"I had the textbook-perfect pregnancy...I was extremely physically active throughout, including taking a Dancing For Birth prenatal class.... at eleven ten in the morning, I was 4 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced with the baby at 0 station. I danced during contractions, later retreating to rocking in a rocking chair between them. My doula arrived on the scene and pampered me with back-rubs for the rest of my labour. As the endorphins kicked in, the world seemed surreal, and reality melted away...At three twenty-nine in the afternoon, my uterus simply started pushing on its own. My doula whispered softly that she was going to tell my doctor I was having the "urge to push" and that I would then be surrounded by a lot of people and noise and to just stay inside myself. I was surprised to be found to be 10 centimeters dilated, since I was expecting the feeling of "giving up" or wanting pain medications that was described during Transition in all the books I'd read. Those thoughts had never crossed my mind, and I remained relaxed and in great spirits. ...At six thirthy-two in the evening, all 6 pounds and 13 ounces of her shot out like a baby horse! " (Excerpts from Alexandra's birth story of Eris's birth)
Video of me in labour:
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"I just got home from my first Dancing for Birth class. I'm sure most of you haven't heard about this because I know I hadn't before I stumbled upon it while trying to find a prenatal exercise class that wasn't just yoga. It combines African, Latin, Caribbean, and Belly dance to help you have an easier and less painful labor and stay in shape during pregnancy. I had the best time and would highly recommend it for all pregnant women. It was so much fun and it's such a neat way to celebrate being pregnant while exercising. Because I felt like nauseous or tired most of the 1st trimester the only exercise I did was walking. I'm so glad I found something that is fun, keeps me in shape, and will hopefully help me through labor. We even did some Cumbia tonight which is a Latin dance that I used to incorporate when I taught Zumba so it was right up my alley. For more information you can visit www.dancingforbirth.com and you should be able to find a class hopefully near you. You can also visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx0-jZx29kY and check out a video that shows a little more about it. This class is 23 miles from my house but it is so worth the drive. I can't wait for the next class! "Lindsey Snopek
http://snopekfamily.blogspot.com/2010/06/dancing-for-birth.html
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"I was talking to a few moms and potential moms at my daughter's school about the wonderful information and empowering philosophy...
thank you again for the class. I was re-inspired to hold the values I find important close to my baby's heart. Thanks for helping me tap into that power!"
-B.K. New Mom
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"I LOVED THE CLASS!" - Natasha K. ____________________ "This birth was nothing like my previous births! No back labor, no delays, and best of all, no epidural!
Thank you!!"
-J.K Mom of 4
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"Absolutely wonderful!-Stephanie B. New Mother ____________________
“Great workout, helps you forget about any discomfort in pregnancy when you just focus on the music, and feel the music."
-Chrystal, Expectant Mom
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“Please Stephanie, keep on doing this great job the way you do it!”
-E. S., New Father ____________________ “Class was very enjoyable – great to get moving, also good ideas for labor – I’m looking forward to putting it into practice. Thank you!" Jessica - Expectant Mom
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"I pushed for only about 30 minutes and both the nurses and doctor told me that I pushed like a woman who's had 2 or 3 babies. Yay for dancing for birth! He'll be three weeks old tomorrow and I'd love to bring him back to your class." Liza L. - New Mom
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"This class changed my outlook on labor & delivery - I feel much more prepared. I loved this class! I'll be back!" Patti - Expectant Mom
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"It exceeded my expectations, really wonderful!" Jennifer - Experienced Mom
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"It was tons of fun and a great workout, too!" A.H.
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"My birth plan has changed as a result of this class. I plan to be more proactive. I am more confident, less patient-like. I would definitely recommend this class to friends." Heidi F. - Expectant Mom of twins and Experienced Mom of two.
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"I hadn't thought a whole lot about how the Mother's position affects the baby." Daniel F - Expectant Dad
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"...it was an amazing adventure and worth every minute. Elias is here and he is beautiful and I am so in love. Thank you so much for all of your help." Sonya P. New Home Birth Mother
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