Cindy Unger, NCTMB, HBCE, CH
Phone: (773) 732-4038
Email: nurtureandrelax@yahoo.com
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Testimonials - From some of my satisfied clients...
"HypnoBirthing helped me to look at labor without any fear. Everyone kept asking me if I was nervous about labor and I answered them honestly with 'No, I'm actually very excited about labor.' The breathing techniques are wonderful and so helpful, not only during labor, but any time you need to relax. I used the breathing techniques in the beginning when breastfeeding was painful and I really think it helped Jack and I to bond more easily." -Emily (pictured with baby Jack)
"My birth experience was a really positive one. I have to thank you for the relaxation techniques that you taught me to help me get through the events of that day...The slow inhale breathing really helped a lot..." (Name withheld by request)
"We'd just like to reiterate how terrific Cindy Unger was during the class, and indeed during the entire pregnancy. We are very grateful to her. The breathing techniques, the visualization exercises, & Cindy's descriptions of the labor process [were] extremely useful. Cindy was also enormously helpful outside of class, by email, etc. We also feel that HypoBirthing made the pregnancy, not just the birth, a much better experience." (Names withheld by request)
"We are doing well and had a wonderful birth (unplanned at home!). Thank you so much for the great classes, I am convinced that it was the HypnoBirthing preparation that allowed us to have such a smooth, easy, beautiful birth." - Angie, December 2006
Praise for "Induction Massage":
"I had called you a few weeks ago...to do the prenatal massage as well as the acupressure...the very next day, at 4:30 in the morning, my labor started and it started hard and fast...the whole thing only lasted 10 hours, and our baby girl was born that afternoon, and she's gorgeous and everything has been great. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you, and let you know that it all happened about 14 hours after that massage, so 'Thanks!'" - December 2008
"It was absolutely the reason I had such a calm, wonderful birthing experience...I think it's the best childbirth instruction out there." -Leanne (Professional Doula & HypnoBirthing mom, pictured with baby Adrienne)
"I had a great birth experience...I feel that the birth couldn't have been any better. I wouldn't change a thing. I really thank 'HypnoBirthing' for getting me through this experience. I used a lot of visualization techniques and I have to say that most of what I wanted and visualized came to be in reality." Wendy (pictured with baby Wyatt)
"Cindy brought a sense of peace and calmness with her which filled the whole room and made all my fears disappear...Cindy's mere presence and reassuring look was very comforting and was very encouraging to me...We are sure that we are going to have her as our Doula for the next baby." Hima (pictured with baby Milan) & Venu
"In total my labor was about 14 hours and honestly through most of it, I didn't even think it was happening since it wasn't bad or 'painful,' mostly uncomfortable. After Stephen was out I felt great and did not take any medication afterwards. So, big THANK YOU for the HypnoBirthing classes!!!!! I was really relaxed and confident through the whole labor and pregnancy. Thank you again and keep doing what you do!" (Julie, Summer 2008)
"The class was useful! The labor was pretty uneventful...not very long, so I made it through without medications. I think the most useful thing for me was actually doing the relaxation exercises in class...I would definitely use the techniques again...I feel that my recovery was faster because of the decisions I made." T.M. (First Baby)
"My birth experience was a really positive one. I have to thank you for the relaxation techniques that you taught me to help me get through the events of that day...The slow inhale breathing really helped a lot..." (Name withheld by request)
"We'd just like to reiterate how terrific Cindy Unger was during the class, and indeed during the entire pregnancy. We are very grateful to her. The breathing techniques, the visualization exercises, & Cindy's descriptions of the labor process [were] extremely useful. Cindy was also enormously helpful outside of class, by email, etc. We also feel that HypoBirthing made the pregnancy, not just the birth, a much better experience." (Names withheld by request)
"We are doing well and had a wonderful birth (unplanned at home!). Thank you so much for the great classes, I am convinced that it was the HypnoBirthing preparation that allowed us to have such a smooth, easy, beautiful birth." - Angie, December 2006
"Thanks, Cindy! I'm certain I couldn't have had such a great experience without your class. This was completely different from [my first baby's] birth!" - Summer '08
"I was SO HAPPY with our birth...I know that not everyone can say that their birth went exactly the way they wanted it to go, so I feel really blessed. Thank you for everything! I will refer you and Hypnobirthing to everyone!" - Summer '08
"The birth couldn't have been more beautiful--I labored almost entirely on the birth ball and was able to birth her without any pain medications. I really used the techniques you taught, and appreciated your class." - Summer '08Praise for "Induction Massage":
"I had called you a few weeks ago...to do the prenatal massage as well as the acupressure...the very next day, at 4:30 in the morning, my labor started and it started hard and fast...the whole thing only lasted 10 hours, and our baby girl was born that afternoon, and she's gorgeous and everything has been great. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you, and let you know that it all happened about 14 hours after that massage, so 'Thanks!'" - December 2008
Local Childbirth Resources & Referrals
Local Doctors & Midwives that I recommend:
**Note: I only list providers that have proven a high confidence in natural, low-intervention birth and HypnoBirthing. If your provider is not listed, this may be because neither I or my students have any knowledge of their care practices; it could also indicate that the provider has proven a high rate of intervention, lack of inherent trust in natural, normal, physiological birth, and lack of cohesion with HypnoBirthing.
