Jan 18, 2010 Posted by Jess Ray

My Second Birth Story

So, my “due date” of December 18th came and went much to all of our surprise considering that Evalee came a week “early”. Plus, I was carrying MUCH bigger this time around, much more out front so to speak… My mom had already been here for a week or so, helping me get some much needed rest, cleaning and preparing food for the freezer. Every morning we woke up wondering when... read more

Aug 12, 2009 Posted by Jess Ray

Is it really illegal to have a homebirth in New York State?

When I became pregnant with my first child, Evalee (now 3) I was told that home births were essentially illegal in New York State. A very dear friend of mine who is also an nurse told me this awful story… Back in the early nineties (I think) a young couple were planning a home birth with their OB/GYN. The pregnancy was going along just fine but at about 36 weeks or so the OB saw something that was... read more

Feb 11, 2009 Posted by Jess Ray

My Birth Plan

Writing a clear, concise and brief birth plan is essential if you want your birth to go well. Not only will a birth plan tell your OB or midwife your preferences, but it will also determine the kind of nurse you are assigned. I believe, quite strongly, that one of the primary reasons why my natural hospital birth went so well was because I had a fantastic nurse. Why did I have such a great nurse? Because... read more

Feb 14, 2008 Posted by Jess Ray

How to Avoid Interventions During Child Birth

I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful support system of my husband Matt and my family when I chose to have a natural birth. It is something my mom chose for herself and therefor had some experience with. Not all women are as fortunate. The more new moms I cross paths with and share birth stories with, the more I realize how our society has a preconceived notion about child birth. I had a recent... read more

Feb 11, 2008 Posted by Jess Ray

How to Write a Birth Plan for a Natural Birth

Having a solid, one page birth plan is an essential item for any mom planning a natural birth in a hospital setting. I am confident that having such a plan directly contributed to me achieving the birth experience I wanted and made sure that my post birth wishes were respected as well. If I had the choice I would have had my daughter at home, but home births are illegal in New York state. (Any New York... read more