Silas and His Placenta (September 27, 2011)

Matt took these beautiful pictures after he got home from running the cord blood to the lab.  We were in the herb bath, and it was at least 2 or 3 hours after the birth.  

Our hematologist was worried that he may have received too much blood.  So, the next morning we took him in for a head ultrasound.  He slept through it and the results were normal.  One great thing about physiological cord clamping as opposed to delayed cord clamping is that the baby doesn't just receive more blood, he/she receives the perfect amount of blood.  See, the cord gives and takes.  The process is designed to regulate the perfect amount of blood for the baby.  So, the baby may actually get a little less blood if you wait longer.  It doesn't clamp off until the baby has all the blood he/she was intended to have, not any more and not any less.  

We did learn some things about physiological cord clamping with a hemophiliac.  After the cord is emptied of blood, the cord naturally clamps itself with the Wharton's Jelly that is produced in the cord.  This usually happens within hours of birth.  We waited until that evening to cut the cord (about 8 hours).  After a while, it ended up filling with blood again and oozing.  So, we had to clamp it off.  Next time, we will wait a full 24 hours before cutting the cord.  This will make sure the cord is well sealed within itself.  

Silas is so healthy and strong and smart.  He is almost 10 months now.  I would definitely do this again.  I love my baby getting the perfect amount of blood meant for them.  

I hope you enjoy the pictures and share them.  I wanted to get these out there because so many people don't get to see the beauty of a baby still connected to their original life support hours after their birth. 

S.t.r.e.n.g.t.h.

The truth is, I can handle it. The task before me is not greater than the strength within me.

For years, I have had an inner voice telling me:

"I'm not good enough. I will never be good enough. I can never reach my goals. I am a total loser. Everyone else has it together, but I always screw things up. Why do I always fail? I don't deserve this job."

I have had this voice in my head and heart for as long as I can remember. It has prevented me from so many things, damaged relationships, destroyed my education, and causes me great pain.

One of the reasons I love birthing so much is that it is one time when I overcome this enemy within me. When I am birthing, these words shine from my soul:

"I am good enough. I am reaching my goal. I am a champion. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.* I am doing great. I was made to do this."

The task of birthing my child is so great, I don't let the negative voice ever have the microphone. EVER. My child needs me, and I can do this.

I was recently reading over a letter written to me by one of the dearest friends I've ever had. She wrote in response to a conversation where I shared my discouragement with her. She told me she loved me and reminded me of Elijah's birth. Eli's birth was and is still the most spiritual birth I've ever experienced. You can read the whole story HERE. Here's an excerpt:

The contractions were so intense. I tried a little push with one contraction. No, it wasn't time yet, but I could tell that this was going to be harder than Ana's birth. I thought, "I CAN'T DO THIS". At this time, God impressed on my heart not to speak and claim those words of defeat, but instead to call out to Him. It was between contractions. Everyone was totally quiet. I was facing the wall and couldn't see anyone in front of me. It was just God and me and my baby. I prayed out loud, "Father, thank You for giving us this baby. Thank you that he's coming today. 'I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.*' Thank You, Lord. You bring this baby out. This is all You. Come on, let's go!" After that I was on top of my pain (because my Jesus was carrying me).

Just reading that again brings tears to my eyes. I was so close to God. What has happened to me?

I've always desired to know and understand everything. This makes faith a challenge. Well, here's what I know and understand:

1.  When I try to be successful in my own strength, I fail, I disappoint, I even hurt people to accomplish my goal (i e: yelling).

2.  When I let go, trust Jesus to give me strength, love others, and just steadily keep trying, I am a conqueror and a blessing to my family.

I want live my life like I birth my babies. My family needs me. I can't let let that negative inner voice have the microphone anymore.


"I am good enough. I am reaching my goal. I am a champion. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.* I am doing great. I was made to do this."

*Philippians 4:13