Feeling all the feelings today as we celebrate my daughter Kate’s BIRTHDAY today.
I learned so much during my pregnancy with her about being wild and free and FULLY in your body when you labor and give birth.
I am grateful to have experienced the feeling of growing a child inside of me. One of the most exquisite experiences of my life.
This shot is from a maternity photoshoot that I gifted myself to remember this moment forever. I channeled EMPRESS that day. When I look at the photos, I’m reminded that we are capable of so much. More than we give ourselves credit for.
Kate’s soul was talking to me prior to conceiving her. I am SO grateful Steven and I made space for her. She completes our family in the most ultimate, ultimate way.
Last night as I was putting Kate to bed, I told her the story of how I heard her talking to me before she came into my belly. How I knew it was her … and how I knew we had to make space for her, our girl.
She smiled a great big smile. It was her all along.
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Here’s our birth story …
My water broke in bed early the morning of April 16, 2014. It was 3 days past her due date (my first 2 children came “early” so this was a trip!).
Our neighbor came over to watch the boys while our doula, Steven and I made the 1-hour 15-minute journey to the hospital in Northampton. We had to go to this particular hospital so I could deliver Kate via VBAC. Our doula followed us in the car and was ready to deliver the baby on the side of the road if need be (my body labors very quickly).
I labored with Kate in the backseat of our car on the ride to the hospital. As I listened to tribal music by Kripalu’s KDZ Drummers on our car stereo, I felt like a primal earth mother and lioness all at the same time. I was on my hands and knees … using my balance I’ve cultivated in my years of yoga practice to maintain this position in a moving car.
I was fully in my body, riding the waves of those contractions. I pulled my own hair, roared, breathed powerfully and felt EVERYTHING. I truly felt like an animal and it was an amazing feeling.
Steven’s hand was my go-to during contractions too … I squeezed it so tight, I almost broke his hand!
My mantra that got me through the most painful contractions >> “Pain is temporary. Family is forever.”
When we arrived at the hospital, I was fully dilated and it was time to welcome my angel into the world. Before I could get onto the wheelchair to head up to my room, I went to a bench in the lobby to have another contraction (again, hands and knees … you can’t stand up during contractions at that stage!). I learned that you must FULLY trust and listen to your body during labor and birth (this applies for so much in life too!). TRUST + LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.
I listened to my body the entire time and did what I felt called to do. My team supported me and let me do what I knew how to do. They didn’t get in my way. They didn’t try to hook me up to all these machines and cords and obstacles. They didn’t make me lay in a bed with my legs in stirrups (when I birthed Sean in NYC, that was my experience).
At one point towards the end, the pain was so intense that I felt like I was breaking in a million pieces. The amount of opening inside that’s required to birth is hard to put into words.
I still remember that feeling. I can still touch it. I looked at my midwife with pure surrender and agony … I think my eyes said “why? why does it have to hurt so much?”
Her response: “This is exactly what it feels like. You are doing amazing. Your baby is coming.”
I trusted on an even deeper level than I thought possible.
I birthed Kate on all fours as my team surrounded me with love and encouragement and felt my baby just glide out of me.
Then someone whispered in my ear, “it’s a girl” and I balled! We didn’t find out the sex of any of our children prior to birth because to me OMG that is the BEST surprise in the world. The best. I intuitively knew it was a girl throughout my pregnancy and it was amazing to have that knowing confirmed.
Tears of joy fell as I held my DAUGHTER Kate Julie Fenig for the very first time.
My late sister’s name is Julie Ann Amon. I always knew if I had a girl, her middle name would be Julie. Three children in and I was able to honor my sister this way. THANK YOU, GOD!
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4 years later … and what a ride it has been. Kate is funny. She’s smart. She asks for what she wants. She’s kind. She loves all things sparkle. She loves her brothers big time and they love her. She shines bright like a star.
I am so, so grateful she chose me as her mom.
Oh, the places we will go … she will go! And I’ll be by her side, cheering her on, always.
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Believe in your ability to grow ideas, babies, dreams, wings, courage, wealth, businesses, love … you name it.
The power is within you … waiting to be unleashed.
I want to help you ACTIVATE your POWER.
Are you ready?
Then check out these upcoming happenings and JOIN ME on the QUEST.
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS …
WILD WOMAN MAGIC: A 1-Day Sacred Retreat in NYC
I’m circling up with a power crew of women in NYC on Friday, June 1 for a 1-day retreat led by me + Christine Gutierrez. It’s called WILD WOMAN MAGIC and you don’t want to miss it. I know you are ready to birth something right now. And I want to help you.
Be a part of something that’s pure magic.
DO LESS + MAKE MORE: Online Workshop on April 24
I’ve been in business for 10 years, and I’ve experienced just about every stage of business a person can – including being burned out, stressed out and over it.
🔥 But not anymore! 🔥
This next season of my business is dedicated to doing less while making more and helping as many amazing business owners like you do the same.
I’ve consciously designed my business to spend as much time with my kids as I can AND serve my clients deeply AND make great 💵 money . . . and you can too!
Join me for a FREE online workshop Tuesday, April 24 at 1 p.m. or 8 p.m. EST where I’ll walk you through how you can break free from the grind and rise to your next level as a spiritual entrepreneur.
I’m excited to spend time with you SOON!
