
Mom with Scheduled C-Section Delivers Naturally | Birth Story

In the winter of 2012, I went out with some friends for what I thought was a casual dinner. It turned out my best friend was telling us she was pregnant! I couldn’t have been happier for her.
Friday Feature: Blog post by Brittenay Bell
When we started our journey to a baby in 2014, we had that blissful naivety that it would be easy, and initially it seemed like it would be. Our first month “trying” we became pregnant. I remember shaking with excitement and I remember Aaron panicking because he didn’t think it would happen that quickly. For 3 glorious weeks we basked in the joy of expecting our first baby. It had been a tough 9 months before hand, we were newly married and while Aaron was at basic training for the navy, my mom passed away from a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. Our lives were a constant rollercoaster. But the notion of a baby brought a sense of calm and excitement. It was something good in all that had been so hard. But as quickly as our excitement came it was dashed when I woke up one morning bleeding. After 2 days in and out of the emergency room we confirmed my fears, we lost our baby. Continue reading
Motherhood takes many shapes and forms. As a new mom and Doula I am constantly astounded by the bravery, strength, and courage of mothers. I’ve learned that being a mom is a gift, blessing, and is truly indescribable (oh, and it’s also hard too). I write this with one incredible mommy in mind (and all mothers who can relate). A fellow boy-mom and my dear friend: Layla. I write this with her permission unable to contain my tears and heartache. Layla lost her newborn son Ryker Brooks who lived just 5 days before being carried on angel wings to heaven. She may not see or know it yet, but she’s a super mom and one of the strongest mothers I know. She personifies love, selflessness, gratitude, and openness, even during the worst sorrow a parent will ever go through as described by Layla. Continue reading
With a natural born love for travel and the fact that I’m married to a commercial pilot, it’s no surprise that we decorated the nursery in a travel theme. Prior to our baby’s birth, we didn’t know the gender. I couldn’t wait to have the greatest surprise of my life – even though the waiting was torture for my poor husband. For that reason, we wanted the nursery to be unique, yet remain gender neutral. As for the colour scheme, we went with crisp white, pale greys, various shades of turquoise, and pops of vibrant primary colours. I knew once the baby arrived, I could add more gender-specific colours and decor to the room if desired – although I’m not a fan of gender-specific anything. I knew my colour choices would work perfectly for both a boy or a girl. Continue reading