Friday, November 4, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Letter to Mother-to-Be
October 2011
Dear Beautiful & Amazing Momma,
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
(Psalms 139:14)
To begin to embrace your pregnancy and the upcoming birth of your new little blessing you must first realize the significance of your own creation. Our Heavenly Father, whom is the creator of all, created you. Yes…you! “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27) The Bible does not say God only created those that would believe in Him. It declares He is the author of everything! “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” (Nehemiah 9:6) “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31) You are amazing; you are beautiful, you are important! No matter what lies have been fed to you throughout your lifetime you must receive the truth! “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19) Pray and ask God to forgive you for not viewing yourself as the amazing creation that He has formed you to be. Then ask God to help you embrace the truth of your beauty in Him.
Momma, did you know that the first command God gave to man was to have children. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Gen 1:28) Again, God gave this same command after the flood, “And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” (Genesis 9:1) “And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb,” (Deuteronomy 7:13) God was clear in what he wanted us to do. At that time they did not question God or his direct command, they had walked with God, heard His voice, and survived the destruction of every living thing upon the Earth. In the times we live in today, sadly, most people do not know God enough to rest in these commands. Well, not only did He create you, command you to bring forth children for His glory, but He wants you to understand that He is in control of your womb. Here are some scriptures verifying this truth. Please read them with an open heart! Pray and ask God to reveal the truth to you. “And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.” (Genesis 29:31) “And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.” (Genesis 30:22) Next is one of my favorite scriptures relating to childbearing, it speaks clearly of how intimate the miracle of conception is “And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.” (Gen 21:1)
Not only does God open and close the womb at His discretion, He is like the skillful hands that knit together a spectacular garment. It is beyond our comprehension how a life with mind, body, and soul can be created in the womb. Not long ago in our history we knew nothing scientifically about conception, a baby’s growth in the uterus, and the miracle of birth compared to now. Even still with all the technology that the world has, scientists remain unable to completely figure it all out. Which might I add that I truly love! “As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.” (Ecclesiastes 11:5) “Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;” (Isaiah 44:24) “Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?” (Job 31:15) Some things we do know however. Such as the moment one sperm cell from your husband and one tiny egg traveling through your fallopian tube came into contact, your unborn child was conceived. Hormones at this same time began preparing your uterus to be a soft, nourishing environment for the ball of life to nestle and continue to grow. Miraculously, each new cell knows exactly what to do. Some will divide and become the placenta, others the amniotic sac, and each tiny part of your baby. At just forty days from the time of conception, brain waves can be detected. At two months your baby has everything formed and will just continue to grow in size. From the eight week on your little blessing can respond to touch thanks to the wonderful relationship God gave us between our nervous system and muscles. Around three months it will be clear what you are expecting, boy or girl? He or she will even have primitive egg or sperm cells. Your baby sleeps, wakes, breathes, drinks, digests, & secretes amniotic fluid. Amazingly, the vocal cords are complete now and your baby would cry if she could.
“Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:” (Genesis 49:25)
Not only is God the one that opens and closes the womb, it is he that crafted the woman’s body to grow a life within her. There are so many changes in your body that take place while you are pregnant. From the hormones that are released to speak to every part of your being, body systems that restructure their cycles, to the bony structures that know to relax to accommodate the life within you. Like a perfectly engineered masterpiece! If that is not incredible enough God also orchestrates labor and birthing. “But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.” (Psalms 22:9) “I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.” (Psalms 22:10) “By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.” (Psalms 71:6) “Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:” (Isa 46:3) “Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.” (Isa 66:9) “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,” (Gal 1:15)
Your Heavenly Father does not want His child to be tormented with fear. As you seek the best for your child God too desires the best for you. “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) You might not be able to grasp this wonderful promise yet. Pray and ask God to help you rest in his word! “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Romans 8:16) “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) There is no place for fear in childbirth it actually can hinder the birthing process. Think about what you know of the animal kingdom, if there is an impending danger the laboring animal such as the deer will stop labor until it can get to a safer place or the threat passes. Fear can prevent your labor from progressing as it should. How, you might ask? It is similar to the Fight-or-Flight Response in that your sympathetic nervous system controls your bodily functions. Such as increased heart rate, paleness or flushing, slowed digestion, loss of hearing, tunnel vision, effects on the sphincters, inhibited erections in men, relaxation of the bladder, and shakiness to name a few. We must eliminate our fears and there is only so much we can do on our own. It is humanly impossible to overcome them all on our own. We must rely on God to help us! “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18) The birth of your child is just that, your birth, how you experience it will be just as unique as you are. However, there is one thing that will always be true. God is in control! “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Believe in the promises that your birth experience will be exactly as God has intended. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23) “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36)
I pray you will embrace the truth that you are such a beautiful and amazing woman, perfectly created to be a vessel God can use to bring forth children, bringing glory to His name!
