Their Birth Kiss!

 

This shot was captured two minutes after birth! Mama birthed on hands and knees with Dad catching. He immediately passed baby through to the front and this was taken after she looked at her baby girl for the first time! Words can't describe how much I LOVE this photo! 

 

 

On a side note...Mama was 41 weeks and had a completely closed cervix at her appointment earlier in the day. Labor started that evening and less than six hours later, this was the scene! That is why I like to remind women...It doesn't matter what your cervix is doing until you're in labor!

Birth is Beautiful!

I've heard people say, "There is nothing beautiful about birth!" Well, they obviously haven't seen natural, physiological birth...Birth that is unencumbered by continuous fetal monitoring or IV's, allowed to eat or drink at will, freedom to move as she desires, freedom to labor in water and birth in water if she chooses. She is undisturbed...She is beautiful!

Nature's Pitocin

8 centimeters...An hour before birth!

Born in the Caul ~ A Magical Birth!

It was December 18th, 2012...this little one's estimated due date. She surprised her mommy by arriving right on time but that wasn't the only surprise. If you look closely by her left shoulder, you can see that she is still fully contained in the amniotic sac that has been her home for the previous nine months. This is seen more often by midwives since they are less likely than obstetricians to break the bag of water. Seconds after snapping this photo, the midwife separated the membrane and exposed baby's face so she could take her first breath...It was truly magical!

 

 

 

I'm thinking she's gonna like the number 12! She was due 12/18/12, born 12/18/12 at 2:12 and weighed.... 7.12!

Heading to the Inn!



I love snapping a photo of our couples as they get ready to walk through the doors of Babymoon Inn. No matter how active of labor they're in, they always seem to have a smile!

 

 

 

 

 

Babymoon Inn - A Birth Sanctuary

Attended by Midwives

 

Pure Joy!

 

"Childbirth is an experience in a woman's life that holds the power to transform her forever. Passing through these powerful gates - in her own way - remembering all the generations of women who walk with her...She is never alone." ~ Suzanne Arms

Bean Bag Baby!

As much as we try to plan where, when and how we will birth our babies, they really do have a mind of their own. This mama planned to have her baby in the brown room at Babymoon Inn birth center. I think Dad was prepared to catch but I don't think he realized he'd have to catch! Baby tried to come in the car...Mama said "no!" Baby tried to come two steps through the door of the birth center...Mama said "no!" Baby said, "I'm coming now!"...We made it to the brown bean bag in the living room area and this is what unfolded...

 What a precious look on Daddy's face as he's gently guiding his son into his hands!



Dad placing his son in wife's arms. Then he stood back in awe at what had just taken place! What an honor it was to witness such a beautiful birth!

Beautiful job Mama!



Busy, busy, busy...again!

Big sister was helping her mama through each contraction. She got in the water and helped catch her baby brother and even cut the umbilical cord (of which she could pronounce every syllable!)

Photo above is one happy mama...She pushed her baby out after having a cesarean birth with her firstborn son!

Waterbirth at Babymoon Inn!

Top left: Smiling at 9 centimeters

Top right: Mom scoops up baby

Bottom left: A sweet family moment

Bottom right: One happy papa!

Busy, busy, busy with Mamas and Babies!

I am SO blessed to be able to support families through one of the most intimate experiences of their lives...The birth of a baby! April was very busy with 11 of them...and  ALL Babymoon Inn families! So far, there have been 4 in May with 7 more in "the window" so it's looking like another busy month. Here's some of my favorite shots since the last time I posted.

Birthing Your Own Way

Labor can be a time when a women feels like she has no control over what is happening with her body. In some cases, they're told they may not eat or drink, no getting out of bed, even when and how they can push their baby out. All too often, a care provider has certain processes they follow when it comes to giving birth. This is most common with hospital births when standard procedures come into play. I've had clients ask their provider if they can be in whatever position is most comfortable for them when it comes for pushing. Most often, they're told they can labor in any position but when it comes time to push, they must be on their backs as that is the easiest position for the doctor to "deliver" the baby. Wouldn't it be better to let the woman be in whatever position she wants whether it is a squat, on her side, on all fours or in the water? How about lying beside her partner, using his body to rest her leg upon after each push? Like this...


