Free Birth. Free Life.
I just saw the most beautiful photo of birth today here. I think it may be a still from a a documentary Called The Business of Birth produced by Ricki Lake. Regardless, it sent chills up my spine! It made me giggle! Cry! Sigh! Sing! I looked at it with some sort of desire and need and aching want. And then I realized! I had that! I had that photo in real life, at Sula’s birth. I have never posted any of her photos from birth. They are the most intimate, treasured, cherished images I possess. But today I have to share because if the above photo brought me so much joy, I am assuming a couple of my photos can do the same for others.
Let these photos inspire you on your birthing journey. Did I feel as good as I looked? Yes. Was this moment the most healing, magical, intimate, ecstatic moment of my life? Yes. Yes. Yes. Did I get this gift because I was lucky? No. I received this gift because I made a connection with my body, a deal. That deal was I would honor what it needed to do to bring my child to me. And I would invite only those on the pregnancy and birthing journey with me who also honored the intricate and perfect birthing system my body owns. I would not allow doubt or fear into our circle. I would not allow an energy that did not fully trust the divine process that was unfolding like a powerful universe in itself. And at some point I even agreed to accept that I may not be birthing at home, the way my dreams had intended. And I prepared, for a moment, that I must be ready for anything this journey offered me. I agreed to let birth come to me. I was ready, waiting and open. I let this birth happen. Because really, that is what birth does, it happens.
Almost two years later I can still call these moments the most joyful and profound in my life. They make me want to try it again. This time only with the hands and hearts of my man and my children surrounding me. Yes. I do mean unassisted birth, because that is truly freedom to me. But that is a story for another time. For now, just notice it’s my strong hands reaching down to catch life. And then the look on face when I bring my Sula Pearl to me. Ahhh. I am trying to remember how I felt and I think the best way to describe it for that moment, besides unhindered love is: perfection. I felt that everything, absolutely everything was utterly perfect. I so wish that all babies come into the world to mamas with this type of look on their face and surrounded with trusting, respectful energy. I do so believe birth matters. It matters. It matters. It matters. Don’t let anyone ever tell you differently.
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beautiful, amazing pictures!
thanks for sharing the link to the ricki lake documentary too. it looks promising.
Comment by amygeekgrl — April 18, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Perfection. Rock on with your amazing, unassisted birth-contemplating self. (((Big Love)))
Comment by Mani — April 18, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
Ohmygosh, this is beautiful and wondrous and so intimately perfect. I,too, have always cherished these images of you birthing Sula Pearl. Thank you for sharing, and for your profound and important words on birth. Yes, yes, yes, it matters. More than anyone us may really know.
More than anything.
I love you and your family.
XOXO
Comment by Leigh — April 19, 2007 @ 3:04 am
What beautiful photos. I wish I could have followed in your footsteps and birthed Emilio naturally, in water, at home, as planned. I wonder if it was me that somehow blocked the experience, feared it. I am sorry I missed that. You are blessed.
Comment by courtney — April 19, 2007 @ 4:07 am
Beautiful MB, just beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing such a sacred, intimate, magical moment of your life. The look on your face as you hold Sula to your chest brings tears to my eyes.
Comment by gearhead mama — April 19, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
You are STUNNING, both inside and out!
Comment by Maisha — April 19, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos. The expression on your face brings goosebumps to my skin. Thank you for sharing so publicly.
Comment by Melinda — May 1, 2007 @ 11:09 pm