"God in the midst of me is mighty with life, health and strength. In joy and with ease, I bring forth my healthy and perfect child."
This is from my pregnancy journal, where I have been jotting down inspirational quotes, affirmations, mantras and visualizations to call upon during my labor and birth. This particular quote was taken from a story told in the self-help book, Dynamic Laws of Prosperity.
Even before I was pregnant I have always loved this little toy! I couldn't wait to get this Soothe & Glow Seahorse at the baby shower, so I asked Isaac to get if for me the last time we went to Target. The tummy glows and plays 5 minutes of lullabies and then fades out. I have been playing it for Rafael before bed and he seems to like it. He's really kicking around a lot and I just love feeling him move about inside me!
Ok, so here's the back story... Isaac and I have a thing about seahorses... When we were dating we watched The Kingdom of Seahorses (on VHS tape!) a documentary about these amazing sea creatures. What we learned was that they mate for life and that the male is the one to give birth to the younglings! The coupling starts with a graceful mating dance and in the documentary it was very romantic because they followed two particular seahorses in their courtship. The seahorse couple would meet at the same time each day, intertwine tails and promenade together through the seagrass for about six minutes a day... they would then return to their regular feeding rituals. When it was time to start a family, the female laid her eggs and deposited them into a pouch in the belly of her mate. The seahorse father not only protected the eggs, but provided oxygen and nutrients, while at the same time regulating the pouch environment during the pregnancy to mimic salt water. Talk about a "superdad"! I always joked with Isaac that he would be the "superdad" and birth our babies instead of me! LOL!
Then on our honeymoon to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, we came across a seahorse statue along the waterfront. We also love the "Seahorse Odyssey" exhibit at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma!
Choices in Childbirth is another great resource to help women make informed maternity care decisions. This Guide To A Healthy Birth is free to the public and you can download it here.
Parent Trust for Washington Children is a wonderful resource for parenting information. When I was exploring our birthing options I found the GreatStarts Guide which explains in plain english your birthplace options and care provider options. There are many comparison charts and up to date information about Seattle's hospitals and midwifery practices. We looked into Valley Medical Center's Birth Center before deciding on a home birth with Rainy City Midwifery.
