Florence

In the fall of 1992, I was working in a hospital and was able to witness a birth. Out of respect for the laboring mother I waited in the nurses' station. Everyone soon forgot about me being there. What an eye opening experience!

Decisions were made for a woman and her unborn child mostly on the subjective desires of a doctor who ruled supreme and who, until the baby was ready to be born, spent less than 30 minutes in the labor room. That night I witnessed a miracle: a birth, and a tragedy: an abdication of power. This is when I told myself "not me".

In July 1993, as I stared at a "plus" sign on a home pregnancy test, I never knew my life was about to take a 180 degree turn. I understood very clearly that my behaviors and choices had a huge impact on another human being's life who was powerless and 100% dependant on me. However, I was clueless on what was best: what should I eat, prenatal vitamins, etc.

I called my OB GYN with the news of my pregnancy, and my list of questions in hand, and was told:

"We'll answer all these at your first appointment in 8 weeks!"

"8 weeks!"

Patience not being my virtue, I took out the old trusted Phone Book (that was pre-internet!) and started making phone calls.

Some call it fate, I choose to call it the hand of God that directed me to a Free Standing Birth-Center managed by OB GYNs and Midwives. A midwife took the time and answered all my questions. I transferred my care to the Birth Center and that decision changed not only my life, but that of my unborn child as well.

Slowly my eyes, mind and heart started to open. I realized that what I had believed without question to be facts were myths rooted in fear. I now trusted that my body was able to birth my baby without many - if any - outside interventions. I wanted a natural birth with a midwife. Aside from my husband's support I found none amongst friends or relatives alike.

In March of 1994, with the gentle natural birth of my first-born son, a deep burning passion was born. Power and freedom were restored to me as a woman and I was on top of the world. My body had nurtured my 9 lb baby. My body had birthed him. And now, my body was sustaining his life through breastfeeding. My trust in my ability to raise and nurture my son rose within me.

I could do anything.

From then on, I devoured everything I could get my hands on. I was starving for knowledge. I took classes and courses. I branched out into natural remedies - homeopathy, aromatherapy, flower essences, herbal remedies - and nutrition.

I have not had the need to take any medical drugs since 1995. None of my children have ever had the need to take medical drugs.

Disclaimer: I am NOT against pharmaceutical drugs when needed and justified.
But here is a thought: NEVER do we get sick from a lack of any drug. You don't get a headache from a lack of Tylenol.
Symptoms tell us something is wrong. Taking drugs is tantamount to putting masking tape over the "check engine" light in your car!
It does not "fix" anything...just makes the symptoms disappear.

In the early months of my son's life, I was again without support. At the height of programs such as "Growing Kids God's Way" (let them cry, schedules, etc), which was very popular in Christian circles, I was practicing attachment parenting and breastfeeding on demand.

During that time, I was saddened at not having an older woman to teach me and help me. All the older women I knew had blindly trusted in a system that failed them. Now, they had no knowledge, no advice, no experience to share with me. Here was a generation - or more - of women who had been stripped of their wisdom, their power and their freedoms. Their daughters had been robbed of an inheritance that belonged to them. I was now striving to gain back what was rightfully mine.

I have had all my other children naturally and at home, including the twins.

I met Alisha in 2005 and I have had the privilege to be that "older woman" in her life. It is wonderful. We have grown to be like sisters. Now, we have decided to partner and share our knowledge with other women who are seekers, and if we are so honored, to walk part of the road of motherhood alongside them.

I now must say that I dedicate this site to the Lord Jesus Christ. HOWEVER, I welcome all women who are looking for answers. This labor of love is made by women for women. My heart's desire IS to make a difference in your live.

I have met many women who gave birth when husbands were not allowed in the room, when they were so drugged that they could not even remember the birth at all, who knew they had an unnecessary C-section...women who felt betrayed by a medical system. And to tell the truth, they were. Maybe, in a small way, I can make a difference.

When it is all said and done and the rest of the world goes back to life as usual. YOU will go home with your baby and YOU will be the one to live with the consequences either from your decisions or someone else's. Whomever your birth attendant may be, and where you choose to give birth, YOU are left with the memories forever.

May you be blessed as you go on this beautiful journey called Motherhood.

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