I had always known that when the time came I would want a natural birth without an epidural. So last October when I found out that I was pregnant I knew I had to do my research to find the right place to give birth. With the business of birth being so huge, it is really our duty to be our own advocates and research to understand the implications of the socially accepted birth practices in this country (USA). For me, a natural and unmedicated birth was of utmost importance but birthing centers are not covered by my insurance so I chose to deliver at a hospital in Houston that has a midwifery division and I am so happy with my choice! Life is a bit different these days. I was just thinking about how my brain has been on sabbatical for what seems like an eternity - throughout the entirety of my first pregnancy and now the past couple of months. I am 4 months post-partum and am just now beginning to re-access the majority of my vocabulary. What better time than now to write out my birth
10 years ago I was introduced to yoga 9 years ago I expanded my horizons by traveling across Europe for 10 weeks visiting 28 cities in 15 countries 8 years ago I was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that I have since healed naturally 7 years ago I traveled to my ancestral homeland of Italy and developed overdue bonds with my sister 6 years ago I traveled to Costa Rica alone, realized it was my life's calling and passion to share yoga, graduated with my MBA and completed my first yoga teacher training program 5 years ago I packed my four bags, left my hometown of Houston, Texas, moved to NYC and continued my endeavor for growth 4 years ago I moved in with my best friend and love of my life 3 years ago I grieved when a friend who was like a little brother, one of my closest girlfriends, my dad and my dog departed this earthly plane. I completed my second yoga teacher training program and backpacked across the Himalayas of Northern India where I learned more about m