Little Wife in the Woods

An All-Natural Positive Hospital Birth Story: Jackson Keith

*Written by Anna Bourdess.

**This post contains affiliate links.

To understand our birth story a little better let me tell you about the weeks leading up to Jackson’s arrival. My pregnancy had been almost seamless up until 35 weeks. I had some pretty severe morning sickness the whole time, but, beyond that things had gone very well. 

At 35 weeks my blood pressure suddenly spiked. After visiting with my midwife and some testing, I was informed that I had, with no warning, developed preeclampsia. We weighed through together the benefits and risks of each decision and we decided that it would be best to try and get me to 37 weeks and then we would induce. I was put on bedrest and monitored my blood pressure closely at home. We ended up in the hospital twice before delivering Jackson, due to blood pressure spikes. 

PROM (premature rupture of membranes) 

Scheduled for induction the following Thursday, I woke up around four o’clock in the morning on that Sunday, to discover my water had broken. Only, I didn’t realize that’s what had happened. For me, it wasn’t like a movie scene where a huge gush of fluid splashes to the floor. It was more like a leaky faucet, and as any mama will tell you that feeling is pretty common those last months of pregnancy. Not realizing what was happening, I later went back to sleep and awoke to the same feeling around seven. By now I was suspicious. 

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My husband, Philip, had gone to do bus route and church that morning but, I had informed him of what I thought was going on and asked him to keep his phone close. At this point that “faucet” I mentioned earlier had sprung a few more leaks and I was feeling a lot of pressure, making it difficult to sit comfortably. Contractions started around nine and slowly increased in frequency and intensity but still very manageable. I called Philip at ten and suggested he come home. By the time he got there, things were picking up. Let me just pause here and say how thankful I am for my husband. He did amazing and I could not have had the birth experience I did without his support. 

We eventually make it to the hospital and they run all of their tests to confirm that I am actually in labor. My triage nurse was phenomenal. She explained everything she was going to do and asked permission for it all. I consented to a cervical exam and we found out I was at three centimeters dilation and eighty percent effaced. You don’t have to have cervical exams if you don’t want to, it’s completely your choice. Just remember, they typically don’t mean much as far as your progress goes. Things can change quickly with your progress or you could stall out. Every person’s body is different and each time can be different so don’t get consumed with your numbers. 

I desired greatly to have a natural, unmedicated delivery and tried my best in prayer and preparation to have the greatest chance of that happening. Once we were in a room, a nurse began bringing in a bag of Pitocin, to which I had not consented at the time. I politely declined and we tried some natural methods to progress my labor. At this time I was having consistent contractions, but they weren’t getting closer together or intensifying anymore. A few hours later, Philip and I discussed the risks versus benefits of beginning the Pitocin and decided it would be best to start the Pitocin to try and progress my labor. I could have delayed it longer, the risk was not high, it’s just what we felt was best for myself and baby at that time.

I had originally planned to be very mobile during labor and also use a birthing tub once at a certain point. Due to the preeclampsia, it was asked that I be monitored constantly which wasn’t a part of my plan, however, at the time I found it easier for me to be calm through my labor while listening to Jackson’s heartbeat, so I agreed. My nurses knew I desired to be up and moving and so kindly brought in a portable monitor since I wasn’t a candidate for wireless monitoring due to Jackson coming early. This allowed me as much mobility as possible, which greatly helped me manage my contractions. 

Beginning the Pitocin 

My nurse and I decided upping the Pitocin at half the usual rate would work best for my body. Since I was already showing signs of progression, we just wanted to give my body a little boost. Within thirty minutes of starting the Pitocin, things were progressing forward again. Since I couldn’t use the tub due to monitoring, I had to use other things in my arsenal of pain management. I brought several options since I didn’t know what I’d prefer. I ended up using a labor comb, and birthing ball the most. I had also practiced breathing techniques which were such a big part of my pain management. Philip was amazing in helping me achieve the unmedicated birth I desired. He was constantly giving counter pressure (which felt amazing), telling me how proud he was of me, and reminding me to relax my body and breath down. 

Transition 

After being on the Pitocin for a few hours, I requested a cervical exam again. To my dismay, I had only progressed to 4 cm. This is why I stated previously to not get focused on the numbers. Things can change fast, and they did for me. We pushed the Pitocin up slightly, one more time, and within 30 minutes my contractions were much more intense than they had been before. I was no longer able to speak at all through them and had entered “labor land” as many mamas have called it. Focusing on nothing but breathing and low moaning through each one.

I had been doing well with the mental game of labor but I hit a point of exhaustion and lost some of the control I had worked so hard to keep. My low moans turned into growls and became much louder than before. More like a grizzly bear if I’m being honest. At this point my nurse had come in when the next contraction hit. She saw me bare down and urged me to resist that feeling to push because if my cervix wasn’t dilated enough it would swell and birth would be much more difficult. I told her my body was doing that and I had no control. Stunned she said “Oh! would it be ok for me to check you again?” I agreed and she did a cervical exam. She leaped off the table and told me how proud she was of me and that I was doing it! I had gone from 4cm to 10cm in thirty minutes and we were about to have a baby!

Delivery

 Contractions were hitting back to back and at this point Philip was growing uneasy seeing me in so much pain, not knowing how to help ease it anymore. He said he was praying in his heart “Lord, I really wish Anna’s mom was here, she would know what to do”. He looked up and guess who was standing at the door? He said he mouthed “help me” across the room to her. I hate I missed that because it’s still hilarious to me that my husband needed my mommy for my birth.

