Dear Jessica,

I just got home from the hospital today with my husband and our beautiful new daughter, Ellanora. She is perfect and healthy and absolutely lovely.

I had a very long labor - about 25 hours, but I managed to do it entirely the way I had hoped -- all natural, no drugs. It was amazing. I can't believe I was able to do it! It was truly the hardest and most gratifying work I have ever done in my life.

I went into labor on Friday afternoon, but I didn't really know it since I had been having so many contractions for the week leading up. Active labor kicked in at about 10 pm Friday night and we were up all night laboring at home.

At 10 am Saturday morning we went to the hospital and I was at 3 cm. Within about 2 1/2 hours I was at 5 cm. Then everything stalled for a while. I was in hard, active labor for another 5-6 hours and when they checked me I was STILL at only 5 cm. That was a shocker and I tried not to be discouraged, but I could see everyone looking worried since I had been working so hard for so long already.

About an hour later I agreed to let my doctor break my bag of waters and everything moved into high gear. We also discovered that there was meconium in the amniotic fluid so that changed my need to be monitored regularly. The doctor said I was at 6cm when she broke the bag and within 10 minutes I was having the most unbelievable contractions.

Pretty much for the next 2 and half hours I had one constant contraction that never subsided. It was unbelievable and I had moments where I wondered if I could make it through and if I should consider getting an epidural. But I never did. I was most concerned about having enough energy to push when it was finally time.

By this time I had been in labor for over 20 hours and hadn't eaten in almost as long. Somehow I made it through - I reached 10 cm and started pushing. It took about an our and half and out she came at 11:08 pm Saturday September 25th.

She weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and measured 20 inches. She's got a full head of black hair and wide, wondering eyes. Luckily, Ellanora never inhaled any of the meconium and was fine - so although I wasn't able to have her in my arms the moment after she was born, I did get her after a few minutes once the respiratory doctor made sure her airways were clear. And then she latched on right away - it was amazing.

Everything - yoga, the Bradley method class, deep breathing and great
coaching and support from my husband made it possible for me to give birth the way I hoped to. It's a true miracle and a life changing experience. I can't wait for all the other women in class to experience it, but I hope they all have shorter labors than me!

I hope to be up and about and back to yoga soon, but right now I feel a
little like I got hit by a truck. (and I never knew it could feel so
blissful!)

Thanks for everything. I hope to see you again very soon. I will send a
picture very soon in a separate email.

Sienna