Cheri Dostal

engage with life

  • About
    • Meet Cheri
    • Method + Bio
    • FAQ
  • Work Together 1:1
  • Offerings
    • Women’s Pelvic Floor Program
    • Pelvic Floor Fun Pack
    • Franklin Method Programs
    • OC Classes/Workshops
    • Let’s host a workshop!
  • Blog
  • Love
  • Log In
  • Contact

Birth and Rebirthing

April 20, 2017 by Cheri Dostal 25 Comments

It took me some time to feel like myself after the birth of this baby girl, to get to know her, and in reality – I’ve guarded these early hours and days for myself and for our new family of 3 to be together. I consciously did not make an announcement until now, 11 days later, allowing myself to rejoice and crumble and grieve and come up for air again and again. The process continues as I make her known to you today, and as we study each other for a lifetime.

In birthing my daughter, I became a new mother, more deeply woman, and entered a new dynamic between my partner and I – it’s all beautiful and necessary, often messy, and definitely worth it. Shape shifting. Magic.

Please note that I’m not ready to publicly share details of the birthing process and the interventions that became necessary. Boundaries forever welcome for me, for you. We are well, we are home. Thank you.

With no more delay, please help me welcome my daughter into this world.

Welcome Baby!

Fern Alice Ryba

Born Sunday, April 9 at 06:51am
7lbs 5oz and 20 1/2 inchesย 

Enjoy the photo gallery, getting to know Fern and reflecting on your own process of birth and rebirth. Embodied living means opening to change, initiating ourselves into the next ‘incarnation’ of who we are meant to become in this lifetime. Embodiment is a dynamic unfolding, witnessing the physical expression of our self-knowing.

Rites of passage like births, deaths, moves, relationships ending and beginning, pivots all deserve our reverent care and attention. We deserve reverent care and attention because we’re alive. I feel open, vulnerable, more human than I have in a long while, as energy and emotions move through me. As my body heals. As my spirit expands even more.

Thank you for holding space for me to be silent, for sending loving messages. Because deep, sacred stillness is the anchor for the spectrum of all movement. And stillness in the wee hours of the night inspired me to write haikus for her birth announcement. Enjoy.

 

Early hours at home

with hubby and doula near

soothing me, comfort

 

3 minutes apart

and getting stronger, longer

Water broken. Go.

 

 

 

Withdrawn, into waves

of pressure. Finally she

sobs, a turning point

 

 

Sunset, sunrise, sun

down passed with slow progress

Delicate decisions

 

More heart beat decels

Descending proved difficult

Final surrender

 

 

 

 

Taken from my womb

Blinded, I hear her first cry

Bright lights overhead

 

Jason holds my hand

Skin to skin, mind miles away

I’m being stitched up

 

 

 

 

Resting after birth

weary but together now.

Her eyes peel open.

 

 

 

 

Sly smiles while feeding

dozing in my arms you trust

me with everything

 

Shoulders, back and neck

All covered by fine peach fuzz

Angelic body

 

 

 

Partner, Protector –

He reads Grimm’s fairytales to

her and sips coffee.

 

 

 

 

day 5, I see you.

Your arrival is complete,

my sweet baby, Fern

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Om shanti shanti shanti.

Amen,

Cheriย 

Filed Under: Blog, embodiment, emotion

Comments

  1. Deb Dodge says

    April 20, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl:) Your life will never be the same!

    Reply
  2. Rowena says

    April 20, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    Dear Cheri
    I am so moved by your beautiful announcement. And by who you are and the examples you set. By your honesty, bravery, openness. You are my inspiration.
    Your precious Fern arrived on my grandmother’s birthday! It’s a wonderful day to begin.
    May you all enjoy your days together – especially these early and so very special ones.
    Love to you all
    Rowena xoxoxo

    Reply
  3. Cleo says

    April 20, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Dear Cheri and Jason
    So delighted to hear of your beautiful daughter’s arrival and of her wonderful name which is full of character and evokes unfolding life ….

    I do hope you can take proper time to recover and enjoy your time altogether…

    With much love … thinking of you all….

    Cleo xxx

    Reply
  4. Rita Durant says

    April 20, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    Welcome home, sweet Fern! Our world is already better now with you among us. Much love!! And congratulations to your wonderful parents, Cheri and Jason xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply
  5. Joan Treankler says

    April 20, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    Many blessings to you Cheri and all. May you move in happiness with each growing moment.

    Congratulations and welcome Fern. :)

    Reply
  6. Alethia Sandra Helpsmeet says

    April 20, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    Dearest Cheri,
    We prepare body, mind, and spirit, we wait, we anticipate and still these liminal times open the door onto scenes we have not seen before. So glad you are taking the time you need to integrate and celebrate and heal with your new baby girl. Many blessings on you and your family.
    Love,
    Alethia Sandra

    Reply
  7. Nancy Orth says

    April 20, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    She is beautiful. Happy Happy Birth day Fern.

