Mackenzie’s Birth (part 1)

Abbie • April 22, 2014

I always preface my birth story with my second child, Mackenzie Joy, with a dream I had shortly after I found out I was pregnant. I was holding a beautiful baby with dark hair in my arms recounting my birth story to someone. The birth was a short 3 hours, my doula made it there but my midwife did not!

Because Parker was a week and a half early, I was sure baby #2 (we didn’t find out the gender so we would be surprised at the birth) would be even earlier. So as my due date drew closer, I would have toning contractions and wonder if I was in labor. I was more antsy than I was the first time around! So, when I woke up early in the morning four days before my due date with strong contractions, I decided to time them for an hour to be sure that it was for real. After an hour, because they were time-able but still 7-10 minutes apart, I woke up my husband. I still found the contractions very manageable, so I figured I had plenty of time to get everything in order.

I texted my midwife and doula to let them know I was in early labor, Gabe began preparing our house for our home birth, and I made my son breakfast. However, even though the contractions were manageable, I was needing to get on my hands and knees to cope with them comfortably. All of the sudden, I needed to use the bathroom and throw up all at the same time. I dropped everything and ran for the bathroom, yelling for a bucket to get sick in.

Finish the story by heading to Mackenzie's Birth (Part 2).

3 Ways to Prepare Ahead for Life After Baby

By Abbie • March 14, 2017
Whether you are expecting your first child or your fifth, there are always a lot of preparations to be made. It’s easy to get caught up in buying cute baby clothes and maybe painting a nursery, which are fun things, and preparing for a great birth (yay childbirth classes!) is essential, but what are some practical […] The post 3 Ways to Prepare Ahead for Life After Baby appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

Homebirth in Kentucky

By Abbie • March 10, 2017
Did you know there are midwives in Kentucky are not legally allowed to attend and assist homebirth? If you or someone you love has ever considered having a baby at home and you live in our great Bluegrass state, you may find it difficult to find a reputable midwife to attend your birth and provide […] The post Homebirth in Kentucky appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

For New Fathers on Father’s Day

By Gabe Gibitz • June 22, 2015
I’ve never felt worthy to be a father — to be given that kind of responsibility for another life. In a lot of ways, I still don’t think — with two kids running around our house — that I have fully embraced this commission and call on my life. Most men, I think, can relate. Call […] The post For New Fathers on Father’s Day appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

Why I (Almost) Didn’t Hire a Doula

By Abbie • June 7, 2015
Yes, you read that right. I, Abbie Gibitz, birth doula, didn’t want to hire a doula for my own birth. I remember it like it was yesterday. Almost 4 years ago, sitting in my living room with my midwife and her assistant, pregnant with our first child, telling my midwife I had no intention of […] The post Why I (Almost) Didn’t Hire a Doula appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

Prego Snacks

By Abbie • March 29, 2015
I heard in a birth class once that every snack you have during pregnancy should include protein. I’ve been asked for healthy snack ideas for pregnancy so here is my top 10: 1) Greek yogurt (with optional seeds, granola or nuts!) 2) Lara bars, Kind bars, Luna Bars etc. 3) Apples or bananas with almond […] The post Prego Snacks appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

Happy World Doula Week!

By Abbie • March 24, 2015
March 22-28 is officially titled World Doula Week! We take one week out of the year to celebrate doulas and everything they are doing to support women and families. This week, as I celebrate the doulas who have supported me in my own births and the women who I have had the joy of serving […] The post Happy World Doula Week! appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

Pretty Pusher, Anyone?

By Abbie • March 5, 2015
It’s the little things in life right? Maybe it matters to you what you wear on your birthing day, maybe not. For me, I still know exactly what socks I was wearing the days my kids were born (cupcakes with first, whales with the second!) but maybe that’s because I love crazy socks:) While its […] The post Pretty Pusher, anyone? appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

Birth Stories Event!

By Abbie • May 12, 2014
Come celebrate birth and bless expectant mommas in Wilmore!! The post Birth Stories Event! appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

How I Chose A Doula

By Abbie • May 7, 2014
It’s so important to choose a doula that’s right for you. And how fabulous is it that you get to choose the person who is going to support you during one of the greatest moments in your life? I am so thankful I had a doula for both of my births. They were both the […] The post How I chose a doula appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.

Mackenzie’s Birth (part 2)

By Abbie • April 24, 2014
Everything was happening much quicker than I anticipated. My sister came to get our son and my husband called our doula and midwife to have them come as quickly as possible. I knew I was in active labor, but still assumed I had plenty of time before my baby was born. The contractions were intense […] The post Mackenzie’s Birth (part 2) appeared first on Joyful Birth :: Abbie Gibitz, CD(DONA), MA - Doula for Lexington, KY.
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