When women are allowed to make the decisions during labor and birth, they have confidence in their body's ability to birth naturally as it was designed to do. She surrenders to the waves that ebb and flow knowing each one will bring her baby closer to her arms. In this case, each wave brought their baby closer to Daddy's hands. This photo was taken two minutes after he placed her on his wife's chest...And the two became three!

At Babymoon Inn ~ A Birth Sanctuary

The Wonders of Water...Nature's Epidural!

There are many benefits to laboring and birthing in water. One of them is...You have beautiful photos like this! I'll be back shortly to talk more about water being a part of your birth experience!

The Next Best Thing...

You've got your birth plan all written out, the pregnancy has been free of any complications and you are about to experience the birth of your dreams. Suddenly at 38 weeks, your water breaks and there is a complication that necessitates the need to change your plans. This can be a very difficult adjustment if you've never talked about the possibilities of needing to go on to the next best thing. Whether you've planned on a birth at a birth center and ended up at the hospital, planned an unmedicated birth but ended up with an epidural after 36 hours of labor, or planned on a normal, vaginal birth but ended up with a cesarean birth...You made a decision out of love for your baby to go on to the next...best...thing! One of my goals as a doula is to help couples have the best experience possible, regardless of the circumstances. That was the case with this beautiful couple who had to make some adjustments to their birth plan. Even though the birth of their son didn't take place at the birth center, everyone in that room will remember it as one of the most amazing hospital births ever!

Meet Owen Thomas
Born January 17th at 10:38pm
St. Joseph's Hospital
Weighed 7lbs 2.4oz and 19 inches long
Proud parents are Kelly and Torrey

An Unavoidable Cesarean

Placenta Previa is a condition where the placenta is either partially or completely covering the opening of the cervix and usually necessitates the baby being born by cesarean. That was the case with this little guy.

Last Friday, I attended my 66th birth as a doula and the first for a scheduled cesarean birth. I've had previous clients go through labor and for various reasons, end up having a cesarean. I have never been able to attend the surgery as they'll only let one support person in. This time, however, I was that support person. This young woman was very brave as she faced what was ahead in the operating room. I was prepared for what I'd see ( since I've watched numerous videos on cesarean birth), but I'd say I was less prepared to witness what women go through emotionally while undergoing a cesarean. I stayed close by her head whispering words of comfort...Letting her know she was doing an amazing job of staying calm even while facing this great fear! "You're SO strong! You're doing beautiful! He's almost here! You did it...There's your son!" And then the moment she first laid eyes on him...

Welcome Collin Alexander
Born January 13th, 2012 at 1pm
Maricopa Hospital
Weighed 7lb and was 20 inches long
Amazing Mama Shannon

While on the subject of cesareans, if you have experienced a cesarean birth and would like a safe place to share your story and express your feelings, we are holding our first Cesarean Support Group meeting on January 26th. The purpose of these meetings is to provide support, friendship, sharing of birth stories and resources in a nurturing environment. Information will be available that will help you plan for a VBAC, if that is a possibility, as well as find providers in the community that are supportive of VBAC's. We will also discuss ways to help you have a more positive cesarean experience should it be necessary for you to have one. This meeting is not associated with ICAN.

Date: January 26th, 2012
Time: 7-9pm
Place: Offices of Babymoon Inn
Address:220 E. Lexington Ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85012

Nothing Quite Like a VBAC!

