For years, parents have been sharing the beauty of their child’s birth experience via the lens of professional photographers.
We’re concentrating on one tale at a time in a new series, highlighting the many diverse ways infants are born and the beauty of each family’s narrative. In her own words, Wilkinson describes how unpredictable childbirth can be, no matter how many times you’ve been through it. I have five children. My eldest is 6 years old, and then I’ve had four babies in the last four years. It’s been interesting!
After having my first child in a hospital, I’ve had all of my subsequent pregnancies at home. I labored for around 24 hours with my first, and I believe it would have taken longer if I hadn’t been given Pitocin. Then I had roughly two hours of active labor with my second. Maybe I was three when I had my third? My fourth took 14 hours and was excruciatingly painful from the start. Because of that, I went into my most recent birth knowing to expect the unexpected, but also with a clear sense of what I hoped for if possible. I wanted my husband to catch the baby. And it was really important for me to try and have some peace and quiet right after the baby was born. I was fully expecting to go to 41 weeks because that’s what happened with my first and my third, but I’d also been feeling pretty laborish from 36 weeks onward.
At 39 weeks, I went to bed like usual and then woke up maybe 45 minutes later to a giant contraction and tons of pressure. I felt like the baby was right there. I do have a history of some really fast labors, but I’ve also had some long ones, so I felt like I didn’t know what was happening. I woke my husband up, and he was kind of like, “Are you going to have a baby right now?” My contractions were three minutes apart. Right when he asked, I had a contraction hit, and I started shaking. I thought, “Oh, my goodness, did I basically wake up in transition?”
We’d chatted with my midwife about what to do if things proceeded rapidly because I’d had some fast labors before. So we had this brief time of self-preparation. Thankfully, my midwife, who lives about 45 minutes away, arrived on time, so we didn’t have to. My contractions were super close together, and I remember thinking to myself, “I need them to slow down because I cannot do this.” I was still preparing myself for the idea of doing this for another 14 hours after my last labor, even though everyone else seemed to understand how close I was. I hopped in the bath. I was still thinking I was just in there to slow my contractions down, and my husband and midwife were kind of like, “Sure, Ash, whatever you say.” In the water, things did space out a bit, but then the contractions got really intense again. And it was clear they weren’t dilation contractions. They were get-the-baby-out contractions.
I got out of the tub, and he was born within a contraction and a half. My husband was able to catch him, and then I just held him and looked at him for a while. He’s such a chill baby. I love that I can see it in these photos, even though he has that little pout face. He has such a sweet demeanor, and he has had it since the very beginning. It’s hard to put into words just how amazing it was to have him here. It was one of the highest joys I’ve ever experienced. To see him and to find out he was a boy and to hold him on my chest and to hear him cry and to see his face and to finally be done with the really long, hard journey of pregnancy. I soaked up all the snuggles and cried and cried and cried and was so happy and thankful that we did it!
The kids slept through the whole thing. We had a friend here who was planning to watch them if we needed it, and we were open to them coming in if they wanted to or staying away if that’s what they preferred. But they ended up waking up maybe four hours after the baby was born. They were excited to say “hi” to the baby, but then they wanted to go to my sister’s, so they just kind of took off. I got a nap. Now that I have done this five times, I have definitely learned to expect the unexpected and to be OK if absolutely nothing seems to be going the way it’s “supposed” to go. It’s kind of like having so many kids close together. Sometimes we’re like, “Oh, my goodness, this is crazy!” But our hearts are full. This labor and birth were so different than what I had hoped and dreamed for the entire pregnancy, but after he was there, I was extremely proud of myself and so pleased with how everything unfolded. I look back on the baby’s birth story and see the hand of a faithful God written all over it.
Introduction
Are you in need of financial assistance but don't want to sell your property? A loan against property might be the ideal solution for you. This type of loan allows you to leverage the value of your property to secure a loan amount. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on obtaining a loan against property. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Assessing Property Value
The first step in obtaining a loan against property is to assess the value of your property. You can hire a professional property evaluator or consult a real estate agent to determine its market worth. The lender will consider this valuation to calculate the loan amount they can offer you.
Researching Lenders
Once you have assessed your property's value, it's time to research different lenders who offer loans against property. Compare their interest rates, loan tenure, processing fees, and customer reviews. Choose a reputable lender that aligns with your requirements and offers favorable terms and conditions.
Document Preparation
To apply for a loan against property, you need to gather the necessary documents. The typical documents include:
- Property ownership documents
- Identity proof
- Address proof
- Income proof
- Bank statements
- Tax returns
Ensure that you have all the required documents ready and organize them for easy access during the application process.
Loan Application
Now that you have chosen a lender and prepared the documents, it's time to submit the loan application. Fill out the application form provided by the lender, providing accurate information. Double-check the form to avoid any errors or discrepancies.
Property Valuation
After submitting the application, the lender will initiate the property valuation process. They will send a representative to assess the property's condition, location, and market value. This valuation helps the lender determine the maximum loan amount they can offer you.
Loan Approval and Disbursement
Once the property valuation is complete and meets the lender's criteria, they will approve your loan application. The lender will communicate the approved loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms. Upon agreement, the loan amount will be disbursed to your bank account.
Repayment Terms
Understanding the repayment terms is crucial before finalizing the loan agreement. The terms include the loan tenure, interest rate, and EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) amount. Ensure that you carefully review the repayment schedule and have a repayment plan in place.
Conclusion
Obtaining a loan against property can provide you with the financial flexibility you need without giving up ownership of your property. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can navigate through the process effectively. Remember to conduct thorough research, gather the necessary documents, choose a reliable lender, and understand the repayment terms.
FAQs
1. Can I obtain a loan against any type of property?Yes, you can obtain a loan against residential, commercial, or industrial properties.
2. What happens if I default on the loan repayment?Defaulting on loan repayment can lead to penalties, legal action, and the possibility of losing your property.
3. Is the interest rate fixed or variable for a loan against property?The interest rate can be either fixed or variable, depending on the terms agreed upon with the lender.
4. Can I prepay the loan before the tenure ends?Most lenders allow prepayment of the loan, but it may be subject to prepayment charges.
5. How long does the loan approval process take?The loan approval process can vary among lenders, but it typically takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the documentation and property valuation process.
In conclusion, a loan against property is an excellent option for individuals in need of financial assistance. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can secure a loan against your property efficiently. Remember to thoroughly assess your property value, research lenders, prepare the required documents, and understand the repayment terms. With careful planning and execution, you can leverage your property to fulfill your financial needs.