A big, big congratulations to Blooma Prenatal Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga teacher, Jesse Bennet, on the arrival of her sweet baby boy!

Today Jesse shares her birth story and intimate photos of her labor and first moments post-birth.

We love you, Jesse, for all that you share with Blooma’s mamas and for your beautiful strength as a woman, mother and teacher.

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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{By Jesse}

My labor began Saturday the 18th when I could tell my Braxton Hicks were turning into a bit more organized and intense contractions.

My mom flew into town from California just for the weekend to see me pregnant because I wasn’t “due” until the 29th! Saturday night of course we were watching “What to Expect When You Are Expecting” (I love that movie!!) and I began timing my contractions. They were getting stronger.

At midnight they really arrived every 5 minutes and I knew that my body was starting to work! Fifteen minutes before leaving to take my mom to the airport my water sprung a leak!

My mom stayed to be with Madison, and Ryan and I headed to Abbott. We arrived at Abbott around 1:30 and I was a 4. By 2:30 my midwife was able to break the rest of my water and I went into full active labor.

The next 5 hours I spent moving— on the ball, stretching over the bed, and I spent a lot of it in the shower with Ryan pouring water on my back.

Once I hit transition they filled the tub and when I got in my body felt so much lighter. Time is a little fuzzy during labor but I remember in the tub feeling strong.

My midwife said I would know when it is time to push and she just let my body birth. It was calm and peaceful and powerful.

My sweet son Samuel was born in the water at 7:42 p.m., weighing in at 7 lbs, 2 ounces and we could not be more in love.