Beautiful Birth - HypnoBirthing -

by 10.10.13

I wanted to take the time to inform you about Hypnobirthing and how it has worked for me.

Hypnobirthing stands for a calm, natural birth. You are free of fear and filled with belief that the woman's body is designed to give birth and that it is a beautiful experience. It teaches you to relax your body and conditions to relax once you listen to the relaxation exercises and birth affirmations. The breathing techniques are different to the ones you might know and they do make all the difference. Besides that you don't push the baby out, but exhale while birthing the baby.

It also gives you tips and tricks how to keep your endorphins high and fight the adrenaline. Endorphins are the strongest 'pain killers' there are. Adrenaline on the other hand tenses your body for action. For giving birth it is crucial to relax your body and work with the contractions and to let go of all the tension and enjoy the miracle of giving birth.

The partner plays a vital role during the preparations and actual birth. Unfortunately many men feel like they cannot be of any help during birth, but that is absolutely untrue. The dads are very important for the women to feel at ease. You will be doing this together.

When I discovered that I was pregnant, one of the first thoughts that came to my mind was giving birth and all the stories I've heard about giving birth. So far I've never heard birthing stories that were not filled with excruciating pain and trauma. You will always hear women talk about what went wrong and how much it hurt. They then conclude the story with: 'Don't worry, once the baby is there you have forgotten all about it'. Well, that is reassuring. You first still have to go through hell to then return to heaven on earth. That is quite the journey and I was honestly scared of it.

When one of my dearest friends told me that she was pregnant, too, and wanted to try out Hypnobirthing, I wanted to know more. She was talking so passionately about it so I ordered the book right away. My friend was taking part of the official Hypnobirthing Classes. I first wanted to read the book to see if it was really something for me.

When I decided to also take the classes, I couldn't find anyone who still had space for me. Luckily the woman who was giving the classes in the Netherlands agreed to meet with me on Skype for a couple of sessions. We worked together on some parts and it was nice to just talk to her and release the fear that I attached to giving birth. I felt confident and really wanted to make it work. I was free of fear and really looking forward to it.

Let me tell you that I had the most beautiful birth ever. I practiced the exercises (breathing, relaxation, visualisation etc.), I also bought the music that was used for the relaxation CD and listened to that as often as I could. With and without headphones to also make the baby hear the soothing sounds.

My delivery took only 7 hours after I was induced and Vincent came swimming into the world in the birthing tank. He is a very calm baby. Just as all the other hypnobirthing babies that entered the world in a calm way. I didn't use any pain medication. It was a birth like nature intended it. My endorphins kicked in and there was no pain.

I wish all women the beautiful birth that I had and can wholeheartedly recommend Hypnobirthing for you. Even when you are a sober minded Dutch girl like me. Giving birth doesn't hurt. I tell you that it does work!

One thing that is really important is to write a birthing plan. Describe your ultimate birth and preferences. A lot of women never think about it, but the caretakers at the hospital really appreciate it and can guide you better through your birth. My hospital didn't have a lot of experience with HB and because of my birthing plan they knew what to do and it all turned out wonderful. No weird surprises, all according to my plan.

I would like to thank: Oliver, Linda, Kathrin and Karin for guiding me through this wonderful experience. I could not have done it without you!


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73 comments

  1. Congrats, Simone & family! I'm glad that your little guy is so relaxed. Best wishes!!

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  2. Wonderful photo! I also expected a little boy and I already look forward it there.
    Full of happiness for you !

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  3. wow, this technique is very interesting! But I don't think it's well known in Italy :\

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  4. Simone, I hope the passes very happy with your son, I love you

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  5. Beautiful, I think I will try it! Thank you Smoon! xx Blessings for you, Oliver and the little Vincent <3

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  6. Congratulations! i cannot say how happy i am now that you have your baby with you and knowing you both are healthy, congratulations one more time and enjoy this beautiful phase of your new life as a mommy

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  7. I'm so happy for you and for your baby Simone..
    Kisses from your Brazillian fan. :D

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  8. I'm so happy for you and for your baby Simone
    Kisse from your Brazillian fan

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  9. Learned something new. Really happy, that your birth was successful and without pain.

