians, they’re right through a set of double doors in Labor and Delivery. However, we’re praying and hoping that our birth plan can be followed as closely as possible.

To aid in that plan, my midwife had me visit Indigo Forest in Ann Arbor to purchase some homeopathics. Homeopathics are not herbal supplements. Rather, they are, in fact, drugs that use natural substances in micro-doses to relieve symptoms. Because of the way they are made, there are no side effects and are completely safe to take with other medications.

So…what did I get??

• Arnica - to avoid physical trauma associated with childbirth; prevents excess blood loss, shock, and trauma to soft tissues
• Caulophyllum – natural source of oxylocin; helps produce effective contractions; can be used to initiate or enhance labor; will not bring on contractions if the woman is not ready to go into labor and may relieve excess pre-labor toning contractions
• Cimicifuga – to ease fear of giving birth; aids the uterus to contract in a coordinated and effective way

In addition, I also got some red raspberry leaf tea (to tone my uterus…did you know you can tone your utuerus??) and Black Currant Oil (to soften the cervix…I apologize if that’s TMI, but that’s exactly what it does!).

I’ve been making the tea 2 quarts at a time using the Mason jars my friend, Katie, used to hold fresh flowers at my shower. I can’t explain why, but it’s been a rather soothing routine for me…packing the leaves in my spice ball, allowing the red raspberry leaf and hibiscus (for flavor and color) to seep for four hours and then drinking 1/2 quart each day; knowing that I’m not just drinking tea, but also preparing my body to give birth to our Analiese…

…in two weeks! Well, give or take, but the reality is that we are very close to having this little miracle enter into our lives and we are so stinkin’ excited!

I follow a lot of blogs – design, food, friends, strangers, parents…they’re all good. One of the blogs I follow is written by Molly Piper, daughter-in-law to John Piper, pastor of preaching at Bethlehem Church in Minneapolis. Ross and I are constantly challenged by John Piper’s preaching. His son and daughter-in-law lost a baby and are now pregnant again. Molly posted this statement on her blog when she announced her pregnancy at 10 weeks:

So whether I have 10 weeks, 10 months, or 10+ years with this baby, today I heard the little heartbeat and know that it is indeed a blessing and a miracle. – Molly Piper

In our excitement, I pray that we will always have this perspective with each other and with our daughter. We are His. She is a blessing and miracle…but first, she is His…and we can’t wait to meet her!