"Asher James Jenkinson: 9lbs 4oz of perfect! To have this most precious boy
as the newest addition to our family made the last week of my life one of the best, if
not the best. I have a new birth story!!! Between Asher and Odin's births I
feel I have experienced both ends of the spectrum. I had a lot of fear about
birth going into this pregnancy. One of the first things I told my midwife (Juanita)
after we found out we were pregnant was "I am already nervous about giving
birth again." With the guidance and encouragement of an amazing circle of
women friends I eventually created this affirmation for my birth: "My
birth is beautiful, safe and sacred. I surrender. My baby comes with ease and
grace." I repeated this in my head after every contraction I had starting
at 9:30pm on November 2nd. I tried to sleep. By the time I was in active labor
around 4:30am, I could only pull a few key words from my affirmation:
surrender, ease and grace. Asher was maybe more ready then I was to make an
introduction. I was fearful I would have to push for hours like I did with
Odin, but this is a new story. My affirmation worked and my sweet boy entered
this world after only 6 minutes of pushing. It is possible!!! I was waiting for
someone to hand him to me, but Juanita encouraged me to reach down and pick
him up myself. I was the first to hold my 9lb 4oz bundle of perfect. Born at
8:40am on November 3rd. I am proud of myself, and my strong son, who we have
nicknamed “Beef” short for Beefcake.
Thank you Beef for giving me the most
empowering experience of my life! Thank you birth team (Steve, Wesley, Mom, Juanita and Annie) for your support and for
allowing the process. I love and appreciate you all!"
~Kyla
"Life gives us many miracles. Being at the birth of my
grandson, Asher James, was a miracle of life changing proportions. I was honored to be at such a sacred
event. And I’m forever grateful to my
“nurse angel” friend, Karen, for giving me the following advice: stay focused,
help with your daughter’s needs, and keep the emotions separate! I kept these words
of wisdom in my head during Kyla’s labor and delivery. BUT a mother’s
protective nature is powerful and I wanted to “make it all better” when her
contractions were excruciatingly painful. I breathed every deep breath right
along with her and when she boldly told her midwife, “Juanita, I have to push!”
I clenched my jaw and held my breath. After the hours of contractions, the six
minutes of pushing and Kyla reaching over to get her baby, and then laying him
on her chest, the emotional wave crashed over me and I began to cry. I had just witnessed a life, so innocent and
beautiful, come into this world. Kyla, I’m so proud of you and blessed that I
could be involved in the birth of Asher James Jenkinson.
It’s a boy!"
~ Judi Jackson aka JuJu
"My
sister is and always has been my favorite teacher. I learn nearly
everything from her and I consider myself an extremely blessed woman to
have her as my fearless leader. It is an honor to have been at both Odin
and Asher's births, not only because there is nothing like holding a
brand new baby and my bond with my nephews is stronger because I have
kissed them within minutes of their first breaths, but also because I
have been taught by the most amazing women how to bring precious life
into this world healthily, consciously and confidently. Kyla, you are my
hero, you are so strong and brave and as always, I aspire to be like
you. I love you."
~Wes
