Re: [ozmidwifery] We can make a difference

[Diane Gardner]

Hi Di   It does get easier and easier as you teach and becomes more comfortable and enjoyable. Yes it is making such a difference. Once the word gets out you will have lots of pregnant couples I'm sure.   As far as I am aware Sue there are not any practitioners yet in WA. The laws in WA are still archaic so it makes it difficult to introduce new programs like calmbirth in there. I believe that is starting to change though. The laws are the same in SA too. Amazing in this day and age that it can still be that way.   Here is another story that just came through to me tonight. Sigh birth is so wonderful I hope it catches on *grin*   I thought the list could do with another beautiful story to uplift us and know we are out there working together for a beautiful cause........life!   warm regards Diane Gardner   Hi there Diane Our little girl was born on Sunday the 1st of October at 5.30 am, after only a 3 hour labour and at 37 weeks this time.  Saffron Lilli Shale weighing in at only 5lb, but perfect in every way.  She came so quickly I almost had her on the doorstep as we left for the hospital!  When I woke at 2.30am and realised the birth was on its way, rather than being filled with dread at the thought of labour, I was overwhelmingly excited at the prospect of meeting my baby.......that's when I really realised the value of calm birth.  Despite a very fast progressing labour we were still both calm and using the techniques.  The worst part was the car journey to the hospital.  In hind-sight we probably would have been better placed not leaving home at all as I think I was probably already in transition by that stage, but 20 minutes later (which I thought was only about 10...so something was working well) and a few jumped red lights later we arrived at the Family Birth Centre (hospital name removed).  Little Saffron popped her head out for a leisurely look around (as the midwife put it) about 20 minutes later.  The midwife commented repeatedly about how relaxed little girl was and how fantastic the birth had been.  It was pretty good from my point of view too!  I picked her up, climbed into bed with her and we cuddled uninterupted for the next few hours.  The cord wasn't cut till it stopped pulsating and I required no drugs to deliver the placenta.  She fed at the breast spontaneously after about 10 minutes and stayed there for an hour!  She certainly knows how to feed and she's piling the pounds on now!  Apparently, She was posterior too, and I am told would have come quicker had she been the other way round! We have been so overjoyed by the fact that everything went according to the birth plan, despite being surprised by the speed of it all.  Thankyou so much for giving us confidence, positivity & knowledge, and contributing to a wonderful birth experience for us and for Saffron. Coben has been a bit unsure about the whole thing but is getting the hang of being a big brother now as you can see from the photo.  She loves him and won't take her eyes of him! Love from us all ----- Original Message ----- From: diane To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 7:17 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] We can make a difference Thanks from me too Diane, I just taught my first Calmbirth couple on the weekend, and although I felt a little awkward, I kept reminding myself of the difference it can make. (Im sure it will flow more easily as time goes on!). There are plenty of calmbirth practitioners on the NSW central Coast where I currently work. I will be setting up my classes when I move to Mackay next month. I will be needing one more volunteer couple when I get there, before gaining my certification as I dont have time to complete them before I move. So if anyone up that way knows of someone who may be keen to volunteer, please ask them to contact me at [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Other practitioners can be found on the Calmbirth register at   www.calmbirthregister.com It doesnt look as if there are any on the register in WA though Sue, but you could contact Peter Jackson and ask him if there are any over that way. www.calmbirth.com.au Cheers, Di (L)