As we prepare for baby #2 and store our suitcases for awhile I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this blog and what it really means and how I can keep writing even when I’m not on the road.

While we aren’t preparing for a big trip somewhere we are preparing for a very big and special event that will involve a  “trip.”  Baby Lee #2 will soon be making his or her first trip.  That is, his or her trip into the world.  I hope to make it as smooth and simple of a trip as possible for the newest member of our family.

I’ve had a lot of people ask me about my last pregnancy and preparation and mostly about how I was able to have natural childbirth (that is no drugs, no intervention) and give birth to a healthy and very happy 9 lb. 3 oz. little girl.

While I certainly had mother nature on my side and perhaps some good genetics (and birthing hips..), for the most part I believe it was preparation.  Just like preparing for a big trip with children to make it as simple and easy as possible, I did the same for preparing for labor and delivery and a successful natural birth of Stella.

I have only positive memories of her birth.  Yes there was pain and yes it was a lot of hard work but I can only say that it was euphoric and as amazing as some of the stories you read…contrary to many beliefs, it can be amazing.

We recently met with our doula (that’s a birth coach for all ya’ll out there who don’t know what this is, technically it means “a woman who mother’s a mother…”).  She said she tells our birth story all the time to inspire other mother’s that it doesn’t have to be painful.

She validated what I’d been saying since I gave birth to Stella and that was that it was a very euphoric (picture the coolest acid trip you’ve ever seen “captured” in a movie…I have no idea what tripping on acid feels like but can only say that if I did and from the depictions I’ve seen in movies, I think that’s what happened to me).  Everything was fuzzy/hazy and euphoric.  She said she remembers watching me in the hardest and intense moments of “pushing” and that I looked like I was having an out of body experience, eyes dilated, etc.  It was a relief to hear her say these things as it was how I felt but no one seemed to believe me or understand.

Many people believe that a baby’s personality is shaped from day one of conception.  A child’s personality/aura/soul can be influenced both by nature (your given disposition) and nurture (how things in your life influence who you are).  During my pregnancy with Stella and now with this baby I have done everything in my power to be positive, stay happy and healthy.  I also prepare for the baby’s birthday as much as possible to ensure a calm and easy entry into the world.  I believe it goes a long way into having a happy baby.  (Of course, this theory could be thrown out the window if we end up with a fussy baby for #2!).

So as I prepare for the simple travel of our new baby into the world I hope to document some of my preparation and even give you an inside peak into both my labor and delivery via this blog, Facebook and Twitter updates.

My goal here is to hopefully show a positive birth experience and inspire others to try to go the natural route for the health of both mother and baby.

As many well know, the best plan for a healthy birth is no plan.  You must stay open minded, plan for the unexpected and be flexible, but most of all breath and try to relax!

If you are interested in how things unfold and just want to see if “I can do it again” (hint, I do too) then follow me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/dreamalee