We had originally planned for it to be just Philip and I, but I’m thankful my mom got to be in there. It was special. During all this, contractions are still hitting back to back and the nurse is calmly but repeatedly calling for the doctor knowing we don’t have long before this baby is here. The doctor made it in the room and barely got his gloves on when Jackson made his appearance. By now, he had triggered the fetal ejection reflex and in two pushes he was here. In Philip’s description it wasn’t a delivery, I launched him.

I heard that perfect little cry and they laid him on my chest while Philip laid above my head and sobbed. That will forever be one of my most precious memories. We did delayed cord clamping and his Daddy cut the cord when it was time. With him being early we weren’t sure what he would need so a NICU team was on stand by in the room. Originally, my plan was an hour of undisturbed skin to skin, however, with him being a preemie we knew he needed to be checked out quickly, especially his breathing. Once the cord was cut, I handed him to the nurses to be checked out and Philip followed to ensure all our wishes were honored. No eye goop, no shots, just checked, measured, weighed, and right back to mama if all was well. Praise The Lord it was, my little early boy was perfect in every way, to all the staff’s amazement and spent the next several hours getting all the snuggles. In fact, he’s still getting all the snuggles. 

Although everything about my birth wasn’t exactly how I had planned, I am still so happy with our birth story. Of course all that matters is a healthy baby, but having a no or low intervention birth was extremely important to me. I’m so thankful that The Lord heard that prayer and granted the natural delivery I desired. 

It is possible to have an unmedicated, peaceful hospital birth. The biggest suggestion I have is do your research. Knowledge is power. Pray about what is best for you and then put in the work to be informed on your choice so things don’t surprise you. Babies don’t care about your plans. 

If you have any birth questions feel free to reach out. Nothing is TMI, I had so many questions as a first time mama and having people along the way to ask all my questions to was such a blessing. 

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Living in Overwhelming Exasperation

*Written by Katie Ledbetter

When my youngest was born my oldest was a few weeks shy of 8 years old. That’s not significant in any way unless you factor the other four children in between. That’s right they were 7, 6, 5, 3, 1, and newborn. I had two I was homeschooling and I was also my husband’s secretary at the time. He was in his seventh year of pastoring the church and he was almost 29 years old.  You can do the math on the one. Life was hectic. 

I didn’t the have the luxury of family living close by or going to church with us. I did have some amazing church family that did step in but all in all I was raising my babies and doing life alone most of the time.  I don’t mean my husband wasn’t around or was unhelpful. It just wasn’t his role to nurse a newborn while changing an 18 month old, wrangling a 3 year old who loved to write on walls, watching ever new trick my 5 year old wanted me to watch, while doing Phonics with my first and second graders and encouraging them to become self-sufficient while discouraging then from mothering my babies.  Did I mention we homeschooled at the church? This meant daily cleaning the church, going to the gym to try to condition my stretched out, worn out body, returning home to make supper, clean my house, keep up laundry, bathe children, remember if I had taken a shower this week, and somehow keep a great relationship with my husband. 

This makes me laugh to read because honestly it never felt like a lot at the time, but now, I have no idea outside of the grace of God how I functioned. I was 100 miles an hour all day every day. And, I loved it!!! Yes, I had my times when I looked at my husband and said, “If you don’t get me a hotel room alone for a night I’m gonna fall apart!” He thankfully did and that’s probably why I’m still kicking, but mostly I’m only here as a testament that God will give you the grace, strength, and joy to serve Him by serving your family. He will give you what you need when you need it. You’ll look back, like I am now, in awe of Him!!! 

Momma, these hard days where you fall in bed at 2 am just because you wanted to take a bath alone or finish the laundry won’t last forever. The baby stage changes to toddler and toddler to school age before you turn around. Soon you’ll look and your first child to get married will be walking down the aisle. Then they give you grandchildren and you see them in the overwhelming chaos that is the life they are now creating and you’ll know how to help in ways that come so easy and yet leave you so worn out you’ll look at your own daughter with new admiration. You’ll look back on your own life and simply praise The Lord for His goodness. 

Earthley

So, when the days come and you think you can’t handle one more thing, stop all you’re doing and load up those babies and go to the park. Go to McDonald’s if it’s raining and get ice cream. If you can’t afford that or don’t have a car, make a tent in the living room or have a picnic in the yard. While you’re stopping the chaos to enjoy your life remember this life is so short and today is the day God gave you!! Yes, it’s overwhelming and yes, it’s exasperating at times, but it’s also worth celebrating. 

Everyone gets overwhelmed and there are times we just have to accept that what really matters is not a clean house or a perfect homeschool day. It’s not making sure the children are picture ready or the business we’ve created is caught up.  It’s simply being thankful we’ve been blessed with this life at all. Don’t forget in the overwhelming exasperation to simply tell God, “Thank you, Lord!!! You’ve been good to me!” 

Psalm 127:1-5 KJV
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. [2] It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. [3] Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. [5] Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. 

