It's more than just good health

Having good health is awesome, but it's more than that.

It's the things you get to do when you have your health. Having more energy, and being able to relieve health ailments allow us to live a happy and joyful live. To not be stuck in depression, but to live!

So here's a little video I did about my favorite things to keep my health up... Essential oils...YES!

http://youtu.be/KPpwEpd8PeM

Oh, and stay tuned for my birth story of Lydia, still writing it. :)

Lydia Mae is here!

Hello all!

I just wanted to let you know that baby Lydia is here, she was born at 42 weeks pregnant, and she was actually small -for me anyway! She was 8 lbs 12 oz, and 21 inches long! She is a joy! And of course, I'll update you on the the birth story when I write it, but it was amazing!

Until then... go here to see a few photos from the birth. :)

 

39 Weeks Pregnant

39 Weeks Pregnant

Unlike previous pregnancies at this same point...I surprisingly feel no anxiousness or feelings of being "DONE!" or like I want to get this baby out NOW!

I feel GREAT! I have energy, and I just feel very cool about the whole thing.... She comes when she comes... And it's kind of weird to feel this different about it. It's awesome, but weird...

35 Weeks Pregnant and EXCITED!

I'm about 35 weeks pregnant... depending on who's dates you're going by...

According to the medical establishment, I'm 35 and a half weeks pregnant, counting from my LMP.

According to my records... as you might know that I was TTC, so I was keeping track... I'm 34 and a half weeks because I know when I ovulated.

So we'll just take the average of that and say I'm 35 weeks. ;)

Besides, it really doesn't matter because babies are born on their birthday, not when any set amount of weeks go by. Ha! Especially MY babies, they don't pay attention to due dates...

But anyway... I am excited! And I honestly feel as great as ever! No really, I'm telling the truth.

The only hiccups... besides the baby's... :) is heartburn, but a drop of CPTG peppermint essential oil in my mouth takes care of that instantly. Love that stuff, that's why I have to have some by my bed.

It is a little hard to roll over in bed, but once I'm out, I'm OUT! Meaning, once I'm asleep, I sleep all the way through the night. I don't even have to get up to pee. I credit this to the Hypnobabies hypnosis and listening to pregnancy affirmations before bed.

The only other thing is that I feel slightly unprepared, as in having everything I need on hand... I mean, I don't even have diapers yet, so I need to get on that... And my midwife will be coming in a week and a half, and we'll talk more about what I need to have on hand for my home birth.

Yep, you heard right. :) HOME BIRTH

I'm so excited! I figure, I've had a hospital birth, a birth center birth, so naturally follows a home birth, right? But it only makes sense because I've heard that having a home birth is no different from going to a birth center because the midwife has everything on hand that she'd have at the birth center... so why make the car ride while working through pressure waves? (contractions) I think I'll just stay in the comfort of my own home, thank you!

So anyway... just excited for the upcoming Hypnobabies birth, and I wonder how big she will be, and when she will come and all that... But really I'm just chill right now, and I'm in no hurry to have this baby. I'm grateful for the full nights sleep I'm getting every night, because I know it won't be like that for long once baby comes...

 

How to Survive and THRIVE Pregnancy and Postpartum

I know how hard pregnancy and postpartum can be. Women often fumble around in a fog of desperation struggling just to survive. I have been there before. But I have learned tools to lift my spirits, increase my energy, release the pain and THRIVE and ENJOY mothering.

I work with these pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling, and I thought you may be interested in this free training or pass it on to anyone you know who is a woman who is pregnant or has small children.
So....

The day is here...

Registration is now OPEN for my live FREE
Renew Your Love Affair With Mothering Teleseminar!

Register HERE

I have just 100 seats available for this complimentary women’s motivational bootcamp . . .


So if you're ready to wake up your life & start jumping out of bed in the morning, don't wait!

Jump on this now and secure your spot on this one-time LIVE training with me where I'll reveal (among other things) how I raise 2 kids, nurture myself in pregnancy, and live each day with vigor, energy, and in fulfilling happiness. You will learn what the other childbirth and parenting classes DON'T tell you...



