Jess’ birth story

Written By Alex Farner

A huge thank you to Jess, who emailed me the evening of her birth to celebrate her amazing active labour and safe delivery of her baby boy.

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Jess consistently throughout her pregnancy, which allowed me to tailor classes and exercises as her body grew and her needs changed.

Highlights for me throughout Jess’ pregnancy include:

Pelvic Stability

Despite pre-exisiting hypermobility, we eliminated early onset pelvic girdle pain at around 14 weeks and kept it at bay throughout her entire pregnancy.

Birth preparation

My group classes weave in birth preparation and education, building familiarity, muscle memory and self exploration in active labour positions.

Breathwork

I teach fundamental breath mechanics, and the use of breath for both effort and ease which helped Jess manage a long labour and painful pinnacles.

Pelvic Floor education

To empower her entire pregnancy and set Jess up for recovery post birth.

Helping baby into position

A combination of class movements and hands on myofascial release (in the form of a custom massage) helped her baby body descend, head down, and engage ready for birth.

In her own words:

“I was so fortunate to have a beautiful birth experience and I can't help but become quite emotional when I think about what I did in those moments over the past day or so of labour and how I had taken it all from your prenatal yoga sessions. 

I think I used almost all yoga positions and breathing exercises that you taught me over the 30ish weeks I attended classes.

I felt strong and in control of my pain, using deep tones and relaxed facial muscles on my exhales to breathe through contractions was a clear favourite, as well as lots of time spent on my hands and knees.

There were a few times where I needed to be on the bed, but I was able to go side lying like we did in class.

Baby did need the vacuum for a little support as he was facing up, which resulted in some stitches for me, but I felt confident that I could breathe through that pain as well, which ultimately helped bring him out! 

I would not have had the birth experience I had without your guidance and support. I will be forever grateful to you.”

 

Jess’ prenatal care included

Alex Farner
Next

My ‘Trimester Zero’