Lamentations 3:21-24 KJV
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. [22] It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [23] They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. [24] The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

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How to Combat Loneliness in Early Motherhood

*Written by Katie Ledbetter

Two months after my oldest daughter, Tori, was born we packed up a moving truck and headed to Henderson, North Carolina. I was leaving the Bible College we had attended for three years, the church we had joined almost two years before after we were married, and all the friendships built in that stage of life. In college I was only three and a half hours from my family; where we were moving would be 11 hours away. We were so excited, but the excitement of the new quickly faded into the loneliness of early, isolated motherhood. I didn’t have a vehicle of my own, this was before cell phones had become a real thing, and long distance was pricey. The church was small and the situation out of balance and not what we expected at all as we arrived and found that the church people had no idea the pastor had even invited us to come serve with him at all. 

Two months after my oldest daughter, Tori, was born we packed up a moving truck and headed to Henderson, North Carolina. I was leaving the Bible College we had attended for three years, the church we had joined almost two years before after we were married, and all the friendships built in that stage of life. In college I was only three and a half hours from my family; where we were moving would be 11 hours away. We were so excited, but the excitement of the new quickly faded into the loneliness of early, isolated motherhood. I didn’t have a vehicle of my own, this was before cell phones had become a real thing, and long distance was pricey. The church was small and the situation out of balance and not what we expected at all as we arrived and found that the church people had no idea the pastor had even invited us to come serve with him at all. 

I was still a new mom and trying hard to find my way and figure it all out. I was nursing and she was stubborn. Though she did seem to grow out of the red headed temper, she was most definitely born with one. We were learning together how to be mother and daughter and how to be what God made us to be in these rolls. I loved my husband but he wasn’t a woman and couldn’t understand all i was going through. I had been saved less than a year at this time. We had moved from Ohio and moving to the south brought a whole new aspect of life I had never before knew existed. This church didn’t have and didn’t want a nursery. This meant I had no break to even get my soul fed and I had never been trained what to do with a baby in church. My husband did get to sit with me those first few months most services, but he couldn’t feed her, and I couldn’t pump, so most services were spent sitting in a Sunday School room not hearing well, if able to hear at all. 

My entire existence was centered around this small person and her daddy and I loved it!

I loved every minute and yet I was so lonely. My heart was aching. How do you ask for help when you don’t even know what you need? You don’t. I didn’t feel like I was suffering enough to complain, after all we were doing God’s work and I didn’t want to be the weak link in my husband’s ministry. But, I was starving for godly, female fellowship. The few ladies in the church had no idea. I was a Yankee and they were doing their best by me. I was a stranger and so were they. They had no idea why we were even there and we had been instructed by the pastor not to tell them. That makes getting close to people impossible. As I said, I didn’t even know what questions to ask, or if it was even okay to ask church people when we were supposed to be ministering to them. I longed for the days when my mother, sisters, mother-in-law, and grandmother called me. I didn’t tell them how lonely I was. I didn’t tell anyone but I cried every time I hung up the phone. 

I cried alone. I didn’t want Jeff to know. I didn’t want my precious baby to feel the hurt. I didn’t want to be a burden and most of all I didn’t want God to think I wasn’t thankful. So, I suffered and grieved alone, longing for something, but I didn’t really even know what. No other preacher’s wife reached out and I had no idea if I could reach out to them. I didn’t want to be a bother to anyone. 

I could tell you a hundred more stories about loneliness in motherhood, loneliness in ministry, loneliness in general. I’m hear to assure you loneliness is normal. That’s right!!! It’s 100% normal. You carried each baby inside of you for nine months and no one on the outside even really knew what you were going through. Whether you nurse, can’t nurse, or chose to bottle feed every avenue comes with a learning curve and you feel as if you are all alone in it. If you have one child or you have six you are their entire world and at times that just feels draining and you long for adult interaction. And, not just any interaction, but the interaction of a dear friend who understands and doesn’t want anything from you. Not everyone has that, in fact, most women don’t. So where’s the hope? Where’s the encouragement? It’s exactly where you think it is.

It’s found in The Lord and in His Word. 

Hebrews 13:5 KJV
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

He will not leave you in this time. He will not forsake you. I wish that we had more women willing to step up for each other but sadly we don’t, so my advice to you is to become one. You may never have the friend you need but you can become the friend someone else needs. Through you unity can be built in your friendships and in your church. 

Proverbs 18:24 KJV
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. 

If you do not want to be lonely invite people into your world, however messy it may be right now. Bring them into your life with the sole purpose of encouraging them, but you must set boundaries. This can’t become a vent session of all your negativities or your loneliness will just grow. Invite a younger woman and an older, godly woman to lunch. Be ready to sympathize with the younger and learn from the elder. Will you feel less lonely? Maybe not, but the purpose is to be willing to give not to gain. I know in this stage of life you have very little to give at all but I found God’s Word to be true. If you strive to please The Lord He will fill the need. 

Acts 20:35 KJV
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

If your loneliness is more than loneliness. If it’s hormonal and you feel lost and like ending it all please get medical help. Don’t wait. Feeling alone because you’re a new mom is normal. Feeling like hurting yourself, your baby, your other children, your spouse, or anyone else is not normal, it is medical. You may be a bit off balance from what your body lost in pregnancy, delivery, and nursing. Get help! There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Most of the time you just need a boost for a short time and then you’ll be back to your old self again. The brain is an organ it needs help and healing sometimes just like the rest of the body does. 

For those of your who are just in the adjustment stage of life I promise it gets easier. One day you’ll be able to listen to a whole sermon in church. One day you’ll be able to even take notes again. It may not be today and if you ever need to talk about it please go to a godly woman and not someone who will handicap you. Grumbling is what kept Israel handicapped in the wilderness. Find you a good aged woman who loves The Lord, who loves her husband and children, who loves the church, and loves to pray. You need someone you know will pray for you. It’s going to be okay! The Lord understands! 

