My Water Baby :: Holistic Healing :: Herbal Remedies :: A-F

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My Water Baby
by author Lauren Plaviak

I was squatting for four hours in what I consider "hard labour." Suddenly something gave way. A curly little head burst into the water and I looked down to gently stroke the tiny tranquil face. With a sigh of relief, I gave one last push and my son’s body gracefully emerged into the full tub of warm water. No part of his skin was exposed to trigger the breath reflex.

According to research, a "water baby" may not even realize it’s been born and can continue a peaceful existence underwater for up to 10 minutes. I had planned to embrace such a moment, but excitement overwhelmed me. I scooped my baby up and held him in my arms as he cried with all the strength he had. My mother (a licensed practical nurse) and sister-in-law, the only two present, were both in tears as we stared at this wondrous gift of life. He quickly settled, nestled softly in my arms–Kyro Alexander!

After my mother and I checked for normal colour and reflexes, I gave my son his first pellet of homeopathic Arnica 30X (and decided to take a dose myself). This would rapidly alleviate any bruising and muscle strain that may have occurred during the labour and birth. I checked the cord, which was still vibrating with life-giving blood, then carefully reclined back in the tub with my new son relaxing peacefully on my chest. My mom put his little cap on, lay a light receiving blanket over us, and turned down the lights.

Thinking back, the many years of optimal nutrition and the aid of herbs and homeopathy throughout pre-conception, pregnancy and birth were well worth it.

My story began while I was living and working in Kenya. The rewards involved with teaching children made me realize the emptiness in my own life: I was 31 years old with an incredible career life–nothing more, nothing less. My partner was a Kenyan man who knew how much I wanted a child. I had been preparing myself unknowingly for over a decade. Health does not simply begin at conception and end at birth. It’s a lifelong process.

Preparing the Body

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Lauren Plaviak has been a researcher, writer and health and wellness consultant for the health industry since 1989. She lives in Regina, SK.

Source: alive #227, September 2001

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