NEW NEW NEW!!!

Yes, the girl has arrived!!!

You know what else is new? Follow the link below to see our new blog (how long did you think we'd be "Still In St. Louis"?) and meet our new little girl! While you're there, don't forget to connect with us through bloglovin :)

ROAM

Our little girl!

Seriously, though-I will no longer be posting here. This blog has officially expired, although it will still be available for any resources or posts you'd like to access. From now on, the Robbins family will be at www.robbinsroam.blogspot.com

Sex Ed for Youngsters

So far, I have been thrilled with our choice to homeschool Elijah this year. The other day, I had food poisoning and could not even fathom getting out of bed for any other reason but to hug that porcelain bowl. I needed two full days in bed to recoup! Getting my wild boys dressed and off to school would NOT have been an option!

We are almost done with our first 12 weeks of school (taking a break near the end of October) and things are going well. Every two weeks, we've been doing unit studies, mostly on a subject Elijah is interested in. The next two weeks, we will focus on childbirth and I'm so excited!!

To set the scene (and answer some pretty big questions about reproduction!), we bought these two books:

Amazing you!

This book is a great way to broach the topic of privacy, while also giving your curious kids and opportunity to learn about the other gender in a safe way. There is one page I do not like and I actually changed the words, ha! Otherwise, it's great and I highly recommend it for ages 4-6 yrs.

It's Not the Stork!  is another great book about anatomy, conception, growing babies and childbirth. This one is detailed and reads more like a text book. It's also silly at times and definitely engages children where they are at. I love how scientific it is! We aren't reading straight through it, but will go through pages 30-44 over the next two weeks which strictly cover conception and childbirth.

We also picked up a few easy picture books about babies in the womb (I think one of them was called "Ma, There's Nothing to do in Here!", ha!!), new siblings in your family and my favorite children's book on homebirth "Welcome with Love".

Dan and I often make last minute decisions about things like school, sex education, and other topics and rules. I'm not sure why we are like this, especially since I am naturally a planner. We do however, strongly believe in telling our children the truth and giving solid answers to their questions. Responding with "you're too young, we'll talk about it when you get older" is not really an option for us. Elijah wants answers NOW and honestly, I think if his mind is mature enough to think about such subjects, then he's mature enough to learn about them. Sex education is something that has started pretty early in our house, but I know it will be an ongoing conversation; one that continues to grow in depth and understanding as our boys grow.

Over time, Dan will take over such conversations as things become more complicated. For now, it's been fun walking the boys through this pregnancy and teaching them about the miracle of love and childbirth and God's plan in creation!! 

Thank You Dr. John H. Kennell

So many women's lives have been transformed through Dr. Kennell's hard work, research and support. For centuries, women have come alongside mothers as they brought their babies into the world. The ability to have such a support team all but disappeared when birth became a heavily monitored and medicated event in hospitals. Thanks to the work of Dr. Kennell, he brought women back together for the most transformative moment of their lives, becoming mothers.

Along with Dr. Marshal Klaus, Dr. Kennell conducted the earliest controlled trials examining the effects of continuous support on labor outcomes. The amazing results brought them to found DONA International in 1992 (along with Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus).

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."

Dr. Kennell 1998

I'm so thankful for the training I've received through DONA International. I've watched moms take courage, change courses and use their knowledge to make healthier decisions for themselves and their babies during childbirth. It's such a joy and privilege to walk that (sometimes LOOOOOOONG) road with mamas and I can do that confidently because of DONA International. I am thankful for the lives he's changed through his work: thousands of moms, nurses, doctors, dads, doulas and most of all, babies! Rest in peace Dr. Kennell. 

Save the Storks

*I've have been drafting this post for a while. As a doula, a mother and a foster mom, this issue is extremely important to me. It's hard to talk about. Since the Gosnell case came out, I've felt more inclined to post this and feel very confident in Save the Storks, their work and how they are are actually changing and saving lives. I think both sides of the argument would agree that women's health care is important and I firmly believe that is the foundation for Save the Storks. Please at least check out this organization!

You may have seen the recent article by USA today about the horrific abortion clinic in Philadelphia. Abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell is on trial for murder, but where is the news coverage? Where is our government? Where are we?? 