Psalm 147:5 KJV
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. 

Embrace the loneliness and make it your friend. You’ll never get this time back again and if you spend all your time looking for a way out you’ll never be able to realize that God wanted to meet you in this place. You have an opportunity that so many miss. You have a place inside right now that no human can fill. Let God have His place in your lonely.

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My Homebirth Story: Joanna Faith

I’ve been out enjoying all the baby snuggles the past five weeks and can I just say, I LOVE the newborn stage! I’m trying to soak up every minute I can. It goes by way too fast!

If you’ve been here a while you know that I like to document my birth stories here. For two reasons, one being for myself— I always want to remember the details! The other reason is to encourage new mamas to at very least *attempt* a natural, unmediated birth. It’s also just fun to read or hear birth stories!

Whatever brought you to this post, I’m glad you’re here! Thanks for reading. I post a new blog every week about homemaking, real food recipes, and mom life. You can subscribe to the blog for post updates. We’re also on Instagram as @littlewifeinthewoods.

Now let’s get into that birth story!

Why we chose homebirth

I have always wanted to have a homebirth, as much as I have always wanted to be a mom! As a little girl it fascinated me. (I was basically an eight year old granny— I liked growing herbs, baking, and babies…not much has changed!)

In my late teens, due to some chronic health issues caused by a vaccine, then the pandemic in 2020, I have zero faith in the medical system. Don’t get me wrong, I think doctors are great, nurses are fantastic, and hospitals are sometimes necessary! However, I just do not see the need personally if your pregnancy is healthy and things are going well. Especially if you want an environment conducive to a natural laboring/birthing experience.

(TIMEOUT: I am in no way becoming a homebirth advocate! I truly believe the way you have your babies is between you, your husband, and God. And there is NO wrong way to have a baby— medicated, unmedicated. Hospital or home. A healthy baby is all that matters.)

My firstborn was birthed in the hospital and it was a great experience. I just do not enjoy the system. I truly feel unsafe in the hospital/medical environment. I do not know if I can even explain that to someone who doesn’t know what that feels like. The best way I know how is that I just do not trust any of the system or process.

Another huge reason was that financially it just made more sense for our family. I wanted a homebirth with our first but my husband was just very uncomfortable with the idea…until we got that hospital bill back after we had her!!

I had a completely natural labor and delivery in the hospital. Other than being constantly monitored (which I hated!!) I did 90% of all the work involved in getting this child here. So why they were charging more than six months of mortgage payments I’ll never understand! But they did!

Homebirth monitoring

Some would say it’s a completely careless decision. And you’re allowed to feel that way. I have complete confidence in my decision— now more than ever, so these opinions really don’t bother me.

However, I do want to clarify that trained and experienced midwives highly monitor your health and the health of your baby throughout pregnancy. Each visit all vitals are checked, baby’s heart rate, positioning of the baby, and swelling is addressed. Routine checks for protein in the urine, blood pressure, and any abnormalities or discomforts are addressed. I do not have time to explain how much more helpful my midwives were throughout my pregnancy than doctor’s previously! They just had so many more tricks up their sleeve to help make pregnancy as comfortable and natural as possible!

Laboring at Home

I still love those words. At Home.

There is nothing more comforting, peaceful, and natural than laboring at home. I did not get this opportunity with my first. My water broke and I was basically told to come running to the hospital where I labored for about 18 hours.

The home laboring experience was so special. It began around 4:30am Monday morning after another exhausting night of no sleep. If you have had a baby you know about the skepticism surrounding labor…is it really labor? Could be false labor? might be real? You never know until you know!

My contractions did not stop when I changed positions so I figured it was a good sign but decided to get in the bath to make sure they didn’t go away before I woke my husband up. They didn’t! I sat in there a while, then decided to eat something since it would probably be a long day.

I woke Jimmy up around 6 to let him know he wouldn’t be going to work. Then we got busy making sure everything was ready.

I had prepared as much as I could in the weeks leading up to birth. My first came at 38 weeks so I definitely wanted everything ready and organized just in case. The only things we had to do was make our bed and take a few things out of our bedroom to fit the birth tub.

We also let our midwife know when contractions were consistently seven minutes apart for about an hour. She would be aware and close but let us labor undisturbed until they were three minutes apart, lasting one minute or more, consistently for an hour.

With all the things done we just waited!

I was able to get a little rest in the hours of early labor. As things started to ramp up I began to change positions trying to stay comfortable while also making progress. This was so fun! In the hospital my movement was very limited so I did not get to experiment with different positions.

I went from bed, to pacing, to birth ball, to leaning over the bed and each place/position provided relief in different ways!

While I was laboring Jimmy was working! It was Monday and if you’ve been here a while you know my house is so bad on Mondays I do this thing called a Monday reset! This Monday was no exception. He jumped right in there cleaning, taking care of the toddler, and making frequent visits to check on me. He was amazing!!

Transition

Around 1:30 pm things started to really ramp up. I knew from last time that my body had hit transition. I could not get comfortable anywhere but bed and even the slightest movement would bring a contraction, even if I’d just finished one!

I decided it was time to start timing contractions. They were about three to three and a half minutes apart and lasted right at two minutes each. My midwife decided it was time to hit the road!

She got to us around 2:45pm. She checked on me and baby and everything was great! She did such a great job at keeping everything calm and quiet.