    Cannot wait until Retrospect and new album, but more importantly a person who i truly respect (you, Simone) is happy and doing well, really makes my day, as your singing has been a part of my life for the last 10 years has made me so happy. Hope you enjoy your time with Vincent and your family. Be well Simone, and wish you luck with Epica and with being a mother.

    Much love,
    Lyle

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  10. Anonymous10.10.13

    I'm so glad , you are okay and had such a beautiful experience of giving birth.

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  11. I'm not about having a baby soon, but I was always afraid of it, and this post really calmed me down!
    I will surely remember to check this out in a few years :P
    I'm glad to hear it was a positive expirience for you, and hope you're enjoying being a mother! I'm sure we're all excited to see your beautiful son, but that's your decision where and when let us see him if at all. I'm sure his in good hands!
    Congrats to you and father Oliver!
    I think it would be really nice to hear more stories about choosing the name of the baby and thing like that if you'd like to tell :)

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  12. Wonderful tip about birth

    Unfortunately here in Brazil the natural birth is not encouraged, so is difficult to find a someone who teaches us a hypnobirthing.
    But when my time comes, I will try to follow your tip, and of course will most natural possible.

    Like Elize Ryd said, you´re a superwoman, no doubt.

    Lov u.

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  13. Thank you for share your experience with us, I'm so happy to know it was a calm birth. Enjoy this magical moment with your little baby!!! Kisses from Brazil =D

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  14. What a beautiful story! I'm happy to hear that you've had such a wonderful birth. Hopefully I'll be a mommy too someday but the thought of giving birth sounds terrifying. I think the pain is worth it, but an ideal birth is something all women want ofcourse. This is something to remember for sure. :)
    Congrats on your little baby boy, Simone & Oliver!

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  15. Anonymous10.10.13

    A most beautiful post that you made here on Smoonstyle! First I wish all the best to you,Oliver and your little baby Vincent ! We are so happy for yours! And second, thank you so much Simone for share your birth experience,this is a amazing way to giving birth. ♥♥

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  16. It's fantastic! :) Congratulations Simone.♥ It's very interesting that you used this form of birth. I'm so happy that all went good and now you and Vincent are doing great. :) I cannot describe how much this information means for me. I've been with you, thought about how do you feel through all your pregnacy. My heart is pounding like crazy because of all happiness which I feel. I'm thankful for this awesome world that gave you chance to born without pain. :) Wonderful, unforgettable experience. Congrats once again!

    Many hugs, kisses and warmest greetings from Poland for You, Vincent and Oliver!
    Love, Julia. ♥

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  17. Anonymous10.10.13

    This is a very inspiring and encouraging post. What a wonderful miracle just happened!!! Enjoy your time and all the best wishes. Love & happiness.

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  18. Wauw, ik krijg gewoon kippenvel van je bericht, misschien in combinatie met muziek die ik had opstaan. Maar het is veel beter inderdaad met bevallen om heel rustig te blijven, te ontspannen. En te luisteren naar je lichaam, ik heb helaas er zelf nog geen ervaring mee gehad. Maar ik denk dat veel vrouwen elkaar onbewust bang maken. En op tv is het ook een grote show, denk ik. Als een bevalling echt zo erg was, zouden mensen niet nog een kind nemen. Wij vrouwen zijn er voor gemaakt en we zijn sterk, we kunnen het :-) Nogmaals, gefeliciteerd! En jouw tips neem ik mee voor als ik ooit zwanger ben, wat ik hoop!

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  19. Oh my Sisi... thank you so much for share this beautiful experience with us. It's so good to know that you are happy and everything was ok during the birthing. Thanks God you didn't suffer. And thanks God that Vincent is perfect, too. Believe, we were very worried and anxious about you and now we have to thank you so much for give us some news. WE REALLY LOVE YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OURS HEARTS! Love ♥

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  20. Anonymous10.10.13

    congrats simone!!!! wish you all the best for you and your family!!! happy to know that all went well and both are healthy!! thank you also for this precious information...my day of birth is close it remains me just 2 months and i heard only horribile stories as if the birth it's the most cruel and dangerous thing in the life of a woman...so knowing that there are some techniques that can make the birth a very beautiful and magic moment not necessarily painful it calms me....Once again congrats and enjoy you're little baby...^^

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  21. Anonymous10.10.13

    OMG Simone i'm so happy for you that i wanna cry! i know one thing Vicent is the most lucky, healthy and happy baby in the world. And you are the best mom ( hug and kiss him! )Him is the best gift that you can have.
    PD: i want see him. ;) love youuu! :D

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  22. fantastic moment for you ;)

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  23. fantastic moment for you ;)

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  24. Once again, congratulations Simone and Oliver on your first born!