God Bless,
Nancy F. Prevatt, RN
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sorry For the Inconvenience!!
I am currently reconstructing my site please check back soon. You can also visit us on Facebook by clicking www.facebook.com/joyfulbirthing
Thursday, September 15, 2011
My Breech Baby/Cesarean Birth Story
"This is the birth story of Ethan Troy!"
I must go back just a bit and begin this story at the union of two hearts. It may sound unbelievable but my husband & I first met during a celebration for a tree. What, you may say? The little town that my family had moved to in sunny, southwest Florida has a festival each February to celebrate the history of the unique Swamp Cabbage Palm tree. It was my sophomore year and school let out early this particular Friday in honor of the events. I rode with a friend to a field to see where the fun would take place throughout the weekend. Some others must have had the same idea because there was a group of guys that we bumped into that warm day. He had the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen! When I asked my friend who he was she was quick to tell me his name and to warn me to stay away. That moment I knew he was the one!!
Skip ahead now to February 14th, 1997 when we vowed to be together forever! We were married in the presence of God & our parents. We had our love for one another and that was all we needed. On the 8th of April 1998 I took a pregnancy test while at my mother and father's house and discovered we were going to have a baby. I met my husband on the stairs outside of their stilt home and gave him the good news. We were overjoyed! Amazingly it was like we both already knew. The test was just the confirmation. Our first thoughts were that God had blessed us with a miracle. We had been trying for just a little over three months and felt truly blessed! We celebrated by telling everyone we knew then spent the evening dreaming of our future with this little gift.
We had a tumultuous 9 months! I was in my first semester of nursing school and my husband was working long, hard hours. It was trying & tiring to say the least. Money was tight and emotions ran high! My pregnancy was littered with stress, poor nutrition, and long nights studying. I was diagnosed with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) and Mild Ecclampsia. The last month of my pregnancy I was placed on bed rest which affected every area of my life. Each week I traveled to Cape Coral or Ft. Myers to see my Obstetrician. However, the last several weeks I saw a different doctor each visit, all saying my little boy was head down & in position getting ready for his birth. On November 23rd, 1998 I finally got to see my OB. As soon as he felt my belly he said, "That is not a head!" They brought in an ultrasound machine & verified that he was in a complete breech position. He asked me, "Do you want to have this baby TODAY?" Without hesitating I replied, "Yes!" However, I had eaten that morning so surgery was out of the question.
My doctor tried to get the little guy to turn by external version, but he refused to turn! I didn't realize going into the procedure what I was in for. They sent me over to the hospital which was just down the street from the office. I was hooked up to all the possible monitors and given an IV. It was explained to me that I had to receive an IV med to help relax my uterus so it would allow the doctor's efforts to work. My mother-in-law was with me that day and I had never seen that born-again, Holy Ghost filled, little lady get so angry!! She was seated near the foot of my bed and could tell I was in so much pain! Finally the OB stopped and decided a cesarean must be scheduled. I immediately contacted my husband to let him know his son would be born in two days.
It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was given permission to break my "No Sodium Diet" and eat whatever I wanted the next day up until Midnight. A close family friend and my husband went to town and brought me home a sinful supper (A Big Mac & french fries). Talk about a sodium overdose! All I knew was that I didn't have to be pregnant anymore. It had not been my favorite season of life. My entire pregnancy I felt huge, unattractive, and cumbersome. Even though my husband didn't act repulsed by my ever growing body. I was not one of those graceful looking pregnant ladies that didn't even appear pregnant from behind. You know who you are! My sister-in-law was one of those lucky, skinny, basketball belly gals. I however, gained weight from my head to my toes. My attire at the end of my pregnancy consisted of stretchy dresses & flip flops even though it was November.
I arrived at Cape Coral Hospital very early in the morning. Hungry, extremely thirsty, and scared to death! The nurses had a difficult time getting my IV started and my first experience with a Foley catheter was not a good one (it would take over a year to fully heal).
Alas, our little boy was here! My husband was in the operating room with me. He held my hand as he watched them pull our child out of me. He was incredibly strong because I know now that he was horrified but he kept me calm by the smile on his face & the gleam in his eye! Thank goodness a nurse in the room took the camera from him and snapped a few photos for us. They handed Ethan to my husband he kissed him then held him down by my face so I could kiss him.
Our beautiful little blessing was finally here! Ethan Troy was born at 9:20 am on November 25th, 1998 weighing 7 lbs 13 oz and measuring 20 in long. His cry immediately filled the room and touched my heart!
Unfortunately, there isn't a lot more I remember from the operating room or recovery after this other than vomiting while still on the table and being very cold requiring more & more warm blankets in recovery. My husband walked back to our room, where family & friends anxiously awaited, holding our son. No one knew when he first walked in, they say. I am sure it was an emotional moment for our parents too! Welcoming their new grandchild (or first for some of them) into the world. It would be quite a while longer before I would join them.
