The radiant Rachel Rimar with her daughter Brynlee (10.5 months). Rachel was always told that it takes some time to conceive so that's what she was expecting only to find that for she and her husband it took no time at all! She had a healthy pregnancy and though she was pulled towards homebirth she chose to deliver in hospital because she felt that's just what you do. She chose a midwifery based practice but didn't enjoy seeing someone new every time. She took Bradley classes and through them learned to advocate for herself and ask for what she needed. Rachel's water broke but she didn't tell her doctor because she knew what the recommendations would be. Labor didn't pick up all day but was intense overnight only to slow down to a stop. This continued for three days, amping up in the evening and all but stopping during the day. She was able to keep in touch with her Bradley instructor through it all and on the third day ended up going to her house to meet with and be checked by midwives. That evening things really kicked into gear and she labored at home until she hit all the markers she'd hoped to before heading to hospital. Rachel felt very empowered laboring at home but things changed once she arrived at the hospital. She had hoped to have a natural delivery but ended up having an epidural and pitocin. While it wasn't exactly the birth she wanted she says her daughter is here and she will likely advocate for a homebirth next time. Rachel gained 70 pounds while pregnant and felt beautiful. She experienced the changes in her body and felt that society celebrated along with her. After giving birth, however, she feels that societal shift has changed yet still she feels it's important to enjoy the experience. She wants other women to feel allowed to simply experience and enjoy the changes they go through as well.