Choosing your provider and environment is THE most important decision that will determine how your birthing unfolds. Choose wisely!
If you know of any natural birth-friendly providers, please tell me so that I can support them and list them here!
(Chicago - City)
Homebirth Providers:
A Woman's Place - Jennifer Gagnon, CNM; 4650 N. Rockwell, Chicago, IL 60625; (773) 539-9870; Offering home & hospital birth services.
New Life Midwifery - Sarah Simmons, CNM; (773) 588-MAMA (6262); Email: sadiejane58@sbcglobal.net.
Gentle Birth Care - Hillary Kaiser, CNM; 1024 North Blvd, Oak Park, IL; (708) 488-1004; Email: hillary@gentlebirthcare.com.
Childbirth the Way Nature Intended - Debbie Boucher, CNM; Libertyville, IL; (847) 816-4640; Email: midwife@yourbirth.com.
Homefirst Medical Center - Meyer Eisenstein MD, JD, MPH, et al.; (866) 395-1881 or (847) 981-1881.
Hospital Providers:
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Midwives - 1740 W. Taylor Ave., Chicago, IL; (312) 413-7686; Features Level III NICU, Tubs, VBAC-friendly, Evidence-based practices, Very familiar with HypnoBirthing.
Swedish Covenant Hospital - Nurse Midwives - 5140 N. California Ave., Suite 645, Chicago, IL; (773) 989-6200; Email: midwives@schosp.org; Great far northside location for low-intervention birth, w/ jacuzzi labor tubs.
(Chicago - Suburbs)
West Suburban Hospital's Alternative Birth Center (ABC):
West Suburban Midwife Associates; Gayle Reidman, CNM & Julie Marks, CNM. 715 Lake Street, Suite 273, Oak Park, (708) 848-3800. http://www.westsuburbanmidwives.com/.
West Suburban Midwifery & Women's Health - Shirley Moore, CNM; Mary Saracco, CNM; Elise Erickson, CNM; & Nancy Derrig, CNM. 7339 Madison St., Forest Park, IL. (708) 386-2400 or 386-6784.
West Suburban PCC Community Wellness Center Midwives - Ceal Beacom, CNM; Carrie Hanson, CNM; Mary Beth Waldorf, CNM. 14 W. Lake Street, Oak Park, IL. (708) 524-7679.
Associates for Women's Healthcare - Glenda Embry, CNM; Karen Wexler, CNM; Diane Smith, CNM. 915 Center Street, Suite 3003; Elgin, IL 60120; (847) 697-7722; Offering hospital birth services at Sherman & St. Alexius hospitals.
Rush-Copley OB/Gyne - Noreen Prokuski, CNM & Karen Barr, CNM. www.rushcopley.com/midwifery , www.rushcopley.com/obgyneassociates
Homefirst Medical Center - Meyer Eisenstein MD, JD, MPH, et al.; (866) 395-1881 or (847) 981-1881.
Find a Doula: (What is a doula?)
The Massage Doula Network
A network of Certified Doulas who are also Licensed Massage Therapists. This is the organization Cindy trained through, and a wonderful source for massage lovers!
HypnoBirthing-Friendly Doulas:
Rita DiRito-Surgal, Mother Me Inc. (Chicago) (773) 588-8440; motherme33@earthlink.net; http://www.mothermeinc.com/.
Natalie Evans, Mama Belly Birth Services. (Chicago) (773) 465-4337; natalie@mamabellybirth.com; http://www.mamabellybirth.com/.
Tara Brinkman (Chicago). Email: tarabrinkman@hotmail.com.
Victoria Reed (Chicago). (773) 301-3002; victoria@vdoula.com; http://www.vdoula.com/.
Acupuncturists/Chinese Herbalists:
Acupuncture is a suitable complementary treatment for many pregnancy-related issues: morning sickness, aches & pains, turning a breech baby and even as a natural induction method.
Jennifer Dubowsky, L.Ac.
Jenny specializes in women's issues such as fertility, menstrual difficulties, digestive disorders and depression/anxiety. She is a well-studied and confident practitioner.
325 W. Huron, Suite 308; Chicago, IL 60610; (312) 399-5098
Nicole Shea, L.Ac.
Nicole is a patient, nurturing practitioner. She is great for moms who are new to acupuncture, due to her gentle needling style.
985 S. Buffalo Grove Road; Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; (847) 541-4878
Other Resources:
HypnoBirthing.com - The main site for HypnoBirthing®, The Mongan Method.
Childbirth.org - Information for inquiring minds.
