Hi Journey Mindfully family (and welcome if you’re new here),

I have the happiest little update to share… Baby D’Amico is here! 🤍

Today we celebrate one week with our sweet boy. John Rambo D’Amico was born January 6, 2026, and he came out a full 8 lbs 7 oz and 21.5 inches long. He’s healthy, strong, and already has the kind of appetite that makes us laugh every single day.

Right now I’m soaking in this time off, because breastfeeding truly feels like it’s taking up most of my time (in the best way). It is the most miraculous thing to watch my little man change and grow in just one week. I know this season will be short, so I’m incredibly grateful to be able to take full advantage of it.

And we can’t forget Lucy. 🐾
Lucy has been adjusting too, and honestly it’s been so sweet to watch. She was a little hesitant the first few days (we think the crying threw her off), but now she snuggles right up next to him while he’s feeding or hanging in his swing. She’s already his little protector.

A Note to Our Journey Mindfully Community

I’ve heard there have been many new students in the studio, and though we haven’t met yet, I’m so excited to connect as I slowly return back. With all of my heart, thank you for being a part of this community.

Whether you come to our studio for infrared yoga, restorative classes, strength, Pilates, or simply for a place that feels like a deep exhale… your courage to show up and your commitment to your health are not unnoticed. Even from afar, I’m cheering you on as your biggest fan.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been curious about trying a class at Journey Mindfully Infrared Yoga Studio in South Barrington, I hope you know this space is for you. Whether you’re brand new, returning after time away, or just craving a supportive community to move with.

My Labor + Delivery Story (Unmedicated Birth at a Birth Center)

For those who wanted to hear the story, here it is. 🤍

On January 5, 2026, I started having contractions. They felt more intense than any I’d experienced in the weeks before (and I was officially a week past my due date), so we messaged our doula and midwives. They told me to try and sleep through as much as I could, and that if the contractions continued or became closer together, it would be time to go in.

I woke around 4:00 AM and took a shower. By 6:00 AM, the contractions were strong and steady, and the time between them started decreasing fast. By 7:30 AM they were about five minutes apart and as we approached rush hour, with the birth center being 30–40 minutes away, we decided it was time to go.

We arrived at Burr Ridge Birth Center at 8:30 AM, and I was already 6 cm dilated. I truly thought the rest of labor would come quick and I would meet my sweet baby boy in just a few hours… but baby had different plans.

I continued to labor through the afternoon and eventually began pushing. After an hour of no change, I asked what else we could do. At that point, we decided to break my water and in under an hour, we met John Rambo.

I got to use all the props throughout labor: the peanut ball, the birth ball, rear-facing on the toilet, yoga silks, a Swedish ladder, and the bathtub. My husband Ted was an incredible and supportive partner. He gave hip squeezes during contractions that literally melted the pain away. He held my hands and gave me strength through eye contact and positive affirmations.

The rest of the team was incredible too. I had a doula, a nurse, and a midwife… and my mom was there as well. My mom gave me the strength long ago to believe I could have a completely unmedicated labor and delivery, so having her in the room reminded me of that strength. If you ask her though, she would tell you it was incredibly hard to watch me in pain. Watching me go through the contractions made her feel like she was experiencing them all over again too.

I delivered in the water, and Ted caught baby Bo (that’s what I call him… he still seems too little to be called John yet!) and immediately brought him to my chest. The emotion in that moment, from Ted, my mom, and me, was overwhelming in the most beautiful way. And I was so grateful our sweet boy was finally here.

After delivering at the birth center, they monitored mine and baby’s vitals for the next four hours, and then sent us on our way. That car ride home felt surreal. But we got to sleep in our own bed, and then we were up every two hours for diaper changes and feedings.

They told us Baby Bo should have at least one dirty diaper in the next 24 hours… except my boy has the appetite of his dad, and therefore had eight dirty diapers in the first 24 hours. Little man is efficient.

One Week In: Reflection + Gratitude

This past week has been wonderful. As we find our rhythm, I’ve been reflecting and feeling so deeply grateful. For this baby, for my body, for the support around me, and for this community.

Bo and I will start stopping into the studio in the next few weeks, he can’t wait to see the incredible community his momma is so proud of.

If you’re local to the South Barrington / Barrington / Hoffman Estates area and you’ve been looking for a place to reconnect with yourself, Journey Mindfully is here when you’re ready. Come as you are. We’ll meet you there.

With love,
Kennedi

Come Visit Us at Journey Mindfully (South Barrington, IL)

If you’re curious about classes, here are a few beautiful ways to start:

• Infrared Flow Yoga (vinyasa-style flow with options for all levels)

• Gentle/All Levels classes for a slower, supportive pace

• Warm Restore for deep release and reset

• Journey to Stillness (75 minutes: flow into longer, calming holds)

If you’re ready to take the next step, check our schedule and come join us in-studio. We can’t wait to welcome you.