cookies for contractions?

I was sent this from another doula...hmmm. They sound yummy at the very least!

Labor Cookies

2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 t. baking soda
3/4 t. cinnamon
1 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
8 T. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. molasses
1/4 c. egg whites

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda and spices and set
aside. Cream the butter and sugars together. Add the molasses to the creamed
butter, then add the egg whites until combined. Add the dry ingredients
slowly. Once incorporated, roll dough into 1 inch balls and place onto
baking tray. Bake 8-10 minutes.
Once cool eat as many as you can possibly
stomach, lay down for a nap and wait for labor to begin!

finding peace

Today I received a comment from someone full of sadness & regret about her own three cesarean births in regards to a prior post from last January on VBA3C (vaginal birth after 3 cesareans) -

Here was my response:

Dear Anonymous,
I wish your story was uncommon, but it is not, as I'm sure you know.
I don't want to be dismissive (at all), but I do hope you can look back on your births (- yes, I said births... you had unwanted c-sections but you also gave birth to wanted babies -) and can find the victories too. The questions you asked, the thought of what you would prefer even if no one was able to help you make that happen...
I really encourage every woman who feels any sort of trauma or sadness from her births to find someone to listen and help you frame your stories to find the power. Pam England from Birthing From Within & author/doula Penny Simkin are two names to consider for potential phone consults. And the fine folks at ICAN & VBAC.com...
I wish you peace. Please feel free to be in touch if more info is needed.

Kim/DoulaMomma

Twelve

Today my oldest is twelve...hard to believe. Last night we talked about his birth story, just like last year, except he seemed to be humoring me a bit this time. Guess he's growing up.
This morning he informed me that 12 is not really that old, but that since he's so mature, he's actually much older...ah youth!

another snippet of motherhood

Overheard, 5yo saying to 8yo:

"Cereal Killer? Why would anyone want to kill cereal - that's just crazy."

I love that kid!