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Couples' ReflectionsReflections from a woman having her first baby
"We embraced it fully, as it helped me control and regulate my breathing. This is the most difficult thing to do when contractions arrive at first, and Roger, my partner, was wonderful in telling when to breathe in and out. Every time a contraction came, I visualised Roger's hands going up and down on my lower back, which helped me regulate my breathing. I cannot describe well enough the feeling that this massage programme brought me. Roger and I were so close, we were together in this, from the beginning to the end. I remember labour as a fantastic experience, rather than a painful one. There is no doubt that Roger and I have bonded even more through using this." Aline Reflections from women having subsequent babies
Rapid LabourLabour & delivery were extremely fast. From 4cms dilated to Alfie's birth was only 45 minutes. The contractions were extremely intense and we only used the programme right up to the birth. It definitely helped me to focus and not to panic." Sallie 
Previous Caesarean SectionWhen I went into labour and as the pain increased I felt able to control it with the massage and breathing techniques. Our son Sam was born normally and I felt elated and relieved that I had managed my labour well with the help of my husband, the encouragement from the midwife, the massage programme plus some entonox. Martin felt much more in control and able to help me, making it a very positive experience for both of us and we had a fantastic result, a healthy baby boy. I had a caesarean section with Rebecca and grieved for about a year afterwards feeling I had been robbed of any control and of not having had a vaginal delivery. I also felt very frustrated and 'low' due to the pain and slow recovery afterwards. My recovery has been much quicker this time and we all have a greater feeling of well being." Sara More comments from parents"I felt totally relaxed and switched off in between contractions." "During labour J went into a state of calm." "We massaged - it helped us stay home longer. "He massaged in time with my breathing... used the massage to slow me down when I was going too fast." "I was concentrating on A's hands moving instead of how long the contraction was going on for." "It was so effective that my wife needed no other form of pain relief." "The massage kept us very focused." "My husband was initially sceptical about the massage course and its effects. He was very surprised how successful and effective it was." "I was thrilled to have had a birth of my choice... a drug free labour meant I stayed in control and could really enjoy the arrival of my daughter." | ||
All content and photography featured on this web site are copyright © Linda Kimber and Anne Haines 2007
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