    A friend of mine gave birth to her first child about 4 months ago and her birth (and pregnancy) were very easy too. She didn't do HB, but I think just got very lucky. She didn't have any pregnancy illness besides the first 3 months. After that she was just fine. Could do anything. The day she gave birth also went on by good. At around 5am her water broke and they went to the hospital. The baby didn't come until around 7am. She had to push one time... one time... painless... and the baby out. Around 9am she was already back home with her daughter. Who is the sweetest, most adorable baby ever... that's a cliche. I know. hahaha. But I guess it really is indeed your own mindset that helps you through the process.

    But great to hear that you had a great birth. Certainly if it's your first. Wish you and your family all the best of luck and hope to see you on the road again with Epica :)

    - Clayton
    From: Suriname

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  25. Anonymous11.10.13

    Wow I am so very happy and proud of you - you're a strong woman!! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

    xx

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  26. I'm also very afraid of giving birth, I'm in the 14th week in my pregnancy and now that I have read your post I know I can try that too, I don't know if in Costa Rica there's people who know about that technique, but I can still order a book or watch videos on YouTube, I have to see how to get to know that technique, I'm giving birth around April 11th, just 2 days before my birthday so you can imagine what a great gift I will receive
    In case you have a chance Simone, my email is sanapril13@hotmail.com, so now that you know more about it can help me overcome the fear of giving birth. Thanks in advance, and I'm so happy to hear that you 3 are just perfect

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  27. I'm happy to hear that you had a baby the way you and your family found most natural, healthy and comfortable. I really think that these types of birthing options should become more common knowledge among families.

    I watched a documentary a few months ago called the "Business of Being Born" (somewhat centered on the United States hospitals) and I don't think I'll ever look at birthing the way I used to either -- pain, trauma, etc. The documentary explored natural home births, hypo-birthing, and generally encouraged women to explore their options and that birthing can -- and should be -- be a very beautiful thing. Thanks for sharing your story!

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  28. Glad to hear you had a great delivery! I hope that my also be so calm! I'm very afraid of labor pain and hopefully win this fear!

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  29. *.* I told you but I'll tell you again, congrats Simone and I'm happy to know that all your process was very good :)

    I can imagine you with your baby :3 I'm not a mom but I've had the experience to take care of some of them and it is unbelivable how you fall in love with them, and what you fell when they learn so many things, when they laugh and also cry because of you haha, however, Oliver and you have a large and a beautiful way to walk with the little Vincent (love the name).

    Best wishes for the Palotais :D

    Love you, Liz

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  30. i already know he's the most beautiful child ever

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  31. Wow! Beautiful post :). Im so impressed, because all the woman says that it hurts, but is good to try other techniques...If i decide to have a baby i'll try it
    Im so happy for you and your new baby.
    Keep healthy!!

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  32. I've never heard of that technique, thanks a lot for letting us know about HB. I'm so glad it worked and you had a wonderful birth. Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful things that a woman can experience and so should be birth! What you wrote about the stories we all hear about the pain, etc is absolutely true and it is quite sad that all women tend to think that giving birth should be a torture.
    That is the sweetest and cutest picture I've ever seen, you seem so happy with your baby boy. I wish you guys nothing but the best. Welcome Vinnie!
    PS.: You announced his name is Vincent G. Palotai. May I ask what G stands for?

    Lots of ♥

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  33. It's very nice that you share this beautiful experience with us! Congratulations for you and Oliver, and the best wishes for this lovely family <3

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  34. My sister is about to have her second child, she had her first with no gas & air or any drugs or painkillers. I admire her & your bravery. I'd be terrified of something as painful as giving birth.

