Matthew and Jeanne found out that Jeanne was pregnant in November 2006. She was very focused on having a natural childbirth, without an epidural. She researched alternative breathing techniques for labor. When Jeanne was 5 months pregnant she found Judith Halek, a CalmBirth® teacher. Jeanne and Matthew took a class from Judith to help prepare them for Ethan´s birth. They got the CalmBirth® CD from Judith. Jeanne listened to the cd almost every evening before falling asleep. She was able to attend a group practice with the CalmBirth® CD, and to be part of a photo shoot for a magazine article on CalmBirth®. Jeanne enjoyed doing Womb Breathing and said that she “loved the idea and practice of breathing vital life into her child.”

Jeanne: When the moment arrived and labor started, I lay on the bed and breathed into my womb as I learned from the CalmBirth® CD. At first we played the Practice of Opening section of the cd; it helped me focus on each body part which was a nice distraction from the discomfort of the contractions. I then moved to the Womb Breathing practice and found that I could breathe into my womb and then release the breath with a moaning sound. This, coupled with Matt pushing on my back and pulling on my hips (like Judith had taught us), really helped.

Ethan’s birth was the most amazing experience. I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful birth. Matt and I are really lucky to have found Judith and Eden (our doula), both of them CalmBirth® teachers. Having Eden with us through labor and delivery made all the difference in keeping my birth calm. Between all the support, the great hospital staff and CalmBirth®, I feel that I was as ready as I could ever be to bring Ethan, my first child, into this world. I am so thankful for the wonderful birth and I give thanks every day for such a fantastic child!