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Trying to Conceive as a Queer Couple
Caitlin and her wife had a difficult time navigating the barriers faced by queer couples trying to conceive. After two years and many failed IUIs, they decided to take a different route and try at home inseminations with a known donor. She hoped that removing the stress of the fertility clinic would help her body welcome pregnancy. She was right! And shortly thereafter Caitlin finally got the positive pregnancy test she had been longing for.
Homebirth Birth Story
Caitlin never felt more at home in her body than when she was pregnant. When Caitlin’s water broke in the middle of the night at 37 and a half weeks she instantly forgot everything she spent months learning about labour and birth. Luckily her ever practical wife came to the rescue and encouraged her to go back to bed. Caitlin then spent the next 45 minutes googling “how to tell if your water really broke”. Contractions began shortly after that and by 6:30 a.m. Caitlin and Shona stopped pretending to sleep and got up for the day. After a short early labour things picked up quickly. In her own bed, being held by her wife (the most amazing labour partner), Florence came flying into the world. The trio has been flying high on the most amazing love ever since.
Caitlin Thompson Bio
Caitlin lives in Canada in a lovely small town called Uxbridge. She works for a large bank in Leadership Development but her new job as a parent has taken much higher priority. She is married to the love of her life and best friend Shona. Together they are explorers and adventurers! They enjoy visiting craft breweries, going to music festivals, hiking with their two rescue dogs, playing hockey, and binge watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Most recently, Caitlin and Shona became mamas to their amazing daughter, Florence. Caitlin didn’t know just how magical, raw, challenging and beautiful bringing a child into the world could be. She cares deeply about social justice and is an unapologetic feminist. It is her hope that she can play a part in creating a more caring and compassionate world. Connect with her on IG @cait.rainford
Resources
Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth
Mama Natural: Week to Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, Genevieve Howland
The Birth Hour
Expectful
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