ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Sarah Crumbley is a Certified HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator, currently working at GWU as a Fertility Nurse. She has served as a womens health provider for over thirteen years, which includes working as a Labor and Delivery nurse. Sarah is a registered nurse and received her training as an HBCE in 2008, after her own amazing birth experience, with the birth of her first baby. As a mother of two children, Sarah desires for every women to have a safe, calm, serene, and joyful birth. It is her belief that all women have the ability to have natural childbirth through taking back their birth right.

"When you change the way you view birth, the way you birth will change."

-Marie F. Mongan

My labor started around 3pm on April 13, 2008, and all I felt was tightening and relaxing (surges from the beginning were 5 minutes apart). I had my Hypnobirthing session that day, and after that I had many errands to do (return items, buy things, get gas, and make dinner). After a large spaghetti dinner, I was ready to go up stairs to relax. I went to the bathroom and my mucous plug came out, as I stood up my water released (9:15pm). I became consumed with keeping dry, not aware of how quickly I was progressing. I showered and shaved my legs, and surges became 2 minutes apart. Still trying to stay dry, finish laundry and talk to friends ad family I missed the call from my OB. Finally I was packed, now with headphones on listening to Marie Mongan, and my husband demanding we leave, I remember him telling me he would know when I was ready. Now on the way to the hospital, shortly after 11 pm. We arrive (11:56pm), my husband parks the car, I walk myself in, and check in. I tell the nurse " I am ready to have my baby", since I am calm and relaxed, the nurse tells me " you are a first time mom, not possible". I let out a little sigh, after I told her " I have to have the biggest bowel movement ever", she knew what that meant, and said " go ahead". After my sigh, she moved me to the room and examined me. She then found that Ava was coming, I was complete with at 3+ station. I gave birth to my first baby 6 minutes after we arrived. It was amazing, no tearing, no need for meds, and minimal bleeding. I quickly nursed her and gave her a bath.

I began my hypnobirthing class in my 35 week, and delivered at 38 weeks. Ava was born on April 14, 2008 @1202am, 6#3oz, 18 3/4 in. long. My surges were never painful, they did not last for more than 20 seconds to my knowledge. All I felt was a sensation during my labor and pressure when I was ready to birth.

I know that HypnoBirthing made all the difference for me. My birth was just the way I designed it. Just a sensation, calm, serene and Joyful.

Sarah Crumbley