For the details and the link to register, go here now:

Register HERE

I can't wait to see you on the teleseminar!

Yours,

Cynthia Gough

24 Weeks Pregnant

-24 weeks pregnant-

As just for comparison's sake, here I am at -17 weeks pregnant-

So I'm 24 weeks now, and I must say that this has been the best pregnancy ever! Sometimes I feel so good that I forget that I'm pregnant. I often get up from a sitting or laying down position quickly or normally, and then I get light-headed a little, and remember, "Oh yeah! I'm pregnant! I need to get up slowly..."

So a couple of reasons why I think this is the best pregnancy ever...

First of all... is gratitude.

Since I had a hard time getting pregnant for 3 years, I feel so much more gratitude for this pregnancy. I relish and live present every moment. I love every movement of my baby, I love every visit to my midwife, I love every time my daughter gets excited while looking at my belly, "Mom! Your belly is getting bigger!!!" :) So, yes gratitude is a biggie, and I think it can be applied to any part of life, even the hard times.

Second is... energy.

I have so much more energy this time around. Even at 3:00 in the afternoon, I almost get a burst of energy and that's when I zip around my home cleaning something... I attribute this difference this time to doTERRA's vitamin supplements. They give me so much of the nutrients I need. I get my vitamins, my omega's and fish oil etc, and the cellular energy I need. It's all natural and even has essential oils included. It's the ULTIMATE prenatal vitamin. I love it! So this is a BIG difference from previous pregnancies where I didn't take these supplements, and can definitely tell the difference.

Third is... positive attitude.

Ok, this may be a little cliche, but a positive attitude makes all the difference. But the difference here is that I don't have to TRY. I don't think to myself, ok, I need to be positive. No, I actually already have it in my subconscious. I've been listening to Hypnobabies' pregnancy affirmations as I go to bed, and it makes a big difference. I have the best night's sleep ever, and wake up every morning with a smile on my face happy to be pregnant and looking forward to my birth.

So there's just a few thoughts on how I'm having the best pregnancy ever! No, seriously, I LOVE being pregnant!

What They Didn't Tell Me About Postpartum...

So I was thinking about my postpartum days for my previous babies, and I came across this blog post, and it made me remember these days, like it was yesterday! I could totally relate:

A mom who recently gave birth, Saydi Shumway, talks about how she loves the birth process, the support, the attention, the challenge, everything about it. And then, talking about the days following giving birth, this is what she says,

 

"And then, after a few days coasting on the highs of all that birthing glory and drinking in the beauty of new life, reality sets in.  My body is empty and exhausted (and un-showered, sweaty, stinky, engorged and leaking).   My brain has turned to mush.  My emotions are a wreck.  I’m cranky and unkind and my patience is nearly non-existent.  And I start complaining and wallowing.

I never feel prepared for this part.   Sure, toward the end of pregnancy I remind myself it’s going to happen and going to be hard.  But I’m always a bit shell-shocked by the reality of it all.

I have a great post partum team, my mom, Jeff, Jeff’s mom, great friends who are helping on every front.  But, in the middle of the night when I’m up with a gassy baby, so tired that I can hardly lift up the little guy, no one is sitting by my side, holding me hand and telling me how totally awesome I am.  During the day my kids aren’t standing around me in awe at how I’m handling the pain of those first few seconds of nursing, telling me how great I’m doing.   And I’m certainly not telling myself many positive things (I’m mostly feeling pretty sorry for myself and pretty lame that I can’t keep everything together).   I don’t feel much glory in the work I’m doing.  I mostly feel, well, empty and exhausted.

Sometimes exhaustion brings me my best thoughts and this is the one I had the other night as I was up nursing:  post partum work is every bit as hard and demanding as childbirth, and it’s also just as important and stretching and amazing…….and I need to treat it that way.  Somewhere in my journey through motherhood I’ve decided to revere childbirth.  I need to attach the same importance and glory and respect to the work I’m doing right now."

I recommend reading the rest here.

 

This is totally the way I felt after my babies came. It was utter exhaustion, struggling, and just crappy! No one told me about how hard this was going to be. Sure, I always heard, "Motherhood is the hardest thing you'll ever do." But I never thought that it would be like this!

