I finally took the time today and sat down and wrote out a birth plan for Ella's birth. Normally during labor I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl but being that this is the only time we are going to have with her I want to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Luckily I didn't have to come up with it on my own. I followed the birth plan from a wonderful organization called String of Pearls. It is an organization that helps parents deal with the passing of their babies. Laura, the founder of the organization, also sent me a wonderful package filled with items to make keepsakes for Ella. There is a plaster kit to make 3D hand and foot molds,a Christmas ornament to put her hand and footprints on, clay to make hand and footprints with, white sage and wild mint tea to help decrease my milk supply,and Cabo Creme to help with engorgement. There was also a journal, a photo album, and a book on grief. I am so thankful for Laura and String of Pearls for all of the kindness they have shown me! If you have time please read Pearl's story at www.stringofpearlsonline.org .
My birth plan is not so much a plan for the birth but a comfort care plan for after Ella is born. We want to make sure that we have as much time with her as possible but also that she doesn't suffer or feel any pain. I was a little reluctant to sit down and write it all out but I feel much better knowing that it is done. Should she come early we are prepared and the doctor's and nurses will know just what we want this birth experience to be. I feel the need to have everything ready just in case. I have bought two little preemie outfits so if she comes early she will have something cute to wear. I have also ordered her a personalized blanket to keep her warm in the hospital. I do still need to find her a cute little hat as I know this will be her most important accessory!
I just want to finish with a passage of scripture that has been on my mind.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:13-16
Courtney your courage during this difficult time in your life has left me at a loss for words! I cant even imagine the pain you are feeling. Your faith in GOD is something to be admired at a time when you could turn your back on him! I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for peace for you and your husband in this difficult time!
ReplyDeleteShannon Murray
Im praying now until her birthday that her birth plan will be divinely inspired, and her time will be an amazingly lived life to remember, whether it is five minutes or five days. <3
ReplyDeleteHow special Ella is to have a family, who loves her so much. God never leaves us without words of comfort for our time of need. Psalm 139 - what reassurance that God has not made a mistake or failed you or Ella in anyway. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteMy mother in law made two hats (in two different sizes) for Claire, our daughter who was born with anencephaly. It nice to put something special on her. I don't know if you know anyone who sews or not, but it's an idea... You will cherish those hand and foot prints forever. I know I do mine. Sometimes I just get them out and rub my finger over them and feel closer to her, feel like what I went through was valid and real even though no one else can see her today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing me to string of pearls! I had no idea about them. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteYour faith is so strong--sending blessings your way!
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