Seriously, this 20 minute 3801 Lancaster Film Project is eye opening and needs to be seen. It's a documentary series which will continue to follow the case.

"How is it, that we have more oversight over hair salons and nail salons than we do over abortion clinics?"

"Abortion facilities are purposefully placed in inner cities and minority neighborhoods to crush the bodies of innocent black children. Make no mistake, abortion is a civil rights issue."

I am constantly amazed at how quickly Americans will argue and fight for their rights to silly things like smoking inside a bar or having the choice to wear a seat belt or not (it's their body, right?). When it comes to human lives, we are out to lunch. I love the quote below which is from the USA Today article:

"You don't have to oppose abortion rights to find late-term abortion abhorrent or to find the Gosnell trial eminently newsworthy. This is not about being "pro-choice" or "pro-life". It's about basic human rights. The deafening silence of too much of the media, once a force for justice in America, is a disgrace."

Planned Parenthood is no better, y'all. I know that they offer many resources to women, including birth control and although we all might have differing opinions about this organization (company?), I think we can all agree that the video below very much unveils how PP really feels about the unborn.

If you still want to give PP the benefit of the doubt, you can hear it straight from the horses mouth. Margaret Sanger, the mother of Planned Parenthood was very open about the purpose and goals of her birth control clinic, originally non-governmental.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where does this leave us? Depressed, angry and calling out for Jesus to return, that's where I'm at! But I want to encourage you. There is so much to be done! Of course, living in community with moms in need, education, support, adoption, fostering - all of these things help to prevent the desire for abortion and we need to be involved.

In light of our latest foster placement, I've been thinking a lot about ways people should be fighting the abortion battle. Many people actually use foster care and welfare to encourage the use of abortions throughout our country.  Our world is broken and there are always people in need. The solution is not to wipe them out!

Personally, words do not mean as much to me as actions do. I'm not talking about the action of holding a sign outside Planned Parenthood, but more along the lines of what Save the Storks is doing. It's really an incredible thing!

Save the Storks Dallas Bus Story from SavetheStorks on Vimeo.

Pro-Family. Pro-Health. Pro-Life.

How can you help?

• You can donate your money. The money you would otherwise spend on unnecessary items like iTunes or another pair of black shoes. Save a bit for a month and give that to this organization.
• You can blog, tweet, and share on facebook about Save the Storks. Getting the word out helps others to get involved and support this amazing ministry which in turn, saves lives.
• If you have a hard time just giving your money away, consider purchasing a t-shirt. All proceeds go towards purchasing more vans to give to pregnancy centers.

The reason I love this organization is because they offer women a chance to actually see their babies, to get information and to learn about their choices. Planned Parenthood claims to do that, but I personally believe their main agenda is not centered around women's health. Save the Storks empowers women, respects them and gives them the time and information they deserve when facing such a difficult choice.

My friend wisely posted this as her facebook status in response to the Gosnell trial. It describes exactly how I feel.

To mothers who think they cannot bear to have or care for a child, hear this: 
we love you, we want to support you, and we want to raise your children 
through adoption. Please let them live.


To the people who are performing these abortions, Jesus wants to redeem 
you. Your actions are murder, and there is forgiveness.


To our nation's leaders, DO SOMETHING. Make abortion, especially late 
term abortion, illegal. Provide or fund support programs for mothers who 
can't care for a child. 


To parents, talk to your children about sex and about consent. If your child 
finds themselves with an unwanted pregnancy, support and love them. Do not 
shame them.


To myself, pray. Keep moving toward adoption. Become an advocate for 
mothers and their unborn children. Stop being quiet.

What I Wore - A Birth on my Birthday

Friday night, I visited a dear friend and doula client as she was admitted to the hospital. Things were very slow so I slept all night and had a morning out with my boys and my man. We headed downtown to a vintage clothing store located above City Museum.

This is City Museum. I still haven't gone inside, but Dan and I will do that before we leave St. Louis. We actually had fun exploring the outdoor area.

Going up to the sale. There were mirrors everywhere.