WikiPregnancy.com - Information about pregnancy, labor & birth in the "wiki" format.
The Brewer Diet - Joy Jones is a nurse who has assisted homebirth midwives for about 30 years. A little over a year ago, she created a new website about the Brewer Pregnancy Diet. Excellent Information for Pregnant Women!!
Prenatal Comforts - A wonderful site with products and resources for pregnant women.
HenciGoer.com - Author of The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth and Obstetric Myths vs. Research Realities, Henci is an invaluable resource for information on pre- and perinatal research. Great for truth-seekers.
La Leche League of Illinois - Lactation support & resources.
Chicago HypnoBirthing Network - HypnoBirthing class listings for Chicago & Suburbs.
Breastfeeding.com - The #1 Site for Breastfeeding Information, Support & Attitude!
CompleatMother.com - The Magazine of Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding. A great source for red raspberry leaf tea.
Birthlink.com - Chicago-area resource for all things related to childbirth!
Lactation Associates, Inc. - Nurse Lactation consultants, Home visits; Phone: (847) 509-8302 Pager: (847) 479-2229
DoctorNancie.com - A fellow HypnoBirthing practitioner and author, Dr. Nancie Barwick. Dr. Nancie's book is entitled, Unstuff Yourself: Finding Joy on the Road to Wellness.
Waterbirth.org - Waterbirth International. "Waterbirth is a safe and gentle alternative to the standard high-tech approach associated with giving birth today and is completely compatible with HypnoBirthing®."
HeyAnyway.com - Hey! Who's Having this Baby, Anyway? "In her explosive new book Breck Hawk reveals how many pregnant women
can avoid serious repercussions from the drugs and unnecessary medical interventions that are pushed on them while in labor...
simply by being aware of their basic patient rights and options.
Hey! gives power back to moms-to-be and shows them how they can
make themselves be heard!"
Ican-Online.org - International Cesarean Awareness Network. A great resource for ALL expectant parents, including VBAC's.
Babiesonline.com - Free online birth announcements & so much more...Find a Baby, Free Baby Stuff.
DoulaNetwork.com - Doula listings
Wise-Woman-Center.com - "Herbal Medicine for Women's Health and Well-Being. Articles, links galore, natural health books, workshops. Subjects include menstruation, fertility, childbearing, breast cancer prevention, spirit healing and more ... Books include Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, a confirmed favorite with pregnant women, midwives, childbirth educators, and new parents."
Hip-Chick-Pregnancy-Guide.com - "Natural Childbirth information for the HIP and MODERN mom. Find information about cord blood banking, read pregnancy articles, find pregnancy resources and don't leave without checking out our baby names section to help you find the best baby name for that HIP baby of yours."
BabyNamesTop100.com - "Your Source for the Top 100 Baby Names"
Baby-Names-Plus.com - More baby names!
ABCParenting.com - Partners with HypnoBirthing International; "Devoted to providing websurfers with reviews and ratings of the absolute best websites of interest to families and parents-to-be."
TheLaborofLove.com - A site for moms and moms-to-be.
Low Prices on MP3 Players; EParts & More. An MP3 player can be very handy during your labor and birthing - for music, self-hypnosis and tuning out the outside world.
GoodChildbirth.com - Good Childbirth by Dr. Steven Reid: "Over the last twenty years I have been working with expectant women, trying to establish why for too many the experience of labour does not meet hopes and expectations. Out of this work has emerged the book 'GOOD CHILDBIRTH' which can increase the prospects of your having the pregnancy and labour you deserve."
Pregnancy.miningco.com - This site is now the home of Robin Elise Weiss, the founder of Childbirth.org
BabyZone.com - a multiplicity of topics arranged from the beginning(wanting) to the neverending end(growth and development).
AttachmentParenting.org - Attachment Parenting International.
Cryo-Intl.com - Cord Blood Banking; personal storage & donation.
Inflatable tubs for labor: http://www.qualityinflatables.com/58480.html or http://www.albuquerquehomebirth.com/
Purple Thistle Tea Company - Jenny West (a HB practitioner & midwife); Herbal teas, remedies and tips.
In Touch with Elizabeth Pantley - Online Resources for Raising Children, free newsletter.
Hypnosis for Successful Breastfeeding - Sheri Menelli, CLC, HBCE, CHt
Articles & Misc. Info:
Animation of Normal Delivery http://www.medicallegalart.com/displayanimation.php?&A=delivery
Bonding with Your Newborn (by William Sears, MD) http://www.attachmentparenting.org/artbonding.shtml
Children Need Touching & Attention, Harvard Researchers Say http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/1998/04.09/ChildrenNeedTou.htmlhttp://
Hypnosis for Pain Relief in Labour & Childbirth: A Systematic Review http://bja.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/93/4/505
American Academy of Pediatrics Medical Library http://www.medem.com/MedLB/bufferpage_aap.cfm
More coming soon!
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