Grin and Bare a Child
07-Nov-07
During my visit to San Jose, USA in September 2007. I met Claire Powell who is laughter leader and she told me her story of doing laughter yoga exercises while giving birth to her second child. I hope more and more women starting laughing while going through labor pains – Dr. Kataria.
On March 3rd 2007 at 11:58 am my 2nd son, Billy, was born. I remember laying in bed around 2 am staring at the moon through my window and not being able to sleep. I chuckled to myself and got up knowing that the long wait would soon be over and hours ahead would be eventful.
Walking the halls of my home breathing and counting through my labor signals they evolved into a pattern. At 4 am I decided to call my Mom and Dad and let them know it was time to start their drive so they could be present when their newest grandson took his first breath. Then I took a bath.
At 8 am I decided to wake my husband and let him know what was going on. Then a call to let my class know that I wouldn’t be teaching in the pool that morning. “Are you in labor?” a voice asked on the other line. “Yes”, I said and we both laughed.
A couple of hours later my parents arrived. I remember letting out an ironic Ha Ha to get through a “big one” when my Father came through the door and announced he was ready for the party as my older son simultaneously jumped on my back to play. OOOOF!
I was urged to go to the hospital and remember making everyone wait while I finished my tea. My Mom and I got into the car and my husband drove us to the hospital. Things were moving fast and I laughed as I gripped the car handle hoping I wouldn’t have the baby right there while going down the freeway.
We arrived at the hospital, I got checked in and undressed. Intense labor was on. I remember thinking, “I have Laughter.” I stood by the side of the bed, raised my arms in the air and laughed what I guess could be described as Hearty Laughter. Then, POP! just like a water balloon my water broke.
Next, I got into the bed and in less than two (I had to restrain myself) pushes out came my baby boy. After passing all inspections and filling out all required paperwork we were able to leave the hospital and be resting at home by the next evening.
Claire Powell
Claire,
What a beautiful story! I look forward to sharing this with my mostly- female laughter groups.
I recently had a laughter club participant share her story of coming into this world from her mother’s laughter. Her mother and father were watching the comedy movie, It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, and right on cue her mother went into labor from the laughter. Imagine if we all began our lives from laughter!
Teresa Verde, CLYL
Seattle, WA
Comment by Teresa Verde — December 31, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
What a great story. My friend had to leave “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (starring Chevy Chase, 1983) and go to the hospital because of all her laughter. Her daughter was born shortly after. (Mom and daughter later enjoyed the complete movie, one late night at home.)
Dawn Werner, CLYT
Snyder, NY
Comment by Dawn Werner — May 10, 2008 @ 5:57 am