Happy Birth~Day Mama Giveaway!

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It’s time to honor mothers!

We have amazing giveaways all week long leading up to Mother’s Day with all sorts of mama and baby resources for you! Scroll all the way to the bottom to enter both of these amazing giveaways!
And we have a Zulily maternity store gift certificate worth $100 – partnered with an Ultimate Homemaker’s Resource Library of 97 books {exclusive}!

Package #1

We are very excited to bless an expectant mother with a $100 gift certificate to Zulily Maternity & 1 Ultimate Homemaker Ebook Bundle {which is no longer for sale}!

To see what is included in the Ultimate Homemaker Bundle visit one of my last posts here or here.
 

~The Zulily Gift certificate generously brought to you by the bloggers below.~
Happy Birth-Day Mama
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Package #2

 

This giveaway package has it all! Something for any mom, whether this is your first baby or your tenth!

mama giveaway Lisa Jacobson of Club 31 Women donated her book How Did God Make Me?

Boys and girls love to know that they are special, and nothing instills a sense of uniqueness like the knowledge that they were known and loved before birth. Help your child develop feelings of understanding and closeness with the God who is intimately involved in our lives — even before we are born!

HDGMM The Mission-Minded Child is a practical book to encourage Christian parents and teachers placed in the strategic position of impacting the next generation.

As a guide to world missions, The Mission-Minded Child is filled with facts, information, and tools for teaching. It focuses on the “why” of missions–including our Biblical basis, historical heritage, and the world’s need–and contains over 25 mini-missionary biographies, motivational mission stories, classic poems, hymns, and hundreds of easy-to-use ideas. The Mission-Minded Child will inspire teachers and parents to look for God’s potential in their child, “release” their little one to God for His purposes, and “raise” their child to fulfill God’s specific mission, whatever that might be. As a resource tool, this book will be referred to again and again.

The Mission-Minded Child Heidi St. John donated her eBook The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Romance. Heidi blogs at The Busy Mom.

Homeschooling offers parents the best opportunity to shepherd their children both academically and spiritually. Yes. It’s worth it. But do you ever feel as if your life is “all homeschool—all the time?” Do you ever wonder where the girl your husband married went? This book is for every mom who has collapsed into bed at the end of the day, looked into the eyes of her husband and promised “tomorrow” she’d have time for him.Trouble is, tomorrow finds her more exhausted than the day before. If you have ever felt caught between the demands of homeschooling your children and meeting the needs of your husband, you’re not alone. Read and discover how even a busy homeschool mom can make time to nurture her marriage. It’s not as hard as you think—and more important than you may realize.

romance Shoshanna Easling, owner of Bulk Herb Store donated their Making Babies set that includes the book and 3 DVDs.

Making Babies is a fun, informational, artistic, and colorful pregnancy book. Follow Shoshanna through her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter as she stays healthy and builds a baby. The book covers information that is in the DVDs volumes 1, 2, and 3, includes many deliciously healthy recipes, wonderful gluten-free recipes, grandma’s remedies, herbal concoctions, and need-to-know facts, and is packed with research about fertility, conception, morning sickness, pregnancy, birth, nursing, postpartum issues, losing weight, and more!

Source: Laura Newman Photography Source: Laura Newman PhotographyBlessings God’s Way donated A Celebration of Pregnancy DVD Combo {DVD + Guide}

This set enables you to feel confident and sure about hosting a Blessing God’s Way gathering in your community! This DVD is 30 minutes long . Watch this prior to hosting your own gathering or pass it on, along with the book, to friends and family that you can share our message with. What a blessing to know there is a God-centered instructional DVD and book for celebrating birth! May God be glorified!

  The Joyful Giraffe donated one large snack bag and one large sandwich bag.

These are two great reusable products that will save you money and are eco-friendly too!Both have a waterproof lining on the inside and a zipper closure, so whether it has grapes or a sandwich, all messes are contained! Bags are handmade by a work at home mom.

joyful giraffe Angie of Leaving a Legacy is donating a signed Redeeming Childbirth Package {Book & Growth & Study Guide}.

Childbirth is more than an event that makes a woman a mother. This journey was designed to be a spiritual milestone that draws every woman’s heart back to the only Deliverer.

rc Bethany Learn of Fit to Be Usis donating a 6 Month Membership to her online exercise site.

Fit to Be Us films and streams workout routines that are fun, easy to access and non-threatening. We specialize in diastasis-aware and tummy safe moves!
Mission

Our mission is to make fitness safe, fun and accessible without intimidating you. We want to bring our living rooms to yours, inviting you into an intimate view of holistic wellness.

