by Catherine Martin, labor doula, kcyogamama.com
Kristyn worked this birth journey as a champion and a Warrior Woman! From the moment I arrived at 3:30 am on Sunday, February 27th at their home, and saw her on all 4's rocking and swaying with the first surges of labor- I knew she would be just fine! She could do this~she would do it!
Kristyn rested briefly a couple of times when encouraged to do so, but for the next 24 hours, until her baby was in her amrs, I can honestly say she never gave up- she was focused & determined and continued to step up to the plate ready to do whatever was needed to be done next. Throughout this amazing birth journey- we were all transported to magical forests filled with tropical plants, green moss, stones & streams; to the treetops themselves and Kristyn's tree house sanctuary; to a beautiful Hawaiian lagoon with a waterfall; to a sandy beach watching the sunset and collecting seashells; and deep into the ocean herself to swim among the coral & fishes and sing with the whales.
I am so honored to have been able to witness the strength & power of this amazing woman, as well as the beautiful power of the love shared between Michael & Kristyn. Michael was not only present to Kristyn the entire time, but he truly stayed with her wherever she was and was able to help take her wherever she needed to be. A true birth partner, anyone in the room would've thought she had two trained professional doulas. How blessed am I to be a part of this amazing team! Michael was always ready with a word of encouragement, visualization, a supportive movement, a touch- exactly what was needed in each moment. Kristyn continually dropped into her body, vocalizing, breathing, visualizing, relaxing, dancing, chanting, listening & responding beautifully- this was truly a Magical, Active Birth!
Some of my favorite images of this birth journey-
Kristyn asking Michael to turn on the rap music- and proceeding to rock it out, grooving with a primal urge to modern music, completely free & uninhibited- awesome!
The three of us standing and swaying together in the middle of the birth room, embracing each other as the news of needing to use pitocin to encourage more powerful rushes sinks in- Who was holding who? I becamse so aware in that moment that althought Michael & I were there to support Kristyn, it was her incredible spirit that drew us in and sustained us all.
Kristyn lying on her side at 5am on Monday, February 28th, skin to skin with her baby girl Hensley looking up at her mother with big, bright, loving eyes that seemed to say, "We did it, Mama- we did it!"
(These were a few of the images we had posted around the birthing room. Michael and I will eventually share our story as well. For now I must say that we will be forever grateful for inviting Catherine to share this journey with us. I highly recommend her as a labor doula. We did not know her before this pregnancy, and she will be a close friend of ours for years to come.)
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