Just a few months ago, I had the opportunity to share with you this family’s beginning. At that stage they were in their last term of pregnancy and, inspired by their story of being brought together, started the Ringing Cedars Singles Telegram Chat.
Now, their baby has been born. And their story is nothing short of an awe-some inspiring truth at how whole and beautiful being born may be. I also had the opportunity to get to know Lauren a little bit (before she and Brandon met) while working on an epic Ringing Cedars project together. It’s a special story for me to share.
-Elizabeth Erkel, Community Outreach Coordinator
Stewarding Blissful Emergence | Story written by Lauren Chu
On December 19th 2024 (Harmonic Calendar Date 6th month 7 day Rhythmic Moon), we welcomed a new soul into our family. Genevieve Haili Baugh, birthed gently into the waters at our home on Maui. 🥰 My heart is bursting with blessings and basking in the glow of the best Christmas gift ever!
Wow the birth portal was epic! I’ve been nerding out on natural physiological home birth for 9 months to prepare myself physically, emotionally and spiritually for this moment. I know the work I put in paid off and I’m so proud that I created the birth I envisioned! My midwife Michelle said it was the best birth she had ever seen! 🤩🥰 She’s also an ND (Naturopathic Dr) so between her, Dr. Mom, my beloved Brandon and even little Jericho cheering me on, I knew I was fully supported. But I also knew to trust my instincts and listen to my own body above all else.
I have learned that natural birth is all about stimulating oxytocin, so with each wave I leaned into Brandon’s loving arms and envisioned holding our beautiful baby. I literally laughed with each contraction through 9 hours of active labor as this thought turned intensity into bliss and I welcomed my body to open a portal between realms. I spent the last hour in the birthing pool (weightless warm water was instant relief!) with her crowning as I trusted her to work her way through the portal at her own pace. No rush = no tears! My body was pushing all on its own and all I had to do was ride the waves, rest in between and trust this divine collaboration with my baby.
My baby girl was a whopping 9 lbs 5 oz (97th percentile!) with a 14.25” head! Proud to say I grew a big healthy baby on a 100% vegetarian diet and birthed naturally at home with zero medical interventions, not even a single ultrasound or cervical exam the whole pregnancy. I also love that I could share this peaceful version of birth with a select few who had misconceptions about birth or who had a traumatic birth experience of their own, who said witnessing was a healing experience.
My darling Genevieve, I’m so happy to give you such a glowing start in this world! Thank you for choosing and trusting me to bring you in with such bliss!
