The long Road to Rumi
Steph contacted me early on in her pregnancy, openly sharing her difficult journey of IVF. Steph and Sam spent 5 years trying for a baby.
It was of course a wonderful and welcomed surprise when they fell pregnant naturally! I am aware that the heartache of infertility can be an extremely emotional and difficult road to navigate, and even when a pregnancy arises, fear often arises too. After our first conversation, I carved a space for her in my heart and kept her in my thoughts and prayers.
The pregnancy progressed beautifully. Steph attended some of my meditation classes at The Peaceful Pregnancy Circle, she recalls:
“I loved the connection with baby! It had taken some time to believe she was coming! So tuning into her during the meditations was very enjoyable “
I was continuously impressed by the way Steph graciously accepted each moment. She honoured all of the waves of emotion and change, staying present and taking time out for reflection when needed. We talked about the birth, practiced breathing, made some plans, opened to all of the possibilities that birth may bring. Steph desired a natural birth and for baby to be born in the water.
One morning I got a text saying “I think today is the day!” . That space in my heart that I had been gently holding for her fluttered. Yesssss we made it here! I honoured that moment with gratefulness and reverence. I packed my bags and off I went.
Steph was resting in bed and breathing beautifully through her surges when I arrived. I gave her a deeply relaxing massage with sweet almond oil and clary sage. I suggested a sleep and to call me when things changed.
An hour later I arrived back at the house ,I could see labour was strong. Steph was leaning over a couch, vocalising beautifully. “Harnessing the breath work during the birth became pivotal. I found it soothing and it was a really nice way to express what I was experiencing. I am sure it helped open everything up- I had read about that in the Ina May Gaskin book- allowing space and not holding allows baby to come.”