The next little while things just kept progressing and getting more intense. I tried to focus on relaxing through each contraction and letting my body do the work. While there definitely was pain, I was still able to keep control of my breathing and mostly relax (although I still couldn’t fully conquer it…guess I’ll have to try again next time!).

As the pressure intensified I had a massive contraction and my water finally broke! This felt so relieving and intense all at the same time.

By now Mrs. Midwife and my husband were very busy getting the birth tub inflated and filled. I had not definitely planned on birthing in water but wanted to try it, mostly out of curiosity. I had heard it really relieved a lot of pain and I was not disappointed!

The only issue was that by the time they set the tub up and started to fill it my body had already said, “Time to push!”. The birth tub has to be filled to a certain point and we were not quite there. My midwife asked if she should keep filling the tub or just leave it. I opted to keep trying for the tub because why not!

Delivery

The tub finally made it to minimum water capacity for a safe delivery so after the next contraction we very carefully transitioned me to the water. It was somewhere close to about 4:00pm this point. I could feel that she was SO CLOSE!

After a few minutes in the tub a contraction hit and I felt that urge to push. My midwife had encouraged me to just listen to my body. If I needed to push, push. If I just felt like I needed a break then do so and just let my body do the work. This was a much different experience from my delivery in the hospital but very much appreciated!

Here’s where it gets interesting…

So maybe around my third or fourth push we START to have a baby! Feet first.

Yep! I looked down and there were two little feet. If you don’t know, babies are supposed to come head first.

Now before you get all distressed about this, let’s remember. My midwife highly monitored baby’s position at the end of pregnancy. At 39 weeks we were very low, head down, and in optimal position to have a baby! It is very unlikely for a baby to completely change position that far in.

Unless you’re Joanna! I truly believe I felt her flip during the morning hours of early labor. She was moving quite a lot and I distinctly remember a big movement that almost hurt. I’m 99% sure this is when she flipped.

So with feet just dangling, we sat there waiting for another contraction for what seemed like forever! Everyone stayed very calm which kept me calm and focused. We just waited, giving my body time to do what it needed to do.

I’m not sure if my uterus just thought it was done but this next contraction took a while to get here! If you’ve ever had a baby you know that once you deliver the head/shoulders the rest of the baby just kind of plops out. This does not happen when your baby is footling breech. My mind went there first. I just remember thinking to myself, “I’m going to have to do this completely backwards.”

As painful as that thought was, I’m so glad I had it! It helped me to mentally visualize and prepare for the situation. I refused to think of the what ifs and just focus.

Another very light contraction came. I tried pushing through it and nothing happened. We decided a change of position would be best. So we very carefully took my from a reclined sitting position to upright, bent over the pool, holding onto Jimmy for stability. (Jimmy later told me that his legs fell asleep but he wasn’t about to move…he a champ!)

Next contraction and some big big pushes later sweet little Joanna finally decided to make her entrance! She was perfect. She weighed in at 7lb 11oz and 20.5 in long at 4:30pm.

The rest of the afternoon was spent nursing baby, showering, checking vitals every so often, introducing Jenna to her new baby sister…all while our amazing midwife’s cleaned everything up!

Closing Thoughts

I could not have asked for a better, calmer, or more satisfying birth experience! At the end of the day a healthy baby is all that matters, good experience or bad, but I’m so glad we got both.

Would you have a homebirth? Answer in the comments! I love chatting with you.

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Homemaking Where You Are At

Do you desire to create a homestead, be a homemaker, or develop a more natural lifestyle for your family? Do you have specific desires in your homemaking but feel like your current situation doesn’t allow all your dreams?

    (uhem, enter apartment life)

Well today’s tip is very simple. 

Do what you can where you’re at. 

Do you live in an apartment but desire to have a garden? Do what you can where you’re at. If you have one, use your balcony or patio space to grow herbs or small things that are easy to maintain in small spaces. Pick things that you will make use out of and get return for your time. Don’t have that? Use your indoor space and find what things you can grow in that environment. 

Maybe you’re renting a home and don’t have your own space where you can make the changes that reflect the desires you have for your home.

Look for ways you can make non-permanent changes that your landlord allows. This can be done through decorations, fresh flowers, candles, peel and stick tiles, wall decals, temporary wallpaper, even lighting. You would be surprised how changing the light bulbs in your home can change the whole atmosphere. I recommend the “daylight” kind. 

Read this post on how to make your home beautiful on a budget.

If you own your own space but don’t have the budget to do all you would like then find ways to transform things you already have. You can even check marketplace or online yardsale pages for some cheap items you can redo. When I desire something new that we don’t have the budget for I look around and see what I could sell or trade for those items. If I want new clothes I sell pieces of older clothing that I don’t wear anymore. You can even make things or offer a service to bring in funds for your home projects. Even small earnings add up. Do what you can where you’re at. 

The most important thing to remember is don’t get wrapped up in everyone else’s idea of homemaking.

It’s your home, not anyone else’s. You don’t have to follow a certain rule book. You dont have to have chickens, grow your own meat, sew all your clothes by hand, never buy anything store bought, make your own laundry soap, and live on 40 acres of land to be a good homemaker. It doesn’t make you any less if you don’t do ALL “the things”.

