Thought provoking feedback from a recent graduate: “As a partner working 70+ hours a week to keep the job that will support this family, it is difficult to hear all of the references to my extra responsibilities (after the baby is born.) I want to do as much as I can, but the reality is my wife will have to take up the slack. It would be nice if you could be sensitive to that possibility…”

I am well known for taking people out of their comfort zones, whether they are attending S.F. classes or watching The Best Birth DVD – it’s my job! I do no favor if I don’t open their eye’s wide to the fact that this baby will challenge them. Their current orderly world will suddenly be interrupted with crying, wet and poopy diapers, the challenges of breastfeeding, all compounded with sleep deprivation.

I want to prepare them now for the reality that comes with newborns…life will settle down, but the first few weeks include a steep learning curve and require all hands on deck!

The following is an email excerpt from a recent The Best Birth DVD graduate and new mom:
I delivered my son on June 17, 2010 in a completely drug-free birth, thanks to The Best Birth DVD!  The relaxation techniques I learned and used between contractions were the most helpful things I got from the DVD and got me through 10 hours of labor without even thinking of asking for an epidural.  My labor nurse was telling me that all the nurses on the floor were so impressed at how I was handling labor and they couldn’t believe I wasn’t asking for pain relief.  I’m not saying it wasn’t painful (it definitely was!!), but it was manageable because of what I learned from watching the DVD.  I watched it twice actually, which really helped and I am so thankful I ordered it!  I would definitely recommend this DVD to anyone who wants to have a natural childbirth experience because it really does work.

Thanks so much!

Kellie Gabriel

Hi Sarah,
I hope this email finds you well! My husband and I are graduates of your August class. We wanted to inform you that we finally have our little boy in our arms. Connor made his big debut on September 1 @ 11:01p.m. He was a healthy baby boy weighing in @ 7lbs 3.50z & 20.5 inches long. What a beautiful miracle. We feel so lucky to be this little guys parents.

We want to thank you for providing us with the knowledge & guidance to prepare us for the birthing process/parenthood. We walked out of your class feeling more confident than ever and ready to be the best parents we can possibly be. I was in labor at home for 12 hours and I can honestly say, I could have NEVER gone that long if it weren’t for the coping methods you taught us. They saved my life.

Thank you again for sharing your passion & wisdom with soon-to-be-parents. We are forever grateful!
Below is a video I put together of Connor’s birth. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0kJopcLb4E

Hi Sarah,



My due date was last Wednesday, September 1, and I woke up early that morning at 5:30 am, with contractions. It took awhile before I believed they were the real thing. I lay awake staring at my alarm clock and timing them until 7, then woke my husband and said, “I don’t want you to get too excited, but I think I’m in labor.”

When I tell people now that I was in labor for almost 27 hours, they get a horrified look on their face. But really, it sounds much worse than it was. I was very nervous about managing the pain, and as it turns out, the anticipation was much worse than the actual experience. 

Once you’re in labor, you’re just so focused and determined to bring this baby into the world that nothing else matters. We are so incredibly glad that we took your classes. The birth class made us feel prepared for anything that might happen during labor and delivery (although the whole elbow-on-the-baby’s-ass thing was a surprise!), and the newborn class made us feel confident to bring Lucette home. 

She will be one week old tomorrow and all three of us are doing amazingly well. Sometimes I just sit and hold her and stare in disbelief that this perfect little person is really, finally here.

Thanks for what you do. I think Bruce felt really confident to be my labor partner because of your class, and he was absolutely amazing. I remember actually just being so in love with him during the whole process, because he was helping me so much. I couldn’t have done it without him.

My wife and I took the first half of the birthing 101 class tonight and just wish we had taken the class & met Sarah McMoyler sooner. I am looking forward to Part 2 tomorrow night. 

As another male reviewer mentioned I feel less nervous and frankly more excited after tonight’s class. Sure you can read books and we have, but for us being in a group setting in the same boat with other first time parents brought elements we really needed. The facts are that Sarah has helped deliver 1,000’s of babies, has had her own children; that we are learning from a professional are all feel goods. Her passion for what she does is what really made me write this positive review and her passion is a feel great!

The negative reviews about Sarah being “very patronizing to men” 
and taking “pleasure in embarrassing the men” WAS NOT our experience in the slightest. 

If you are thinking about taking this class…yeah she actually had us get involved and yeah guys (including me) got up in front of the group. If being embarrassed is the worst thing that happens to us guys in the process and the Gal’s get a few laughs…. great ALL very well worth it. Getting out of my comfort zone woke me up and that helped me get more engaged. 

Sarah took any and all questions, stayed after to answers any and all questions…. so it wasn’t our experience that any topic was “not allowed” Sure she has her opinion and yes its giving birth in a medical facility and yes she has a method she recommends…..hence the name of the class www.thebestbirth.com

The airwaves were buzzing all day yesterday with news of over 4,700 complaints from parents regarding severe diaper rash that seemed to be linked to disposable diapers. Social media uproar took place on Face book as irate parents vented their frustration with Proctor and Gamble (P&G), who had changed the materials used to construct their diapers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) evaluated the heat and moisture retention issues: “The CPSC staff cannot rule out that there may exist a health concern for some babies.” In the end, the CPSC cleared P&G of responsibility for severe diaper rash, while encouraging parents and caregivers to switch diaper brands and/or see their pediatrician as needed for diaper rash concerns.

My thoughts: we have seen a resurgence of glass baby bottles; perhaps we need to re-visit the idea of cloth diapers-particularly in the early newborn period, when their skin is so delicate.
www.thebestbirth.com