    Reply
  8. Sacha Eddington says

    April 20, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    Beautiful, amazing, unfolding bounty of amazement she will bring you joy and emotions abundant. Thank you for being so expressive and sharing your journey. As always, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti xxxx

    Reply
  9. Maggie Ann says

    April 20, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    You are such a wonderful beacon of truth and light. Blessings to Fern, Jason, and Cheri

    Reply
  10. Congratulations Cheri and Jason. She is a beautiful little girl Thanks for sharing your words of delight. says

    April 20, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    Love the pictures. Keep in touch.

    Reply
  11. Congratulations Cheri and Jason. She is a beautiful little girl Thanks for sharing your words of delight. says

    April 20, 2017 at 9:35 pm

    She is a beautiful little girl Thanks for sharing your words of delight.

    Reply
  12. Brenda says

    April 20, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    Congratulations Cheri on the beautiful birth of Baby Fern, enjoy your family life.

    Reply
  13. Susan says

    April 20, 2017 at 10:20 pm

    Congratulations ๐ŸŽ‰ to your beautiful new family. I see you and Jason in her, what a wonderful new child. Hope your transition is all you hope for and thankful that all are doing well.

    Reply
  14. Willow says

    April 20, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    Welcome! Welcome! XOXO

    Reply
  15. Ingrid, Mayachel, Charlotte says

    April 20, 2017 at 10:57 pm

    Lovely, lovely, love
    In newness an

    Reply
    • Ingrid, Mayachel, Charlotte says

      April 20, 2017 at 11:02 pm

      Yikes! It wasn’t finished!

      Awesome is the journey, learning every moment. Resting in the peace of 3 healthy beings joined.
      Friends and family support from all corners of the globe.
      Blessings and Light to you!

      Reply
  16. Juanita Peck says

    April 20, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    Congratulations! Glad you are all well and healing. Sending much love!

    Reply
  17. Kathy Jorgensen says

    April 21, 2017 at 12:24 am

    My love to you and your beautiful family. Three is a lucky number. ๐Ÿ’–
    My heart is happy for you. You are glowing. I am so happy that you took time with Jason and Fern, alone, as a family. Bonding is very important.
    I love you sweet Cheri. You’re a mommy!!!! ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

    Reply
  18. Melissa Delaney says

    April 21, 2017 at 1:08 am

    Thank you so much for sharing Cheri. Congratulations on your new addition!

    Reply
  19. Farnaz Farah says

    April 21, 2017 at 1:24 am

    My dear Cheri , You made me so happy , and I’m also so happy for you. Please kiss Fern ๐Ÿ’—For me . I can’t wait to see her and her Mom!!

    Love and blessings ,

    Reply
  20. Dave and Mary Halvorsen says

    April 21, 2017 at 1:44 am

    Dear Cheri and Jason,
    Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, Fern Alice! Your birth announcement of baby daughter is very touching and moving, along with the beautiful pictures.

    May you take time recover through the process in these early days of Motherhood. Sending our thoughts of love and joy to you all

    Mary and Dave

    Reply
  21. Barbara Opocensky says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:01 am

    Welcome to the world Fern Alice. You are beautiful and I am very excited to one day meet you. You have the best mom out there, kind, funny, and oh’ so smart! look into her eyes and know she will take care of you forever, learning from you and teaching you her wisdom.
    Love and light, little girl!
    Barbara O.

    Reply
  22. Deana says

    April 21, 2017 at 2:42 am

    This made me cry. I am SO happy for the three of you.

    Reply
  23. Dan Harbuck says

    April 21, 2017 at 10:25 am

    โค

    Reply
  24. Vicki Borsheim says

    April 21, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    Cheri,,, congratulations on your bundle of joy!!! I did not know!! What a beautiful story. Take care.
    Vicki

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Embodiment: A Practice of Tangible Spirituality
  • Strengthen Your Sixth Sense
  • Why I really went to Bali
  • Leadership means Love (and sometimes offending others)
  • 3 Tips You Need To Stop Peeing All. The. Time.

Categories

  • anatomy
  • Blog
  • embodiment
  • emotion
  • energy
  • for teachers
  • franklin method
  • leadership
  • mantra
  • motivation
  • nature
  • neuroscience
  • pelvic floor
  • practice how-to
  • relationships
  • running
  • time management & productivity
  • Uncategorized
  • yoga
  • yoga therapy

Search

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
For Level 3 Franklin Method Educators Only
Let's Connect!

I send articles, practice videos and tips (weekly-ish) to help you live a more engaged, embodied life you LOVE. See you inside! xo

Marketing by

Copyright © 2015 · Cheri Dostal, RYT · All Rights Reserved · Website by Echo Millennial

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read our Privacy and Cookie Policy here
Privacy & Cookies Policy