This is what I wore, all thrifted (besides the purse which was a gift). Even my birthday button is thrifted! The outfit below cost $22.

We rarely go to Baleout, but they were having a clearance sale that we just couldn't miss! Vintage clothing everywhere!!!

We walked away with 1 coat each, a kids vest and a skirt for a total of $8.

I love my new cropped red jacket. It was priced at $42, but I got it for $1. Yay!

Such a fun morning out! And to top it off, my client's baby came on my birthday. Here's me and the birthday girl.

On my way home from the birth, I called my mom to talk shop a bit. Turns out she delivered a baby that morning! What a sweet way for both of us to celebrate my own birth and my mother's fourth personal birth story. Life is truly a gift and the way lives enter the world change us forever. I'm thankful for my creator for making my life, for my mom who worked so hard to deliver me and for all of those who have sustained and supported my life over the years. Oh, and thank you little baby girl for reminded me of the mystery and miracle of life!

linking up with:

The Pleated Poppy

And

Happy Birthday Lazarus!

It feels like just yesterday...I labored all night and then another 13  hours more...

When I finally saw his face, the pain melted away and I was overcome by pure sweet joy.

Sweet baby boy!

Ever
since

then,

it's

been

nothing

but

fun!

That Laugh!

 That Thumb.

That Pout.

He's our little rascal!

Homebirth Story - Darci McCoy

Darci has been a friend of my family  for years. She has two sweet boys who are just 13 months apart and were both born at home. Darci isn't a tomboy. She doesn't live in the woods where she sews her own clothes and milks her own cows (although she may want to do that someday, I don't know!). She is a professional massage therapist and her husband Jeremy plays bass in a very popular rock band. They are normal people who view birth as a natural and normal event in their lives.

Darci's birth story was recently aired on a website called CafeMom. There are lots of different birth stories there, but I think Darci's is the cutest. Plus, my mom was her midwife for both births (she's in the pink shirt at the end!). I hope you enjoy her video, as I think it perfectly portrays how calming and wonderful a homebirth experience can be. Enjoy!

{oh, and in case you're worried, it's rated G.}

When Life Gets Busy...

Everyone deals with stress differently. When my life gets busy, things get messy. Oh, I assure you that my laundry will get done, dishes washed and put away and the house will be vaccumed. But, my attitude will completely suck! I will have multiple mini breakdowns that end with "Ok, pull it together...I don't have time to re-do my make-up! I'm late!". I overschedule myself because I have yet to learn how to say "no". It gets pretty bad.

I attended two births this week, both amazing and challenging in very different ways. It's been a lesson in patience and trust because you see, I was scheduled to leave for vacation today. When the week started, I was unsure how I would get the family ready for a week at the beach while also acting as the neighborhood Super Nanny AND attend two births (hopefully not in the same day).

I had to practice what I preach about deep breathing and staying relaxed. I tried all week to not get too anxious about the unknowns ahead. I prayed for peace.

Lastnight, just hours from our vacation departure time, I got a call from an overdue client and suddenly, I was hopeful. It was a long night of pouring myself out to this sweet tender couple. We celebrated together as they welcomed their second son into the world just after 8am this morning. I was beat, but the day must go on. Two hours of deep sleep later, the boys and I (Dan is meeting us on Lake Michigan in a few days) were on our way to Indiannaoplis, our first pit stop.

Before I got that call last night, I was pretty mad about the possibility of missing my yearly family vacation because of work. I love what I do, but sometimes, the planner in me writhes in the face of my unpredictable schedule. It all comes along with the job, though. As I greive missing out on big family events, my clients often grieve the loss of a birth plan, a hope, a need. My job requires me to surrender, not only to the sponteneity of my days but to the random events of labor. I have to be ready for anything at the drop of a hat.

This time, I am thankful to have assisted in a wonderful healthy birth AND be able to go on vacation. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?? I don't always get a happy ending to a very stressful week and I plan on soaking this one up!

Blogging is usually one of my pre-scheduled super organized hobbies in my life. Not this week. I'm on vacation, woo hoo!!!!

Just random thoughts from a sleep deprived mama.