No other childbirth class or parenting class told me it would be like this. For me, childbirth was the best part especially since I prepared for it using Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis. But then it just went downhill from there... Somehow, there needs to be a better way for preparing for the shell-shock of what happens next.

I have learned a lot since then though, which I hope I will be better prepared for this time, so I can enjoy my postpartum period as much as my birth experiences.

This time I will:

• Ask for help early and OFTEN... The first two times, it was a pride thing I guess. I didn't ask for help very much, and if I did, it was often too late. I thought I was up for the super-mom award or something, and see how much I could figure out on my own or something, like it was a test. NO! Big mistake. It's OK to be vulnerable and let others see the pain I'm going through and seek help from others.


• Actually listen to my Hypnobabies Breastfeeding Success and After the Baby Comes CD's. I came to love and know from first-hand experience how well hypnosis works, as evidenced from my births. So I don't know why I all of the sudden forgot all about hypnosis after my birth.


• Actually get an in-home visit from a lactation consultant. I had a HORRIBLE time with breastfeeding before, but I really want it to work out this time. I was so embarrassed and shy, I didn't want anybody else to witness me breastfeeding.


• Get help. (Refer to number 1:) But no really, get help with cleaning and cooking, and don't think that I have to be in that super-mom race again, to see how well I can keep house while caring for a newborn. It's OK to let things slide, and for the more imminent items... after-all, we still need clothes and food, so GET HELP and take it slow.


• Above all, connect to source. Connect spiritually somehow, whether it's meditation or prayer, however it works for you to connect to your source. For me, I need to connect to my God and pray, and "Be still and know that I am God." I think I forgot about Him far too many times because I thought that I just didn't have the time, or thinking he forgot about me, or something. Which is silly to think now, because I know he was there every step of the way, and I just needed to look up and acknowledge Him and seek His help. And there's always time for prayer.


• Talk to other moms, or a close friend or mentor. Talk authentically about your feelings, and get support. And remember, in the middle of the night when baby is up and you're frazzled and need someone, God is always up.

 

So there's my list so far. I'm sure there are other things that I will quickly remember when I am in the thick of this all coming up in October, but I think if I remember these things and take my own advise, this will be a very good start.

 

 

20 Weeks Pregnant

I'm over 20 weeks pregnant now.

And I just have to say that since we got our ultrasound last Friday, it seems a lot more real to me! Oh yeah, and by the way...



...It's a GIRL!!

We are so excited! And my daughter had it right. She always said that this one was a girl, and that a boy is coming next time... So maybe she knows more than us, and apparently we're having another baby after this. :)

So anyway, with it feeling a lot more real to me now, I just get a huge sense of gratitude. Especially after thinking about the many months we tried to conceive this one. Month after month I would get so depressed when I had many negative pregnancy tests and then my period came. It was so frustrating! Wondering what was wrong with me, and spiraling further into stress and depression. What a mess it was, but I'm so glad that I came out of that and learned many thing to change my mindset on it all and be grateful for what I already had. And of course now I'm just so grateful that I have a little girl squirming inside of me! It's her reminder to me that she's there and and worth every minute of struggle I ever had.

I'm just so happy to be pregnant, and yes there are times of discomfort, but I'm so glad I've learned ways to relieve those. Like for one... my back was killing me the other day, so I had my husband rub a Doterra essential oil blend called, Deep Blue, all over and my back felt so much better! The pain was gone! I love it when I find solutions to these sorts of problems.

How to Enjoy Mothering Even in Trials

I share my personal story of how I learned how to enjoy mothering even in depression and my trial of trying to conceive. And how I turned it around by being grateful for what I have, and how Doterra essential oils helped me to get pregnant.

http://youtu.be/7422bOgEB7A

Natural Mothering

So what does natural mothering mean?

This is the foundation for who I am. Natural mothering is what comes naturally. It's just whatever works for me. And natural mothering is also whatever works for you too.