I know I say that every birth is amazing and they really are...But there's just something extra special about a mama birthing her baby they way God intended after having experienced a previous cesarean! I'll let you peek into what the room looked like shortly after Jessica pushed out her second son Benjamin. That look of peace and determination never left her for a moment through her 12 hours of labor. Every person who stepped into that room was in awe of this woman's strength. I don't think it surprised her husband one bit though...He knew she was determined to do it!

Meet Benjamin Harrington
Born January 4th, 2012 at 5:54pm
Scottsdale Shea Hospital
Weighed 7lbs 12oz and 21 inches long

Proud parents are Jessica and Joe
Joins Big Brother Luke

The Birth of Her Dreams!

I love it when a couple does some research on how they can have a better birth experience. This mama wanted a totally natural, unmedicated birth and knew she couldn't do it alone. Her husband was VERY supportive of her decision, but also knew he'd need some help and would benefit by having the assistance of a doula...This is where our lives connect! She makes it eight days past her estimated due date without any cervical checks. Her midwife said, "If we're going to go for a natural birth, no need to check on the cervix!" I LOVED that...It's so true! If you're not in labor, what does it matter what your cervix is or isn't doing?

Water has always been a big part of this family's life and water was where she wanted to labor. So much so that she wouldn't get out when it came time to push. This is how we came about having a beautiful, unplanned water birth at the hospital. The nurses and midwives were in complete awe as they witnessed this strong woman laboring. It had been so long since they had seen an unmedicated birth that they couldn't even remember when...Yes, there were some tears! They were SO compassionate and even allowed Dad to scoop up his baby girl and place her in mama's arms. This is what it looked like...

Meet Reagan Carleene
Born December 22nd, 2011 at 10:46am
Weighed 8lbs 5oz and 21.2 inches long
Proud parents are Rob and Rachel
Joins big brother Dean

Need a One Day Childbirth Class?

The Birth Journey workshop will be held January 21st from 10am to 5pm at the offices of Babymoon Inn. This class is designed for couples and is open to anyone regardless of where you'll be having your baby. If you have a due date in February or March, this is the class for you!

We had so many couples that wanted to take the December class that we had to add an additional day!

We had a VERY memorable December Birth Journey with eight special couples!

"It exceeded my expectations. The time to bond with my spouse, ask questions and just think about the birth process was so helpful!" ~ Monica & Jeremy

"As second time parents, we expected a 'refresher course' on childbirth. What we got was so much more. Thanks for reminding us that every birth is unique and to focus on the love we have for each other instead of the fear of pain." ~ Cecyll & Mike

Upcoming dates for The Birth Journey workshop:

February 25th
March 24th
April 28th
May 26th
June 23rd

To register, email dianne.hamre@gmail.com or call Dianne at 602-881-2729.

Thankful in November!

I'm thinking that a good time was had by many couples last year for Valentine's Day...November was a busy month for births! I am SO thankful I have the opportunity to support families through one of the most memorable times of their lives...The birth of a child! There were three of them born within five days and I was one busy doula!

Lara describes her labor as the one she'd always dreamed of and for that, she is very thankful! You were SO strong and hung in there the whole way! Congratulations...She is beautiful! Meet little Miss Olivia...

Olivia Elizabeth

November 9th at 5:13am

Labored at Babymoon Inn ~ Born at St. Joseph's

Weighed 7lbs 8oz and 19 1/2 inches long

Proud parents are Lara and Clint

For a little guy who kept wanting to come early, he waited until one day past his estimated due date to make his amazing entrance. When he decided to come, he wasted no time and gave his mommy a quick labor! Here's Grayson...

Grayson James

Born November 12th, 2011 at 10:55am

Scottsdale Shea Hospital

Weighed 7lbs 3oz and 20 inches long

Proud parents are Annette and Jim

Joins Brother Tyler and Sister Alexa

The very next day I found myself in the same labor and delivery room as the day before. Mom laboring in the same tub, labor going in a similar manner...FAST! Let's just say this little guy came in such a way that will be quite memorable to everyone who had the privilege to witness his birth! Here's Wyatt...