THE Birth Story

There are a few documentaries out there about natural childbirth and the decline in America's maternal healthcare. They each have something different to offer as the writers all have slightly different intentions behind their voices. Even though I don't always agree with what's being said, I appreciate that people are working hard to bring attention to such an important issue through film. That said, I am so excited about Birth Story, a new film documenting Ina May Gaskin and other midwives on The Farm. 

Ina May's story is crazy, but it's empowering. I do not think every woman should have their baby at home, or even yet, on The Farm. BUT, I do think the mystery and beauty of birth has been stripped away by most hospital settings and medical professionals. Fear is what drives women, doctors and nurses to make decisions about their births and that is a sad and dangerous thing. Women are beginning to take back what is rightfully theirs-the choice to birth the way God intended it. It's just sad that in most cases, this has to become a fight. I am excited to see how Birth Story will impact women all over America.

Please watch the above clip (which includes the trailer) and consider pledging whatever you can to help make this movie a success.

"Anything you can give will help us birth this film—it’s an exciting time for independent documentaries and also a challenging one—funding sources have dried up and the market is harder than ever, especially for women-centered films. But we believe the time is right to present a movie that celebrates women and their bodies, that honors what we can accomplish when we work together in community, and that shows childbirth the way we never see it in the mainstream media—unadorned, unabashed, and awe-inspiring."

--Sara Lamm and Mary Wigmore, Birth Story Filmmakers 

On another note, a client (and dear friend!) delivered her second child last night. I'm feeling kind of sentimental, which you should know is rare. This particular client/friend's first birth story is the reason I finally jumped all in and got trained as a doula. I remember driving home from her first birth just 15 months ago and making the conscious decision to finally stop talking about it and become a doula.  I am so grateful for her courage and willingness to face the unknowns of childbirth again and couldn't be more proud of her as a fierce laborer and tender mother. The more I work with expectant mothers, the more I am convinced that this is what I was born to do.

Ryan Gosling on Homebirth

Ryan Gosling supports everything from your crafty-ness to homeschooling and now, HOMEBIRTH! My question is, why haven't I seen this already!? It's so funny.

{http://homebirthgosling.tumblr.com/}

These are so funny because they are true! Best part is, I have my very own attractive, blonde haired, blue eyed, homebirth supporter and advocate.

Friday Featured Etsy Shop - Birth and Babies!

I've got my first homebirth doula client who is about to deliver any day. I'm so excited to experience homebirth in a whole new way. Homebirth itself is nothing new to me, but I've never been the primary doula at a homebirth. I'm so excited, I can't sleep! In light of what's just around the corner, I've rounded up some fun birth and baby items from these sweet little Etsy shops.

{Born at Home T-Shirt by Heart Intentions}

{Homebirth Onesie by Stolen Moments}

Uzume makes sweet little t-shirts and onesies promoting the use of midwives and doulas. Babies are pretty good at advertising! 

 

{My Doula Loves Me / Doulas Rock}

I want to get these ones for my boys!

{Midwife t-shirts}

Southern Charm Quilts makes cute quilts and pillows for after the baby is born. I love the idea of a baby stat pillow. It would be fun to have one of these for each child in the home on their beds.

{Personalized Baby Birth Stat Pillow}

When your baby is all grown up, you can have a memory quilt made with all your favorite onesies! It's a great way to hold onto these special items without cluttering up your basement.

{Memory Rag Quilt}

Top 10-In My Reader

I have 80 blogs in my Google reader that I've subscribed to over the last year. 80! Now, that might be a low number for some of you, but for me, it's a lot. Most days, I don't even read through each post but there are a few blogs that I save for my own bedtime stories. These are the blogs I actually read, learn from and are inspired by. Since I like them so much, I decided to share my top 10 with you, whoever "you" are. By the way...who are you? If you haven't already, please say hello!

10. Bellies & Babies

Nicole is a doula and apprentice midwife. Although she is a Christian, she is not at all preachy in her posts. Nicole writes great articles about many issues relating to childbirth and provides awesome research while she's at it. I've used her blog as a reference for many pregnant friends and doula clients.