Now you may think, "Well, the name of the site is Natural Birth and Mothering, so this gal must live in a hut, eat only organic food grown on her own land, never go to the doctor, birth her babies in the field and then get right back to work in her garden." Not so!

And I'm not saying there is anything wrong with any of these things. They work fine for some mothers maybe, but not for me. I happen to like four solid walls, a roof, and air-conditioning, not to mention giving birth indoors! :)

But yes, I do use some "natural" products that help me and my family, and I am a proponent for natural birth, but only if a natural birth works for you, and all the necessary preparations and research is done. But I know that it doesn't work for all women. Mothers should do what works for them.

Because for one, I believe birthing AND mothering in general should be an enjoyable experience. It should be a natural occurrence of who you already are, and who you've always been.

Natural mothering is an awakening of all that you are, and it naturally flows from you.

So lets take me for example...

I have have always been the practical sort of girl. Growing up, my sister had fun dressing up nice and owning a million different pairs of shoes. Me, I was the plain Jane that always wore jeans and a T-shirt. And one time, my friends even gave me a little "Makeover Story" for my birthday. (It was video-taped even  -so funny!) It just wasn't practical for me to spend money on clothes, I had other things to do.

I'm also the weird sort of nerd-artist. I know how to utilize both my right-brained creative side with my left-brained math whiz side. Yep, I'm an artist who's good in math too!

I'm someone who likes to take on projects and get them done! But I also like to work out the details, and actually like the detailed work of balancing my checkbook and other such things. I'm also able to see if something or even a small part of something will work or not in projects, and in life in general. I can visualize the outcome, and do what it takes to match my effort to the desired outcome.

I'm known as an introvert and independent and could spend hours by myself working on a project. But I still recognize the need for relationships, especially close relationships like those found within my family.

I also love learning new things, and ways to help my life improve. So I'm good at following directions and implementing systems in whatever I'm doing.

So with this get-it-done attitude and results oriented mindset... When I see a problem, I look for the best solution for the problem, and then implement it into my life. I'm a systems gal, I LOVE systems... Anything to make my life easier and more enjoyable, I'm there!

So... What does this have to do with natural mothering???

Well, I'll tell ya! For my natural mothering style, I've found things and systems that work for me! Some things are recognized as "natural" and some are not. But the point is they work for me and for my personality.

So with my problem solving mentally, I've found a system that allows me to take care of the health problems in my family without the side-effects of certain drugs. I've also found a system that works for me that allows me to enjoy my baby's birth without the negative effect of drugs and unnecessary interventions. I've found a system for keeping my house clean... (though it's not always clean... hey, I'm not perfect!) I've found a way to grocery shop sale items and incorporate those items into my daily meals without having to make up a meal plan or a grocery list. I've also found a system to build an additional income for my family while being able to stay home with the kids, because I believe that's important to me and for my personality of desiring to build close relationships an yet allowing my children to be independent at the same time. And I could go on and on!

But these are things that work for me. Would they work for everybody? No way! But are there mothers out there that I could help? You bet!

So that's what this blog is all about, me sharing my ideas and helping other mothers find solutions to their problems. I help them implement them into their life, but all according to their own natural mothering style.

Natural Care for Mom and Baby Class

If you're in the Salt Lake area, please join us this Saturday! I'm really excited for this class. We'll teach natural remedies that just makes sense.

16 Weeks Pregnant

Well, I'm 16 weeks pregnant now.

I guess I promised a belly shot, but I haven't gotten around to that yet... I promise I will very soon!

This past week I went to my cousin's wedding. It was very hard to find something to wear, knowing that I'd see a lot of people I haven't seen for a while. I'm in the "nice" stage of pregnancy where others don't know if I'm chubby or pregnant. I should've worn a sign... "Yes, I'm pregnant" That wouldn't have taken any focus off the bride and groom would it??? :)

Well, let's see here... What's new this week?

I went to see my brother-in-law who is a massage therapist. He fixed my jaw. My jaw has been really tight since the throwing up I did in the first trimester.

I haven't felt any movement yet, but hopefully soon!

Well, that's all that I can think of at the moment...