    Take is easy Simone & Oliver. I'm amusing little Vincent will be a hand full. Peace!

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  35. Congratulations Simone! <3

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  36. Anonymous11.10.13

    Felicidades!!! :)

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  37. Anonymous11.10.13

    Again, Congrats lovely Simone! I'm happy for you and Oliver! Welcome to the world, baby V! You'll surely be a headbanger too like your parents! \m/

    Cheers,
    Russel from Philippines

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  38. It really doesn't hurt? Amazing. Never heard of it, thank you. And congratulations.

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  39. Congrats, Simone. Kisses and hugs to you and your family,
    Steffi <3

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  40. Such a beautiful and informative birthing story, thank you for sharing that with us! Lots of congrats to you and your lovely little family! :)

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  41. Hey Simone!
    This is so interesting!!! I will definitely keep hypnobirthing in mind when its my time ( :
    Once I heard about giving birth with dolphins would also help the baby and mom to relax.
    It seems that the dolphins communicate with the baby. Its something I want to discover.

    Enjoy the time with Vincent and Oliver!

    xx Caroline

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  42. Congratulations, I'm so happy for you! :3

    http://www.caterina-m.blogspot.com

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  43. Hello, Simone :) this was a really interesting post for me, i've never heard of this technique before and I actually was terrified of giving birth up until I read this.Was there really no pain at all? I have a weak heart and so I would really benefit from such a calm birth. Sounds unreal, but I am making a note for myself to start learning hypnobirthing :) Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with us :) By the way, Vincent is the cutest little guy I've seen, I hope you all are doing great!

    Best wishes,
    Viktorija

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  44. congratulations! I send you a kiss for you and your little one from Uruguay! I love you very much!

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  45. Congratulations Simone, and Oliver too! You will be a great parents for little Vincent for sure, he will feel much love from both of you :)
    By the way, I loved the name, as Tim Burton's "Vincent" first short! :D Will Vinnie be a great Burton's fan like her mommy? ;)

    A lot of thanks for the information of hypnobirthing, I never hear about this technique, and I'm impressed! Definitely, I will try it when my time arrives!

    Best of wishes for your lovely family, it's time to enjoy! You deserves it :)

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  46. I have several friends who did a Hypnobirth and it was all the same as you said--no pain, calm easy delivery, exactly as nature intended for it to be! :D

    So, so proud of you! I can't wait to see more of little Vinnie as he grows.

    Love from us here in the States!

    <3

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  47. Anonymous11.10.13

    Hi Simone that's really cute photo of u and Vincent!! congrats for u and Oliver, thanks for sharing your experience, if one day i become a mommy i will do it, being a mommy it's the most beautiful experience in the world.

    Love for u and Vincent from Colombia.

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  48. posta mais fotos do bebê =]

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  49. I really want to do a natural birth for my next pregnancy, and now I want to look into the Hypnobirth method. I know induction uses Pictocin, which usually makes contractions more painful. If the method you used worked even after being induced, it's got to be something worth looking into. Congratulations Simone, you seem so happy and at ease! =)

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  50. Congrats Simone! I'm so happy for you to have had such a beautiful birthing.
    Thanks to share this information with us, for me it has been very helpful, I myself am pregnant (20th week now) of my first child, and I was starting to feel I little bit worried for how the parturition is going to be and all the histories and myths around it. Personally, I always been more inclined to avoid pain and thought about epidural as my future saver, but the truth is having read your experience as well as some of my colleagues' , I am beginning to change my mind and maybe give a try to a natural and medication free birthing.
    I don't know how it will end finally, but I think if this technique could help me to face the pain in a calmed and relaxed way it's a help enough.
    Thanks again for sharing this experience, it opened a world to me.
    Mina

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  51. Congrats!In Portugal we dont know that technique,if we know u dont use :/

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  52. Congrats Simone, I'm pretty sure you'll be a wonderful mother, and he'll be loved by all of you and for all the epicans. Best Wishes.