Do what makes sense for your family. Pick what your passions are for your home and change one thing at a time. If you try to do it all, it will be stressful and you won’t stick to it. Homemaking is all about making your home a safe and peaceful place, if it’s stressing you out doing it then you’re doing it wrong. Do what you can where you’re at. Don’t get wrapped up in what it feels like everyone else has and become complacent with what you have. Embrace and enjoy each stage of your home and find the joy in the little things you can change each day.

Written by Anna Bourdess

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Fifteen Ways to Save Money on Groceries in 2025

*This post contains affiliate links.

Are you trying to stay on a grocery budget but failing every month?

I think we’ve all been in that boat, especially in recent months. I am definitely no expert but I have been able to come up with a few ways that keep our budget happy while still feeding my family quality meals. I’d love to hear if your ideas in the comments! Let’s help each other out!

Ways to Save Money Using Coupons

Using coupons are a great way to save money on groceries, but only if you are doing it correctly. Here are a couple examples of using coupons in the wrong way…

How NOT to use coupons

  • Using coupons on things you do not need. Just because it is a good deal does not mean you actually need to buy all the things! If you find a great deal on a certain brand of toothpaste but you hate that toothpaste you have actually wasted money instead of saving.
  • Not understanding the terms and conditions of the coupon. We have all done it. You plan, clip, and even remember to bring the coupon with you. You are prepared to save LOTS of money! Then you get your receipt back. Turns out that coupon you thought was going to save you the dollars had “special terms” somewhere in all that fine-print writing!
  • Using coupons that sound like a great deal but it is all just a big marketing scam. Nothing is free. It is very important to know the prices (or at least a rough estimate) of the things you are buying to make sure you are getting the best deal. These companies know what they are doing when they offer “huge deals”, make sure you do your research!

All that being said, I still think coupons are great! Kroger, Food Lion, and other places in my area offer great discounts in the form of virtual coupons weekly. It is definitely worth the extra couple minutes I spend to save a few dollars here and there.

Another great way to save money using coupons is to stock up on things you know you will use when they are on sale. Always take into consideration your storage space, expiration dates, etc. but taking advantage of deals on products your family uses often is a great way to save money. Example: your local grocery store is having a great sale on toilet paper and you also have a coupon you can use to save even more money then now is the perfect time to stock the family up on tp!

Save Money by Making Your Own Cleaning Supplies

One way I save my family money on the grocery budget is making about ninety percent of our household cleaning supplies. All you need is vinegar, baking soda, and your favorite essential oils! With just these basic products you can create all-natural, junk free products.

For all-purpose cleaner mix 1/4 white vinegar to 3/4 water. You can add some essential oil for scent (my favorite is lemon!)

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Making your own laundry detergent saves big time! I make our laundry detergent by the five gallon bucket. For our little family of three, this recipe lasts us five-six months. You can check out that recipe here!

Thrive Market

Due to some health issues and personal preference, my husband and I eat a lot of organic, sugar free, and clean products. It can be hard to do this on a budget. A few years ago I discovered Thrive Market and it has totally changed our grocery game!

Thrive Market is a ship-to-your-door company that offers clean, organic grocery products and more! They offer exclusive deals weekly and shipping is free on orders of $49+. Get access to thousands of clean label products like pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and clean beauty items at affordable prices. Use my link to get $60 in FREE groceries on your first order! Click here to shop!

Fetch

Another great resource I use is the Fetch App! Fetch partners with brands to give you points for purchases. Simply shop and scan your receipts for points. As points accumulate you can redeem for gift cards to restaurants, stores, etc.

Every receipt you scan is worth twenty-five points. Receipts with partnered brand items will receive bonus points! Plus, the app is free! (Use code UFT8PN when you download and you will receive 500 bonus points.)

Make your own bread and baked goods from-scratch.

Learning to make your own bread and baked goods from-scratch will save you lots of money. It is also loads healthier!

I make all of our baked goods ranging from sandwich bread, rolls, and desserts. This sounds overwhelming if you have not done it but it is really quite simple- and so rewarding! Although you can make great things without it, sourdough is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to begin learning. It does not have to be complicated. You can learn how to make your own sourdough starter the easy way here.

Shop meat sales

Another great way to save money on groceries is to only purchase meats that are on sale. Look into what your local grocery stores are offering for the week and plan your meals around the meat deals. You may need to broaden your cooking skills for this but make it a fun challenge to try out some new things!

Plan your meals around the weekly deals.

This goes along with the previous tip, but planning your entire meals around what you can find on sale is so helpful when it comes to saving money on groceries. This is a great way to find new recipes your family loves!

Grow your own fruits and vegetables.

Learning to grow your own fruits and vegetables can save lots of money during the summer/fall months. Choosing things your family eats a lot of and are easy to grow also gives peace of mind that you are gettin the best quality. If it is your first time trying begin with plants that are easy to care for and that your family will eat the most of. (I recommend everyone start with a few tomato plants, peppers, or squash/zucchini.)

Find places locally that offer deals on nearly or slightly expired food.

This one may not be for everyone but there are stores near me that offer foods that are a close to the expiration date or just slightly past it for huge markdowns. You can find expensive, name-brand foods for much cheaper this way. Just know that you will need to eat these foods a little quicker than your other grocery items.

Sam’s or Costco membership

For larger families I am told that a Sam’s or Costco membership saves them a lot of money on the grocery bill. Personally, I am not at a place where it would benefit my family but if you have a lot of kiddos, or you are a sports family that goes through a lot of snacks they tell me it is totally worth it.

