I've been made fun of countless times for a deep and profound love for, well, other people's kids. I truly do light up at church when I see my friend J's kiddos. I want to just eat them with a spoon and soak in their sweetness, ask how they're doing, make them feel special. ALL are precious in His sight.
The Lord favors the Littles, and I love that. I see it and am overcome by it, so, so often. I have been given that piece of the Father's heart. His heart that is so tender toward children, aching to be Lord of their tiny hearts. Aching to nurture and father and love and behold them.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14
Now if that's the level of love and concern I have for children who are not mine, or who are not in my family, then, well, imagine what it's like for me to get to love on a niece or nephew! (and what it's like to love my own 2 babies!)
This is Oliver, my sweet, fresh from heaven, nephew:
I have fallen in love with him. Now that I'm back home my heart yearns to hold him again. And God sweetly reminds me to trade those yearnings for prayers over Oliver's future.
His entrance into this world was a shaky one, a test of his parent's faith and resilience. I witnessed their unwavering reliance on God in a very pure, passionate desperation, that kind you tap into when life hangs in the balance. They were made strong in their weakness.
And things are improving every day.
I took away so much from getting to help them in wee ways. I realized my passion for breastfeeding runs deep within in me, and that, should the Lord lead me to train professionally in that area, I'll obey him! I'm by no means an expert but have 8 months worth of breastfeeding with Wilder, and 13 months of breastfeeding Story, under my mama belt!
I also sensed the Holy Spirit coaxing me to go a different direction with the labor and delivery of Baby Bee. I've ordered all kinds of books so I can research. I wasn't going to say anything, because I don't want flack for pursuing a less-medically involved labor/delivery, but I am truly so excited about it. I welcome support, not judgment, scary story, seeds of doubt, in that arena.
I'm probably going to get in trouble from my midwife for eating an oreo, but here I go, then it's off to bed!
15 comments:
I think it is great that you are looking into other birth options for baby bee. My husband thought I was crazy after 3 deliveries and 3 epidurals when I told him I wanted to deliver Tanner naturally. But I stuck to my plan and I really do feel my recovery was much much easier!! Good luck! ~ Stephanie
My sister also just had a baby, and I've fallen head over heels for him, just like you have Oliver. Hubby and I do not yet have babies of our own, but I can't wait for that day to come. I love what you said about using the moments you wish you could hold him to pray for Oliver's future. I will have to remember that next time I'm missing my nephew Cameron.
That is awesome that you desire to attempt a natural birth!!! I also had an epidural last time and was not satisfied with the experience. I am due in may and am going natural, with a midwife delivering and an experience doula helping out. Have you read The Birth Book by Dr. William Sears/Martha Sears? Also, Ina May Gaskin's book Guide to Childbirth. Both are inspiring and really helpful. Best wishes!
I think it's a wonderful idea. I'm passionate about natural birth and there's a reason so many women are. We've done the Bradley Method with our two little ones, I think you'd love it.
What a little cutie your nephew is! Such a good reminder to pray for our nieces and nephews when we miss them!
Also, I have not been pregnant or had children yet but when I do I also plan to do it naturally and these were some books I found too! Maybe there are some you didn't run across yet:
- Christ Centered Childbirth (Townsend)
- Supernatural Childbirth (Mize)
- Prayers and Promises for Supernatural Childbirth (Mize)
- Expecting: praying over your child's development (Taviano)
- Birthed in Prayer:Pregnancy as a Spiritual Journey (Barker)
- The Christian Childbirth Handbook (Vanderlaan)
- Gods Plan for Pregnancy (Walker)
- The Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby (MacPherson)
Mindy, what a blessing you are! And God made us to deliver naturally!! It's what we do! I'm glad you are going for it. I can tell you because I have been both, induced and a completely natural birth that natural was faster, less painful, and surprisingly easy. You can do it!
You can do it! God designed your body to do this. I had an intervention filled birth and I think it contributed to the severity of my post partum depression. My lack of nursing success had a whole lot to do with the un-naturalness of my childbirth and hospital stay. I am so excited for you to pursue other options! Lots of prayers for a beautiful delivery.
Oh, my, I have baby fever so bad!! And, I couldn't help but notice the KSU t-shirt being worn by the one holding your nephew! GO CATS!! Natural birth really is possible. I had natural births with all 5 of my boys with the help of a doula (they were all hospital births). I would not do it any other way (my labors ranged from 3 - 26 hours). I use the Bradley method (breathing/relaxation), pilates to prepare, and red rasperry leaf tea before labor to ease pain. It REALLY works!! Feel free to e-mail me if you want to chat about it! Blessings to you, mamma!!
Hey. I met you at Jen's owl party...So we were able to deliver both of our boys naturally, and so if you want to chat about that (maybe over coffee) I'd love to meet with you. Jen has my number. Much love!
breastfeeding is something I'm passionate about too. I really want to become a lactation consultant but I don't know that I'd be able to complete all the requirements for certifications. I also am passionate about natural birth even though my births all did not go as planned.
Ahhh, Oliver is sooo cute! You have one cute nephew :) Thanks for sharing that you are hoping/wanting to do a natural birth. I'm hoping for the same, but since this is my first baby, I'm giving myself some grace. I am, however, doing my best to practice all I can! It sounds totally crunchy (and strange), but have you heard of hynobirthing? I bought the book, and although I don't agree with some of it, it really does give you some practical exercises for relaxation, breathing, and visualization to practice :) I've also heard good things about the bradley method! Can you believe that we have just a few more weeks???
What a blessed boy to have you as his aunt!
I think natural birth is the right thing to strive for, for sure! You can do it!! But if not, that's okay too. I was very adamant on having Elise naturally, but after 34 hours of awful contractions, I had less than zero energy left and who knew how many more hours of labor ahead of me (would end up being 5 more hours!), so I told myself that my body needed a break in order to rest up for post-birth with baby and welcomed that epidural with open arms! A natural labor sounds good, but I think it makes a big difference on how long and intense that labor ends up being. You have to know what your body can handle and when to do what's best for you and baby. Just don't be discouraged if natural doesn't go how you'd hoped for.
Supernatural Birth was highly recommended to me (Sara mentioned it above too). I didn't read it but plan to if we have a baby #2.
Oh sister, thank you for doing this post on our precious new nephew. I love him so much & I haven't even got to meet him yet. He is absolutely beautious. So proud of our baby sister. He is perfect and I can't wait to hold him in March! Love you & miss you sister
Meg
AND, however you choose to welcome baby 3 into the world you know I will support!!! Can't give you much knowledge on natural since you know I was medicated. (no choice w/Evie) But, I will be there & support ya sis! Excited for you!
Your love for other people's kids is one of my favorite things about you, Minders! Also, I think you would make an amazing lactation specialist and hope you seriously pursue it!
Lots of love and well wishes during these last couple of months of pregnancy!
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