9. Amateur Couture

This blog is simple but probably one of the most inspirational things I look at every day. In each post, M. Fay pairs fashion with a piece of art and it is amazing.

{original post}

8. Shows Big & Small
Raul Kemp is a 'self renowned writer, orator, and internet adder'. Living in Nashville give Mr. Kemp plenty of opportunities to see musical shows. Shows Big & Small is where he reviews them. His writing in crisp and witty. You'll feel like you were right there with him, third row and center, catching spit and sweat from the lead singer. Raul Kemp has a new blog called The Monocle Press which is a satirical outlook on news and other cultural musings. Trust me, it's just as good.

7. Honest To Nod

This blog is pretty new to me but I am committed for life. Creative mamas share awesome ways to pass the time with their little ones. There are plenty of inspiring DIY projects here and the photography is always top notch.

6. Hair Romance

THANK YOU Hair Romance! Seriously, this blog helped me get through a really bad 'growin' my hair out' phase. It gave me ways to wear it up when I was in that horrible year long pony tail rut. Now, my hair is long enough to wear plenty of different ways. I've come to the other side and I have no one else to thank but this cute Australian blog.

5. Finding My Feet

Raechel Myers is a dear sweet heart. Seriously. She was born at the bottom of a sugar box. With two young-ins at home (and many in Heaven), she's a photographer, a deal finder and an amazing seamstress.  How does she find the time?? Her honesty and compassion seep through every one of her posts, often challenging and lifting up her readers. I'm thankful that she shares so much of her life with hundreds of strangers.

4. Design* Sponge
My all time favorite design blog. If you're planning a visit to a new city, be sure and check first with Design* Sponge. They have city guides that cover everything from shopping, food and entertainment for numerous cities around the world. If you're moving to a new place or re-decorating your current space, D*S Sneaks Peaks are a source of endless inspiration. And of course the Living In section is a fun way to waste some serious time.

3. Street Art Utopia
I knew absolutely nothing about graffiti and street art until I met Dan. He and his brothers have a serious artistic side to them (mostly drawing, graffiti and instillation art) and have opened my eyes to another world of art. I feel like I can enjoy street art now.

2. Katy She Cooks : Thought For Food

This blog motivates me. Katy's posts on Sweets changed the way I cook altogether. I love how she goes into the science of it all. Because of this blog, I've come a long way from frozen Trader Joe's dinners! Oh, and she's funny, too. But y'all already knew I wouldn't send you somewhere boring :)

1. The Letter 4
This is the newest blog I've added to my daily reader. It's seriously the cutest thing I've seen in a long time. It's a collaboration between four sisters who live all around the country. After missing each other too much, they began this blog where each post is like a letter to all the other sisters. DIY's, hair tutorials and other cute crafty posts keep these sisters closer together and the rest of us entertained.

Well, there you have it. Hope you found a new fun blog to follow. Happy Monday!

New Homebirth Children's Book

I am so excited about this book! I had every intention of buying it, but then I won it through a giveaway. Even better!!

Honestly, I get excited every time I hear about another homebirth children's book. I feel like birth is one of those topics our children would easily understand if we just took the time to tell them about it. Kids are open to crazy ideas (like living on a round revolving planet!)and they aren't afraid to be blunt. Kids don't even know to squirm at the subject of birth yet. So why don't we meet them where they're at?

Most children's literature about birth only highlight mom and dad going to the hospital and then someone magically becomes an older brother or sister. Who was born at Home is a new one out there on the shelves, trying to educate children of the growing popular (and at one time, the most popular) choice to give birth at home.

I'm just glad another book about homebirth is out there, on the shelves and in homes. Perhaps books like these will help parents to feel more comfortable about the subject of birth in general.

What makes you squeamish when it comes to the "baby" talk? Have any of you had great talks about birth with your kids?

TV Births

One of my current favorite shows recently featured a woman giving birth. It's not surprising but I came away with this question: Why is it that TV is completely incapable of portraying childbirth in an accurate way?

In Up All Night's episode about Reagan giving birth to her third child:

1. They leave for the hospital WAY too early. Reagan hasn't had any contractions that we know of and she is chatting a lot about a headband. She should have stayed at work, kept busy and waited a few hours until contractions were, at the very least, five minutes apart.