After a while I was brought into our room and reunited with the tiny blessing that had been growing inside of me for nine months. He was amazing! As I attempted to nurse him for the first time I remember the nurse telling me that it was, "okay if it took a few tries and that sometimes it takes a while for both of you to figure out" and my father telling me, "Oh no he knows what to do just watch and see!" Well, we did know just what to do. He latched right on and began to nurse. I was mesmerized!
This was my journey into motherhood and my son's journey into this world!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Assessment of Progress by Midwife Thinking
"The idea that birth should be efficient originated in the 17th century when men used science to re-define birth [1]. The body was conceptualised as a machine and birth became a process with stages, measurements, timelines, and mechanisms. This belief continues to underpin our approach to childbirth today."
Friday, September 9, 2011
"The Power of Positivity"
"10 Positive Things I Gained From My Cesareans"
1) I learned to fully trust my Husband!
The first time I had to walk to the shower he took me.
I felt so vulnerable and feeble. He made me feel safe. It was as if he was saying with no words,
"No matter what you have to go through, we will go through it together." He could have called for the nurse. Trust me it was not so pretty and he was there every step of the way
2) I realized God had a purpose for my life & the lives I would help welcome into this world!
You know, we often do not acknowledge all of the times in our lives
when we could be gone forever as God ordained.
After my surgery I had difficulties and remained in recovery for over an hour after
my husband arrived back in the room to show Ethan to our family & friends.
It only seemed like moments to me but I wasn't quite with it.
Even still back in my room my uterus wasn't shrinking properly
and I had to have additional IV meds for the bleeding.
With each cesarean it seems I learned of a new narcotic I was allergic to. Yikes!
I am certain God did not keep me through all of this for no reason!
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (Psalms 127:4-5)
3) I learned how much pain I could actually tolerate!
4) I learned how much perseverance I really had!
I had my first child & major abdominal surgery just a couple weeks prior to
my final exams for my first semester of nursing school. I only got to be with him for 6 weeks
before returning to school. Off I would go with my school bag (on wheels), purse, pump bag, & cooler for the milk. Soon after that with a change in child care I would add to that: baby, diaper bag, cooler of milk, & bouncy seat (because he LOVED it)
for my sister-in-law who lived in the Cape then to school in Ft. Myers.
5) I learned I relied too heavily on my OB's advice!
When we were expecting our second baby, Kiley, in 2001
I was so excited about having her naturally! However, when I enthusiastically told my OB, whom I felt close to after seeing him for almost an entire year, for annuals (which is hummm...very personal) and now only one and a half year after the first birth, he shot me down!
His reply was, "Oh no, you don't want to do that!
You could rupture and you, your baby, or you both could die! I advise against it!"
Well, that was all I needed to hear. I worked with Hospice at the time and seen lots
of death & dying and I knew I didn't want that!
6) I realized I needed to have a closer relationship with God and stronger faith!
With my third child, Gavin, born in 2007 I again wanted to try to have a vaginal birth. Preferably in the water. At that time they were "Not Aloud"! However, my OB's office told me I was more than welcome to have my baby at home by myself! I did not have enough faith and chose to have a third cesarean. Fear is very powerful!
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and leannot unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
7) I accepted that regardless of the mode of entry I had been blessed!
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Pslams 127:3)
8) It made me desire to learn & share with others!
I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: (Ecclesiastes 7:25)
9) It gave me compassion toward other woman who have experienced a cesarean!
10) They have made me the woman I am today!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Miscarriage & Loss
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: (Isaiah 43:2-3)
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worm destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job 19: 5-27)
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. (Psalms 147:3)
This is a wonderful link I have found for miscarriage & infant loss support! Please check them out if you have at anytime suffered a loss.Still Birthday
If you are miscarrying right now, or have just found out that when your pregnancy is over your baby will likely not survive, this website is the right place for you.
I am so very sorry.
I pray that this website will help you to:
- learn a little bit about the kind of pregnancy loss you are having
- learn about your baby’s most recent development in the womb
- be able to see an actual picture of a baby that is the same size as yours (only if you wish). For greater accuracy, choose the age that your baby last measured at.
- be able to read about another parent who lost their baby at the same age as yours (only if you wish)
- learn more about the kinds of birth methods you might have for your baby
- find ways to make the birth of your miscarried or stillborn baby meaningful
- explore farewell celebrations that will help you grieve in a healthy way
- come back to this site later, to utilize long term support services and resources listed here, and when you’re ready, to share your story, if you wish. You are always welcome back.
Another site is M.E.N.D. "Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death" the publish a bi-monthly newsletter that can be read, downloaded, & shared by visiting http://www.mend.org/support/news_library.asp
or by requesting a subscription here http://www.mend.org/support/news_subscriptions.asp
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalms 121)
“And though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)