15 Weeks

Wow! I'm glad to have made it to 15 weeks pregnant and past the 1st trimester. A lot has happened in the last few weeks...

• I got the flu -meaning lots of throwing up...


• Decided that I'm going to take a live Hypnobabies class in the summer. (I took the home study course before, and this time I just feel like I need a live refresher course, and I would also like my husband to be more involved. And yes, he's good with that. :) Love you honey!)


• Made it to the 1st trimester mark. YAY! So now I don't have as much worry about a miscarriage. I've had one before.... I don't recommend it.


• Making it past the 1st trimester also means significantly less nausea. YAY!


• I have a little baby bump. :) To the point of not knowing if I'm just a little chubby, or actually pregnant if you saw me, and didn't know for sure. I'll share a picture soon.


• I usually LOVE sleeping on my tummy, but it's starting to get a little uncomfortable...


• Last week I had an appointment with my midwife, and got to hear the heartbeat, and got a little sneak-peak ultrasound again. Baby is growing!


• I also had a birthday, 28. :)


• I decided to revamp my blog, which is still in process. Basically making it more user-friendly and search engine friendly. Which means -more friends, and more awesomeness for my friends. :)

That's about it. Well... that's all I could think of right now... Stay tuned for more awesome changes to the blog.

10 weeks

Last Thursday was my first appointment with my midwife. I was so excited to go hear the heartbeat, and when I told my five year old, that's where we were going, she was sooo excited as well! Yep, the whole family went. The kids love Rebecca's office because she has lots of fun toys to play with during the appointment. It was good to see Rebecca again, and it was really good to see and feel the realness of this pregnancy. I got a little ultrasound and got to see my little gummy bear and checked that there was only one. So unless the other one is REALLY good at hiding, there's just one. We were wondering because Elora had been praying for another brother and a sister. At first she told us there was a boy AND a girl in my tummy... but then apparently changed her mind, because even before the appt, she told us there's just one baby in my tummy and a girl is coming first. So we'll see later if she's right on that account.

But yeah everything looked good at the appointment. It was so good to hear a healthy heart beat. Last week I was also feeling a lot better, but not as much the last few days. So I listened to the Hypnobabies nausea CD during the day when the kids were watching a tv show instead of listening at night when I usually do. It's amazing how well the CD works instantly! And I think the reason that I felt better last week was because I had someone who does some energy work connect my brain to the fetus, umbilical cord and placenta. The theory is that the more someone has morning sickness, it means that the brain is not connecting to the baby. Makes sense to me, so I decided to try it. I think it's been a little worse the last couple days because I started using some essential oils to clean out my system because I wanted to get the rest of the cold out of my system... but yeah, that kind of back-fired on me so we'll hold off on that... Well, that's about it! Can't believe I'm 10 weeks! Oh, and I also can't believe that my tummy is expanding a little too. I don't know if it's bloating or because I've had multiple pregnancies... but I thought it was a little early for that...

9 weeks!

Wow, this pregnancy has sure been different than my first two. Pretty much right from implantation, my breasts have been sore, and I've had some level nauseousness... Where as with my last pregnancies, nausea didn't start until about week 7. Although I must say, I have been listening to the Hypnobabies Nausea CD And can definitely tell the difference on the days when I listened to the CD, and the days that I didn't listen. I can also tell that the more I listen, the better it gets as the days go along...

I'm just so happy to be at 9 weeks! I've had a miscarriage before at 6 weeks along, so this is awesome! I just feel like this one will be for the long term, and I'm thinking positively. My first appointment with my midwife is on Thursday, and I'm so excited! My midwife is a good friend, and have missed going to see her regularly since the birth of my second almost 4 years ago. I will update again after my appointment...

I'm Pregnant!

Yep, I'm pregnant! After 3 years of trying to conceive, I'm finally pregnant with number 3! I share my story of our struggle to conceive in this video, but I also wanted document from here on out my journey with not only a Hypnobabies birth, but my Hypnobabies pregnancy. I think that Hypnobabies pregnancies are just as different from other pregnancies as are Hypnobabies births. So check back often to read my personal account of my pregnancy journey and looking forward to the birth.