[Deb]

Hey Deb,

I've been meaning to write for awhile, but, well, I'm sure you know how it goes! Today my little bundle is 3 weeks and 1 day and I finally feel like I have *once in awhile* a moment for email.


As you may remember, I had to have a C-section, much against my wishes, because my baby was breech. We also found out, during delivery, that he had the cord around his neck so its a good thing we went with the C. Not to say you can't come out vaginally with the cord around your neck - I was born at home with the cord around my neck - but I think with him being breech it was the safest thing. ANYWAY, what I want to say, and I invite you to share with your classes, is this:


In class you often talk about how you don't know what labor and delivery are going to bring. And although I had a planned C-section, so much of what I prepared for still mattered. I used breathing techniques before and during the surgery to help me stay present, calm and in my body despite the spinal. I know, for a fact, this helped me feel more like the delivery was mine. I was so afraid that the C wouldn't feel like I really *had* the baby, but because I was able to stay present and feel him coming out of me, I was able to connect with my delivery and still feel like I had a real labor experience.


Also, we can't underestimate the help yoga has on recovery. All the nurses were blown away with how quickly my recovery progressed. I was up and about the day after the C and my body was doing all its normal functions by the following day. Of course its a long road, but I do feel that coming into the surgery in good condition really helps.


Now, as I await my 6-week appointment, I'm trying to incorporate some simple stretches into my day to continue to feel in-my-body and not just like a milk cow! Can't wait to get back to real physical activity and work-outs.


Welcome little Jackson Wilfred Heilbut. He was born on 6/17 at 7:59 am at Lenox Hill Hospital. He was 6lbs 14ozs (not exactly the 7.5 they predicted!) and 20.25 inches.


All the best and I'll see you soon in postnatal!
Wendy