The amazing Alyson Morgan with her daughter Magnolia (9 months). The first few months of Alyson's pregnancy were a bit difficult due to her feeling poorly and being in the midst of a midwestern winter. When her second trimester arrived it came with some relief and excitement and was exactly what she had hoped pregnancy would be. Alyson knew that she wanted to have a natural birth but wasn't sure what form that would take. During her pregnancy they moved out of their home and in with her in-laws so she knew a home birth was not an option. She began interview midwives at birth centers, hired a doula and planned to deliver there. Her pregnancy progressed very well and just a month before her due date she and her husband bought a home. Her doula told her that she could have a home birth now which she hadn't fully considered but quickly dove in. She labored at home and reached the point her midwife said many women request a transfer but was able to power through. Magnolia was born in the tub in her bedroom without complication and able to cuddle with her in bed right away. They left her cord attached for two hours, were able to nurse right away and Alyson says it was everything she had hoped for.
Participating in this movement was important to Alyson for many reasons, one of which is that after struggling with an eating disorder in high school she was uncertain how pregnancy related changes to her body would impact her. While she was able to embrace her body without recurrence of her disordered eating it helped her to recognize how important it is that she protect her daughter from body shame as much as she possibly can.