Wyatt James

Born November 14th, 2011 at 1:50am

Scottsdale Shea Hospital

Weighed 8lbs 2oz and 20 inches long

Proud parents are Krystal and Cody

Joins Big Sister Katelynn

The Look of Joy and Accomplishment!

I snapped this photo just minutes after she pushed this big "little guy" out...It pays to be a personal trainer and have nice, strong quads for giving birth in a squatting position! Heather's humor was always present throughout her labor and her beautiful smile wasn't far away. Here is that smile as she looked up at her husband with pure joy and the ultimate accomplishment!

Life is full of second chances and Heather has taken advantage of every one that she's been given. You can read more of her story here and you'll see what I mean. She has stayed strong fighting for life and she stayed strong giving life...You are an amazing woman Heather!

Welcome Finnegan Thomas
October 25th, 2011 at 9:38pm
Babymoon Inn - A Birth Sanctuary
Weighed 9lbs 10oz and 21 1/2 inches long
Proud parents are Heather and Tom

Feedback From The Birth Journey

"I did not expect to get emotional and feel so spiritual about me and my wife's pregnancy bond." ~ Mark (father of nine!)

"Today was such a great day for me...I really cannot say enough!!! From sitting there listening to information you provided to hands on interaction to being reduced to tears...I just thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of today!" ~Annette

"I'm glad we went today. I had no idea what to expect but I really enjoyed it!" ~Jim

"I felt like it really prepared me and my spouse and brought out such a tender and caring side of our relationship. We are always that way but this is a very specific journey that requires something a little more." ~Krystal

"Thanks Dianne! This exercise totally shook me up...in such a positive way!" ~Grace

If you are interested in participating in The Birth Journey workshop, please send an email to dianne.hamre@gmail.com or call 602-881-2729. The dates are listed below through June 2012, but are subject to change.

• November 19th, 2011


• December 17th, 2011


• January 21st, 2012


• February 25th, 2012


• March 24th, 2012


• April 28th, 2012


• May 26th, 2012


• June 23rd, 2012

Amazing Grace!

"Mothers and daughters are closest when daughters become mothers!"

~ Author Unknown

"Women do well with pain...They don't do well with abandonment or fear"

~ Dr. Gladys McGarey

Grace endured a very long, difficult labor and didn't complain once. Could it have been because she knew she was surrounded by nothing but love from her husband, mother, mother-in-law, sister, two doulas and a wonderful midwife? Maybe it was the scriptures she had chosen to be read to her as she was laboring. "But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is a reward for your work!" ~ 2 Chronicles 15:7. Whatever it was that got her through, she earned the title of "Amazing Grace!" Her little guy had a rough start as well after ingesting some meconium. He needed a little help with breathing and was kept in a higher level nursery under observation for four days. I am happy to report that everyone is home and doing great! Mom and Dad are in awe of this little guy...Isn't he a cutie!
(Photo below courtesy of one proud Dad!)

Meet Jacob Garrison

Born October 10th, 2011 at 4:09am

Phoenix Baptist Hospital

Weighed 7lbs 9oz and 21 inches long
Proud parents are Grace and Jason

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful and my soul knows that full well." ~ Psalm 139:14-15

An Unplanned Journey

"This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,

Sunsets to warm your heart,

Hugs when spirits sag,

Beauty for your eyes to see,

Friendships to brighten your being,

Faith so that you can believe,

Confidence for when you doubt,

Courage to know yourself,

Patience to accept the truth,

Love to complete your life."

I'm so glad you have those elements in your life...They were ALL needed as you labored and gave birth to little Cole. You are surrounded by wonderful family who supports you with prayer and put their love into action!

Welcome Cole Nathan

Born October 4th, 2011 @ 3:45pm

Saint Joseph's Hospital

Weighed 8lbs 14oz and 22 inches long

Proud parents are Merissa and Nathan

Big Brothers Jayston and Blake