I am the mother of two young boys, both born naturally in a hospital. The childbirth education class I took during my first pregnancy left me completely unprepared for the early arrival of my first son. Almost a C-section, the birth ended with an emergency forceps delivery, which was accompanied by a large episiotomy. The recovery was difficult, to put it mildly. Had I been better educated about what to expect in labor and birth, I would have known how to better control the outcome which would have led to a more positive birt experience. Fortunately, my
baby was healthy at just over six pounds. He's now more than 10 times that weight and is as healthy as can be.
The experience was a lesson learned, and when I got pregnant with baby number two, my husband and I decided to take a natural childbirth class because we heard from friends that it would better prepare us for labor and childbirth. It turned out to be a wise choice, and when I went into labor in my kitchen a week before my due date, I knew just how to relax while I waited for my husband to come home. This time, there were no forceps, no episiotomy, and hardly a tear for a chubby 8-pounder. The recovery was faster, and caring for and bonding with my newborn was much easier.
It was the difference in my own birth experiences that prompted me to become a natural childbirth educator. I can now help other women learn what to expect in labor and birth so they can make informed decisions that will help them achieve a positive birth experience. What better way to meet your baby for the first time than for both of you to be drug-free, pain-free and fully present?
The first three stages of labor are short compared to the fourth stage, which is the life-long commitment mothers make to raising their children. But only some of fourth stage feels like labor. Most of it is pure love and joy!
My Childbirth Philosophy
Life is inherently unpredictable. So is childbirth. Most women are physically and emotionally capable of having a baby without any medications, as long as she has the three keys to a natural birth: knowledge, support and the ability to relax in labor. A natural birth is the safest birth for mother and baby, and the fastest way for both to recover from their birth experience.
However, for some women, a birth without medication is not an option. Sometimes, a C-section or other medical intervention is needed to safely birth a baby. How fortunate we are to have medical advances that can save lives during childbirth.
My mission statement for Happy Birth Way is simple: to empower couples to make informed choices about their birth experience, whether in a hospital with an obstetrician or at home with a midwife. I hope to have the opportunity to guide you to your baby's birth.
Professional Training
Natural Childbirth Educator June Connell is certified by the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) and was also certified in 2006 by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, also known as the Bradley Method (R). After teaching the Bradley Method (R) for a year, she created Happy Birth Way, enhancing the original course with the latest in pregnancy and birth-related research that offer multiple perspectives on controversial issues. Happy Birth Way also includes up-to-date information about holistic prenatal care, including acupuncture and chiropractic care.
June is a member of the ICEA as well as the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE). She has a degree in Speech Communications and twp decades of experience as a writer and media producer. She is a strong communicator and an excellent researcher, ensuring that her students are provided with current information suited to their individual needs.
June also produced and hosted the country's ONLY Internet Radio Show about pregnancy, birth and new parenthood, "What on Birth is Going On?", now archived right here for easy downloading. Topics include everything having to do with pregnancy, birth and new parenthood, including birth options, Oriental Medicine, inducing labor, acupuncture and breastfeeding.
