Aimee’s birth video – 8 minutes

Caucasian single mom. Youngish.

8:30 am – walking hallway in bathrobe. On ctx, stops and leans over

In bathtub, covered by towel. Smiling

Standing next to bed, and leaning over.

They say “Staying out of bed as long as possible.” She says “moving helps it feel better, probably go faster”

Labor support nursing staff, room-mate / Lamaze coach, father who arrived from out of town in time for the birth: “I wasn’t sure what role he would play, but he really helped.”

Sitting in rocking chair. Counted hee-blow and eye contact / focal point – “couldn’t have done breathing without Michelle – didn’t remember much from class”

Vocalizing rhythmically with labor supporter – who holds hand, strokes forehead.

Had a midwife – she says “special experience – she was there 7 am – 8 pm: talking to me, counterpressure, very supportive”

Sitting on bed, leaning over dad

7 cm – “most challenging part – get through ctx and know there was another one coming – luckily I was close to pushing”

Counting to ten (fast) – holding breath.

Glad I got through it without drugs so I could feel the whole experience.

I would take a cleansing breath, and rest till next ctx came – hard because I wanted to push all the time

Bare chest (fully naked)

Perineal view – cord looped. Slimy baby directly on chest. Joyful weeping. Oxygen mask by baby’s face

“best moment of my life”

Very important for a single mom to have really good support during and after birth

Janelle’s summary: nice. Active. Good labor support. Some rhythm. Good medical supporters. Variety of techniques. Interestingly, not time-marked like other videos

But, 1996…. Nothing screamingly obvious dated (maybe some hair / fashion?)