 

Company Overview

We are an online fitness studio featuring wholesome home workout videos that you watch on the web. We specialize in workouts that are safe and inspiring for those dealing with low back pain, diastasis, disabilities, stress incontinence, busy schedules, crazy kids, and more! No boot camps or x-rated stuff here. Just family friendly fitness at the click of a mouse! We blend Pilates and Yoga into beautiful, high-def, high quality sessions for everyone from beginners to advanced exercisers.

 

redeemingmybody Juju Band is donating one Baby Belly Binder.

Baby belly binding has long been used in various forms by many different cultures. The ancient art of binding has been made easy and quite cute by the Juju Band. Its design is simple and made to accommodate even the busiest of parents! The Juju Band has been a family tradition for over 100 years. It is a tradition still used today in our family. We hope that you will join our family tradition and try the Juju Band on your newborns and infants. Juju Bands are used for 2 different purposes. First, it is used on the Newborn as a shield to protect from constant contact of diapers and clothing. This helps reduce the likelihood of irritation and infection. The Newborn Navel Protector also helps give your baby the perfect “innie” belly button. Second, the Infant Belly Binder helps relieve colic and soothe fussy babies. The snug fit calms and comforts even the most finicky infants.

Juju Band Jennifer Lambert of Royal Little Lambs donates a Gentle Babies book and Gentle Baby essential oil.

Combining two decades of professional knowledge with tried-and-true techniques and first-hand testimonials, the author Debra Raybern has compiled this insightful and easy-to-follow guide benefitting both experienced and first-time mothers. In addition, Gentle Babies book contains an introduction to therapeutic-grade essential oils and applications and provides safety information and a section on discerning the quality of essential oils. Every family taking proactive steps to better health should have this resource in their home library. Gentle Baby™ essential oil is a soft, fragrant combination of essential oils designed specifically for mothers and babies. It helps calm emotions during pregnancy and is useful for quieting troubled little ones. It is also soothing to tender skin. Many of the essential oils in this blend are used in elite cosmetics to enhance a youthful appearance.

Gentle BabiesGentle Baby essential oila Rafflecopter giveaway

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

Three Signs of Labor To Look For.

Join the Unbound Birth Tribe today and receive a FREE copy of Unbound Birth!

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When I teach childbirth classes one of the most common questions that I get is “How will I know when I’m in labor?”  The truth is that labor will look different for every woman, and one woman can have completely different experiences with each child.  However, there are three signs of labor that you can be looking for.

Your water breaks.

This is the moment in the movies when the mother to be is in the grocery store and all of the sudden the waters are gushing forth all over the place as she immediately begins to experience intense labor and doubles over in pain.  You know what I’m talking about.  We’ve all seen this moment depicted this way, but it’s not always accurate.  More than likely, when your water breaks you won’t even be 100% sure that this is what has happened.  You may feel like you’re wetting your pants, except that it happens continuously.  Some women do have a gush of fluid as their amniotic sac ruptures.  In some cases, a woman’s amniotic sac will not rupture until the very moments before she is fully dilated and ready to push!  Such was the case with my births.  With my third, the doctor ruptured the sac to try to get labor going (this I regret, looking back).  No matter how it happens, if your water breaks you can take that as one of your signs of labor.  What you want to pay attention to is the color and odor of the fluid.  It should be clear and odorless.  If you see a greenish tinge of color or smell a foul odor call your doctor immediately as this could be a sign that there in meconium in the amniotic sac.

You are having contractions.

For a woman in labor for the first time this can be tricky to determine.  Any twinge of pain may have you wondering “Is this it???”  If you feel like you are having contractions start timing them from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.  If they are consistent and are growing more intense and more frequent with time, then you are probably in early labor.  Sometimes they can be sporadic and may feel a lot like Braxton Hicks contractions (practice contractions).  Do they stop when you change position?  Do they peter out after drinking a couple of glasses of water?  If so, then you are probably experiencing Braxton Hicks.  If however, you are having contractions that are 15-20 minutes apart and they are continuing for a few hours, getting closer together, and feel more intense as time goes on, then give your doctor a call and let him/her know.

You lose your mucus plug.

The mucus plug is exactly what it sounds like.  It acts as a seal at the opening of the cervix.  When a woman is in labor and her cervix begins to thin out (efface) and open up (dilate) this mucus plug releases and is discharged from the body.  It sometimes is referred to as “bloody show”.  Sometimes it comes out a few days before labor begins in earnest, but if you see it you can be sure that things are happening.  Sometimes you may barely notice it, as it may come out little by little as small bits of pinkish red discharge, and sometimes it can be quite obvious.  Keep a lookout and don’t be alarmed when you see it.  It’s perfectly normal and a good sign that baby is coming soon!