2. While at the hospital, they learn that their doctor is delivering tripplets and will not be able to deliver their baby that day. Reagan tries to tell the alternate cute male doctor that he cannot deliver their baby because he is too attractive. Two things are wrong with this scene (besides the fact that when it comes time, Reagan is NOT going to care how cute her doc is):

A. Their female doctor would have had plenty of time to deliver triplets (it most likely would have been a c-section, lasting an hour tops) and get to Reagan 7 hours later.

B. During this entire conversation, she does not have any contractions. Again, she is not far enough along to be at the hospital.

3. At 7pm, you finally see Reagan contracting. She's yelling and obviously in pain. Chris continues to ask if she wants an epidural, but she refuses. By 7:10pm, she is relaxed and happy, insinuating that Reagan did end up with an epidural. Even if she had already been given a bag of fluids and the anesthesiologist was there in the room ready to go, it would have taken longer than 10 minutes to administer the epidural and longer for it to take effect.

4. Immediately following the epidural, Reagan begins pushing. By 11:29pm, the doctor tells her that "pushing isn't working". Most doctors wouldn't allow a woman to push for more than 4 hours in the hospital.

5. The doctor announces that the baby is too big. He recommends a c-section, but when Reagan objects, he says it's an emergency. Baby is born at 12:37am. It just would not have taken the team an hour and 8 minutes to perform a c-section, especially in an emergency situation where the epidural has already been given.

6. The last scene is sweet, but also unrealistic. It seems to be morning. Reagan is still wearing her headband from the birth but is bright eyed and sitting straight up. After major abdominal surgery, she'd be lucky to be in a semi-reclined position but would definitely be drowsy.

There you have it. Do NOT look to tv shows for your childbirth education needs. Maybe someday, someone in the television business will portray birth the way it really is. Until then, read books!! Have any of you seen it done well? I'd love to know about it!

National Midwifery Week

Monday marked the beginning of National Midwifery Week and boy is that something to celebrate!! Where oh where would I be without my midwife? Well, without my particular midwife, I wouldn't be alive! She is my mother after all!

Seriously though, after attending a number of births here in St. Louis, I'm pretty sure I would have been the classic first time mom who arrived at the hospital too early, took too long to push and ended up with a cesarean (Missouri's current c-section rate is at 31.7% by the way). Of course there is no way to know that for sure, but still. Here is my top 10 list entitled

"Top 10: Why I LOVE my mom midwife"

10. She listened to all of my fears and anxieties (for both births!) and discussed with me different options I would have for different scenarios, thus calming my fears.

9. She prepared my otherwise oblivious husband for the most intense radical moment of his life. (Dan loves her because she let him nap on the couch while she kept his laboring wife company. Let's be honest, there was a house full of women there to help. I was never alone! Red Tent anyone?)

8. Not only did she encourage us to listen to soothing music like Iron and Wine & Gillian Welch during labor, but she new most of the songs! (yeah...my mom is pretty cool)

7. She wasn't afraid to give me a pep talk when I asked for drugs felt weak during Elijah's birth. (Who was I kidding anyway. I was having a home birth! In the boonies! Did I really think Tylenol was going to help?)

6. She was not afraid to transport me when I had a retained placenta and supported me throughout that entire event.

5. She made both Elijah and Lazarus sweet baby blankets to celebrate their arrival (and does this for each baby she delivers!).

4. She went shopping with me and participated in a dance party to both distract me and to help me get labor started.

3. She let me nest in her home while Dan and I waited for Elijah to arrive.

2. She set up and cleaned up leaving the house in better shape than when she arrived. FYI, most midwives do this for their clients!

1. She's my friggin' mom! But seriously, it's very rare that a mother can not only assist in the delivery of her daughter's babies, but be the primary care provider, too. She did a beautiful job both times and didn't shed a tear until well after babies were out and everything was said and done. I've always thought my mother was amazing, but seeing her at work (twice!) has proven that to be true.

Happy National Midwifery Week to all the amazing women that make natural childbirth in homes and hospitals possible all over the country!! We truly do appreciate you!