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  53. Congratulations Simone! Wish you all the best for you :)

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  54. Anonymous12.10.13

    Wonderful! Congratulations, such a beautiful picture <3

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  55. Dear Simone,

    congratulations for Oliver and You. You will be amazing parents for your baby <3

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  56. Thank you for this post, Simone :) Very nice to read and I am pretty sure I would use this if I'd ever get pregnant!

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  57. Congratulations, my darling! I love your voice. <3 And this picture is reeeeaaaaalyyyyy cute!

    Ps. I have to read about hypnobirthing, maybe I will try it with my second baby? :) Thanks for this beautiful story. Kisses to all of you! <3

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  58. Congratulations Simone !! :)

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  59. Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful son! I'm glad that it was a very positive experience. I did not know about Hypnobirthing before this blog post. Thank you for introducing me.

    I hope that everything continues to go well. This is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure! You have many wonderful experiences ahead of you. :)

    Shawna Lynn

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  60. Congradulations! I'm glad you had a pleasant experience, and that you and Vincent are happy, calm and healthy. And as a parent, welcome to the the next wonderful and beautiful stage of life: parenthood. Do not be too affected by everyone's horror stories. There are stages and there are battles, but we always marvel and laugh (how are our children so doggone smart?) Enjoy each moment, they are wondrous.

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  61. oooww :') I cried... so cute! I can imagine your fear when you knew you were pregnant! But I am so happy that everything turned out great! I can't wait to see pictures of Vinnie, if you are willing to take some haha but... congratulations, Simone! I am so happy for you and for Oliver! You both will be great parents and Vinnie will love you so much, I hope he becomes a great musician like his parents hahaha.
    Good luck with your creature! Enjoy every second you live together! I am sure you are so happy :) Keep on being this Simone, this beautiful and nice Sisi, with a wonderful heart <3 I love you, and I am your biggest fan! LOVE, KISSES AND HUGS!

    -Daniela

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  62. Congrats!!! The most important the baby is healthy and you are a happy proud mom.

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  63. Dear Simone,

    I am sending my Congratulations to you from Winter Russia and wishing you and your beautiful family all the best! Your little one is the most wonderful creature you have now. I recently gave birth to my own son it was nearly 10 months ago but it hurted like hell. I even had to scream. I guess cause everything was orginized in a totally wrong way. Got totally excited with HypnoBirthing and can't wait to try again. Could you kindly advise what exactly relaxation music did you listen? What was the name of the band or some songs names?
    Rest and have a cosy evening!

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  64. Congratulations to you and Oliver for your beautiful little boy! I'm so glad to hear that he is healthy and happy! You will both be such wonderful parents! Thank you for sharing your experience with hypnobirth. All I've ever heard were horror stories about pregnancy and it's refreshing to hear that you had such a wonderful experience!!

    Take care, you are such an inspiration to me in so many ways!

    Greetings from the States,
    Devin

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  65. Congratulations......is a beatiful moment on your life...

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  66. That pic is one of the cutest thing ever.
    I'm happy for you, and what you wrote about this marvelous experience makes us understand how relaxed and satisfied are you now. I can only imagine the way you feel now... =)
    Good luck to you, Mommy Smoon, and to Oliver too!

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  67. Wonderfull! Gratz ;) <3

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  68. So happy you had a positive experience! The facilities in the USA should be open to this and let women be in charge of their births. I had a not so good experience, they said no to a water birth and they would not let me move because they had me tied to sooo many machines. I hope to find a place that will allow me to have an experience like this for my next child =) Maybe we should have the next baby in Europe!

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  69. you are a wonderful mom!!!!...all of this that you describe about your giving birth experience shows that you are a very responsable and focused mother and your boys (Oliver and Vincent) are both very lucky to have you...wish you all the best and of course...CONGRATS!!!!!

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  70. My wife and I had our last 3 babies intentionally unassisted, and medication free. It wasn't hypno, water birth, or pain free, but it was just the two of us acting together at home and much better than prior experience with hospital births.

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  71. My sister is about to give birth too for the second time. She done it the first time with no gas & air. Take it easy Simone. It's great to hear that everything is going well.

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  72. Congrats for the birthday of your son!!! He's lucky in have such dedicated and lovely mother!

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