It’s important to remember that you may not experience all of these signs at the outset of labor.  Like I said, my water never broke before I was ready to push, so that was never a sign that I recognized.  Contractions are your most reliable sign that your labor is beginning, but you should be looking for any or all of these signs of labor as you approach your due date.

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

It’s the Last Day of the Healthy Living eBook Bundle Sale!

Today is the last full day of the Healthy Living eBook Bundle Sale!

I cannot stress to you how much I think of this group of books, and how important I think that they are.  I have been promoting this bundle like crazy this week for many reasons:

    • We need this!  Our family has been on a journey to become gluten-free.  We have been working very hard to eat more real foods and have been paying more attention to what we are putting in and on our bodies.  This group of eBooks is a tremendous resource!  
    • You need this!  Everyone has room for improvement in their health, no one can argue with that.  Think of this eBook bundle as a gift to yourself.  It quite literally is, because when all is said and done, you are getting more than you pay for!!!  You are paying $29 and getting $45 worth of bonus products in addition to the $34 books that would normally cost you over $300!!!  That is amazing!  Please don’t jip yourself by missing this sale.  Your body will thank you for it.
    • Someone you know needs this!  Is there anyone in your life that is struggling with health problems or weight problems, or just wants to get healthier?  Show them how much you care about them and buy this eBook bundle for them as a gift!  This makes the best Christmas gift ever! The gift of health is the best gift you can give a friend or family member.
    • The Southern Institute needs this! For every eBook bundle sold through the my links I earn a commission as a contributing author, and that helps me bring you great content her at The Southern Institute as well as helping my family as we go into the holidays.  I truly appreciate each and every sale!

If you’ll share this post on Facebook or Twitter and leave me a comment, you’ll be entered to win a copy of my eBook, Unbound Birth!

 

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase the Healthy Living eBook collection, you will get instant access to each of the 34 eBooks listed below.

Click here to purchase your Healthy Living eBook collection (with FREE bonuses) today!

***Please note: This collection is only available  until 8 a.m. EST tomorrow. There will be no late sales offered.

 These are the eBooks that you’ll receive in your collection:

Real Food Meals for the Whole Family

Have Your Fruits… and Veggies, Too! by Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.95)

Real {Fast} Food by Trina Holden @ Trina Holden ($6)

20 Minute Meals by Leigh Ann Dutton @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)

Real Food… Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Baking, Snacks and Desserts

Smart Sweets by Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship ($8.95)

Healthy Snacks To Go by Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship ($8.95)

Sourdough A to Z by Wardee Harmon @ GNOWFGLINS ($20)

Homemade “Everything” (Condiments, Pantry Basics, etc.)

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha Faber @ Nourishing Joy ($7.99)

Easy. Homemade. by Mandi Ehman @ Life Your Way ($3.99)

Grain Free and Paleo/Primal Eating

Grain Free Meal Plan Cookbook by Cara Faus @ Health, Home & Happiness ($18)

Toadally Primal Smoothies by Todd @ Primal Toad ($9.95)

Simple Food {for spring} by Shannon @ Nourishing Days ($10)

Simple Food {for winter} by Shannon @ Nourishing Days ($10)

Well Fed (Paleo Recipes) by Melissa Joulwan @ The Clothes Make The Girl ($14.95)

Saving Money on Real Food

Real Food on a Real Budget by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($18.99)

Plan It, Don’t Panic by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($4.99)

Don’t Compost It, Cook It by April Patel @ An Apple a Day Wisdom ($2.99)

Skincare and Beauty

My Buttered Life (Baby edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

My Buttered Life (Gift edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

My Buttered Life (Summer edition) by Renee Harris @ Hard Lotion ($5)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy Karen @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)

Food on Your Face for Acne and Oily Skin by Leslie @ Crunchy Betty ($7.99)

Holistic Mama’s Guide to Homemade Skincare by Roxanne King @ The Holistic Mama ($19)

Homesteading, Gardening and Preserving

Your Custom Homestead by Jill Winger @ The Prairie Homestead ($4.99)

Guide to Gardening and Preserving by Laura Coppinger @ Heavenly Homemakers ($7.95)

Apartment Gardening by Jami Leigh @ Young Wife’s Guide ($2.99)

Healthy Lifestyle

Simple Living by Lorilee Lippincott @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)

Herbal Nurturing by Michele Augur @ Frugal Granola ($8.95)

Simple Natural Health by Nina Nelson @ Shalom Mama ($17)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie Langford @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Pregnancy and Babies

Breast to Bib by Kate Tietje @ Modern Alternative Pregnancy ($8.95)

Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods by Kate Tietje @ Modern Alternative Pregnancy ($8.95)

Unbound Birth by Jenny Yarborough @ The Southern Institute ($4.99)

 

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these awesome Healthy Living companies…

$21.00 of incredible natural products from “Earthpaste” “Real Salt” and “Redmond Clay” products for FREE.