ALDI meat prices

If you have an ALDI near you- you need to be shopping there! In my area ALDI not only has great prices on produce, diapers, et they also have the BEST deals on meat (and the best quality!). A family pack of chicken breasts is around $1.99/lb. That is regular price! Ground beef is also much cheaper than other stores.

Grocery pickup

This little hack has saved us I do not even know how much money. When you order grocery pickup from places like Walmart, ALDI, Kroger, etc. you are removing the possibility of adding items to your cart that are unplanned for. We have all been in the store when we are hungry. Everything looks good! You get home and realize you have spent $200….on random food items that do not even make complete meals.

Ordering pick up reduces the unnecessary amount of groceries by a LOT. It also is a huge time saver! Mom of littles tip: schedule your pickups during nap time so babies can sleep through the errand running. Grab yourself a coffee. It is actually quite relaxing!

Chickens

I hesitated to add this one because the initial cost is somewhat high. However, I still think chickens are a great investment. You do not have to have a large space or fifty of them. Start with about five or six, this will be a relatively cheap feed bill and depending on the breed you could get up to 4-6 eggs daily.

Craigslist and different groups on Facebook are the best place to find chickens cheaply. Look for laying hens that are around one year old. As for housing them, to begin you only need a small area with a roof and a place for laying eggs.

I hope this has been helpful! I know not all the tips will apply to everyone but start with one step at a time and see if this can make a difference in your grocery budget. If this post was helpful would you consider hitting the like button? Thanks for being here!

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God Keeps the Record

Written by Anna Bourdess

There are many ways we could bring application from this phrase. The perspective I wish to take today is that of dealing with false accusations.

In the past few years I’ve seen so many deal with divisive people running their name and testimony through the mud for what appears to be no reason. While we could pen countless words in rebuking these people, it would be pointless and that job is better left to The Lord. Confronting those that spread the lies just gives them more ammunition against you and typically fuels the fire of strife that they thrive on. Some may sow discord because of jealousy, hatred, or desiring attention, and some are just wicked tools of the devil. However, when left to run their mouths these types of people typically reveal themselves. It isn’t as quickly as we would choose but the truth always catches up with the ones spreading the deceit. 

As the falsely accused, you must rest in the knowledge that The Lord knows the truth and that sometimes, that’s all the peace you have to cling to. 

Truth to Cling to

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
– Philippians 1:8

Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, And my record is on high.
– Job 16:19

If you’re facing the battle of false accusations, I encourage you to keep your head down, your mouth shut, keep serving The Lord, do what’s right, and let the wicked write their own demise. 

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
– Proverbs 19:9

Meanwhile, in the battle, you must fight to protect your heart against that evil root of bitterness. The best way to do that is to pray for those that are despitefully using you. I’ve found it is very difficult to hate someone that you are earnestly praying for. Keep in mind that sowing discord is not a quality of the brethren and that the person working against you may very well be lost. Praying for a soul to be saved from hell will soften you towards that person despite their actions towards you. 

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
-Luke 6:28‭-‬36

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Church in Ghana

Written by Angie Ruckman

*this post contains affiliate links.

Sundays are church day for most people in Ghana.

Whether one lives in an apartment in the city or a mud hut in a remote village, Sundays are for dressing in your best clothes and going to church. Most Ghanaians do not own a vehicle so many will walk to church. During the dry season, mothers dressed in an array of beautiful, bright colors with babies on backs and children in tow will use an umbrella to shield from the sun. In rainy season, random torrential downpours send the walkers scrambling to a canopy or overhang for cover until the rain has subsided. (I never cease to be amazed at how their white Sunday dresses stayso sparkling white despite the mud!) 

Taxi drivers pass by regularly honking their horn to see if someone wants a ride. If one can afford the lorry fare they will ride at least part of their commute. As prices have risen, many cannot afford more than a Sunday morning taxi ride for church. Often because of unexpected delays, church starting time is relative and services last for hours.

Most Ghanaians are very religious and churches can be seen everywhere.

There are no noise ordinances here so one has to turn his speakers up louder to drown out the next churches service. Ghanaians love to sing with all their hearts. One might hear a familiar hymn followed by a song in a local dialect. At times, one might also hear speaking in tongues or loud, unearthly demonic noise. Although there are churches of every kind in Ghana, the charismatic church is by far most prevalent;and even Catholic churches have charismatic influence. 

As far as the preaching, zeal is the norm, but knowledge is lacking. This is to be expected when preaching is a profession that brings more prestige and money than most and many are not educated in the Bible. Religion is a way of life. It brings joy and hope to a people who have more than their fair share of struggles. Unfortunately, the mysticism of the charismatic movement blends easily with the mysticism of animalistic practices so most are blinded by a false hope and an empty knowledge which has been added to age- old beliefs.

If asked if one thinks he will go to Heaven when he dies, the common answer is, “Yes, because I am trying to please God. I read the Bible and go to church.” Some will answer also that they have accepted the Lord as their Savior, but they add that one has to also do good works. These very sincere people need to understand true salvation. Only God can lift the blinders from their eyes. Please help us pray for them to understand the simplicity of the gospel.

Note from Tori

While reading this article my mother-in-law sent me I became challenged to guard my attitude toward church. Do wake up with a sense of drudgery or excitement? Am I enjoying the privilege of being able to go? Or am I dreading the day?

It is easy as a mom of young children to feel like there is little or no point in even being at church. The energy we pour into the day can easily leave us feeling exhausted. Why even go? We rarely get anything anyway and the children certainly don’t.