Your choice of a FREE sourdough starter, or a FREE traditional buttermilk starter from Cultures for Health ($12.99 value)


Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is a simple online menu planner that organizes your recipes and creates your grocery list for you. ($15.00 value)

PLUS, You will also be entered to win one of the following 3 awesome prizes…

9-Tray Excalibur Dehydrator with Timer 
($349.95 Value)


Omega Vert VRT350 Masticating Juicer 
($379.99 Value)


Royal Berkey Water Filtration System from LPC Survival 

($289.00 Value)

 The sale ends at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning.  Please take advantage of the sale, for yourself or for a loved one who needs it.  Click over today and buy the Healthy Living eBook Bundle… you’ll be so glad that you did!

Don’t forget to share this post on Facebook or Twitter and leave me a comment to be entered to win a copy of my eBook!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

Heather’s Birth Story.

One of the things I would like to do in this space is to share women’s birth stories.  Not only natural hospital births, but all types of births.  Every month, Unbound Birth blog will feature a birth story.  This month, Heather is sharing the story of the birth of her first child.  If you would like your birth story featured here, please submit it to info@unboundbirth.com, along with a photo to accompany the story.  Enjoy!

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One year ago today our little boy arrived.

after 25 hours of labor, he arrived. he laid on my chest, looking up at brian and me. so quiet. it was absolutely amazing.

the day before he was born, my water broke. it was about 1am. we called our midwife, and she arrived soon after. i sat on the floor, just waiting for her to get to our home. she came, checked to see i was ok, and said she’d come back when things got closer. i tried to sleep, which i did, on and off. my contractions were anywhere from 15 minutes to 5 minutes apart, and from knowing how they were towards the end, mild at first. from there, we tried to just wait it out.

i remember having breakfast, going for walks (many walks), and taking blue cohash. at some point, we thought it was time for our midwife to come back. she did, with her apprentice, and they checked on baby and me. seems like things were moving along slowly. everyone left, and we went back to waiting…and contracting…and trying to sleep…and the blue cohash. the apprentice came back again later, for another check. all was well…but still not yet. she told me to call when i was “primal.”

and then…i was “primal.”

it was around 7pm. i couldn’t get off the bed. it was just where i needed to be. my midwife and her two apprentices arrived…gently asked me to get up (laying down is not the best position to be in)…and then the real labor started. wow. it was intense. brian talked me through my contractions…reminding me to listen to the sounds outside, to feel things other than the pain, to remember that baby was going through this with me. we walked outside, climbed the stairs, swayed back and forth. i’m pretty sure a couple of old ladies were pretty concerned when i…a very pregnant, moaning, girl…walked by them on the sidewalk.

i took a shower. i faced the wall, and was about an inch away from it. just moaning. it was the best shower i’ve ever taken. it was warm, refreshing, relaxing. and the last moments i had alone with my little baby tucked away inside.

once i got out of the shower, i went into the tub. it was set up in the bedroom at some point. and it felt wonderful. there, i continued to labor. another couple of hours of that…it felt endless! i literally thrashed around primally. like nothing i’ve ever felt before. brian joined me in the tub, and continued to gently talk me through the contractions. finally, near midnight, the pushing began. the midwives encouraged me perfectly. we made jokes between pushes, and the energy of it all felt wonderful. the pain was like nothing i have ever felt. i couldn’t BELIEVE how much it hurt! they showed me the baby coming out and that’s all i needed to finish the process. she took my hand and put it on baby’s head. we were so close! i pushed for a little over an hour. and then…i pulled our little baby up onto my chest. and our whole lives changed. this tiny little baby laid there…staring up at brian and me. quiet. seeing for the first time. seeing his mom and dad…for the first time. and then he cried. he cried!  we soon saw that baby was a little boy…a little leo! the cord finished pulsing as he laid there with us, while brian and i stared. we got out of the tub, and while the midwives took care of me, brian held his little boy for the first time.


Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.

Well Said.

photo source

Unbound Birth can now be purchased at the new power price of $2.99! You can find it at the Unbound Birth Store.