Dear mama, I hope that a glimpse of these African women walking with children on foot, sometimes through rain, encourages your heart as it did mine to wake up Sunday morning with a sense of joy that we GET to go to God’s house. We GET to bring our babies to church! We may be in that nursery or wrestling children the entire service, but we get to do it in a clean, air conditioned building.

We have so much to be thankful for! Let’s not take the privilege for granted.

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Is Christ Enough for You?

Written by Anna Bourdess

I would like bring a sort of continuation to my last post. Previously, we talked about how “He Can Fill the Void”. How Christ can fulfill the longings of your heart. Every emotional longing, physical desire, and spiritual need are met in Him, not others. 

Today I would like to share on a similar topic. 

I wholeheartedly believe that our Savior, can and should be our everything. In my life I have found that The Lord will not change my circumstances until I have learned to find complete satisfaction and contentment in Him and once I’ve learned that lesson, I’ve found that I somehow don’t care if He changes my circumstance or not. 

One example, of the many I’ve experienced, that I could give would be right before Philip, (my now husband) and I began to enter into a courtship. At the time I had just came through a major tragedy in my life. The kind of tragedy that can take some years to recover from. I allowed The Lord to walk me through that, actually, He carried me. I submitted to anything He asked of me and in doing so unlocked a place in my spiritual walk I had never been before that moment. It was in that brokenness, that time when my heart ached so bad I wished just maybe it’d stop beating, that my precious Jesus curled up in my bed as I cried myself to sleep and held me. I knew, I just knew if I opened my eyes I’d be able to see him right there with me. He was so close to my spirit that it seemed to touch my physical body. I found the sweetest peace and contentment right in His arms. Day after day he held my hand and walked me through each emotional and physical battle I’d face on this dark path. The beautiful thing was this path was one I had part responsibility for being on in the first place, yet, my Jesus poured out His love to me, in spite of me. 

I found in those moments that nothing else mattered but Him.

My whole world had crumbled but I had Him and He was enough. Did you see that? Read that again, He was enough! He always will be. When I let The Lord become enough for me, he brought me Philip. He brought him to me in such a remarkable way that I could never pen words accurate enough to reflect the magnitude of the grace shown to me through Philip. 

The Lord never would’ve moved me forward or brought me Philip had I not found complete satisfaction in my walk with The Lord first. 

Christian young ladies longing for a spouse, do you really think Christ will bring you someone to love if you can’t love Him first right now? Are you more in love with the man you created in your mind thinking he will complete your life, than you are with The One who died for you and saved your soul? 

Sir or ma’am, are you unhappy in your work environment? Have you allowed bitterness and resentment to take hold against those you work with? Until you honor those in authority to you and those around you, The Lord will not move you from your circumstances. Maybe they’re not right, but your hearts condition isn’t either. You only have control over yourself, don’t want to fix others and ignore the sin swelling up in your life. Find your joy in Him and you won’t need peace in others. 

Christian, If he never did anything else for you, would be content with Him and only Him? Is He enough for you? 

God is a jealous God and He expects to be first in our lives no matter what. He expects us to do right and honor Him no matter the circumstances around us. His expectations of us are that we value our walk with Him over anyone and anything. 

God will not improve your circumstances if He’s not first. If you can’t be content with Him in the best of times, don’t expect Him to let you keep walking through them. Sometimes, in the hard times He’s just waiting for you to come running. 

The King of Glory wants to talk to you.
The Great I Am wants to spend time with you.
The Lord of Hosts desires your attention.
Your heavenly Father wants to hear from His favorite child. 

Don’t keep Him waiting. A peace beyond comprehension sits at His feet, just for you.

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What is in Your Heart Will Spill Out

We have all heard the illustration that when a cup is bumped what is inside the cup will spill out, demonstrating the fact that what is in our heart will come out when our heart is “bumped.”.

I love when life is easy. When there is enough money, my husband and I are in complete agreement about everything, the kids are perfectly behaving, the extended family is loving and pleased… You get the idea. Everything is “hunky-dory”. In those times, joy comes easy. Love seems to overflow. Everything is beautiful. BUT life often is not perfect. Why does God allow trials to come, relationships to struggle, life to “hit bumps”? I believe, in part, it is to reveal to us what has been in our hearts all along. He reveals character flaws and – yes, lets call it what it is- sin so that we can deal with it.

The Bible states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9)

When we first meet Rachel in the Bible, she seems a beautiful person; but as her life becomes complicated and even unfair, the real Rachel “spills out”. We see her to be a very selfish,competitive, manipulating person, who looked to others and even idols to supply what only God could give her. Her beauty was only skin deep. Inwardly, she was a very ugly, unhappyperson. Though she eventually received her most sought-after desires; she died leaving them for others to raise. 

Is life a little hard right now? Are you experiencing feelings of frustration, discontentment, etc.? Have these feelings spilled out to others?

Thankfully, we are not dead. There is hope. We can allow God to cleanse our hearts. (Ps. 139:23,24) We can refocus and surrender to God’s inward working (Phil 2:13) so that no matter what “bumps” us, we can spill out the love and grace of God. The story of Job has taught us that everything we go through has at least three purposes: to accomplish something in our life, to comfort and help others, and to bring God glory. (James 5:10,11) Only a right response to the trials in our life can accomplish all of these purposes or in the words of our illustration, “ spill out” God’s purpose straight from our Holy Spirit- controlled heart.

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