HypnoBirthing in Danbury Hospital and Danbury Connecticut Birthing Center

When I became pregnant, I knew I wanted to do things differently. In Cynthia’s class I learnt far more than I ever expected. Cynthia helped me to express and release my fears – fears I didn’t even realize I had until the class began! Cynthia is so knowledgeable and insightful. Leaving her class I felt empowered. She helped me to believe that I could have the natural birth I’d always wanted. Remembering Cynthia’s guidance in labour, I was able to remain calm and tranquil, even when special circumstances (heavy meconium) meant we had to transfer from the birthing centre to the hospital just before delivery. Malakai was born naturally (sunny-side-up), weighing it at 8lbs 13oz on March 30^th 2009. To my delight, Cynthia followed up with a phone call a week or so after our son was born and helped me to talk through and process the experience, which is a gift I will never forget. We remained in contact over the next two years and I was overjoyed a couple of months ago to share with her the wonderful story of our second son, Lucas’ birth. The greatest thing that Cynthia taught me is that it doesn’t matter how long or short your labour is, but that it is simply about allowing your body to do what it knows how to do naturally, in the time it needs to do it. I will be forever grateful that I took Cynthia’s class. – Karen Fryer, Newtown CT (Birthed in Danbury Birthing Center)

Cynthia is personable, passionate and friendly. I can’t wait to have a happy, comfortable, calm birthing experience and use the skilled I learned in HypnoBirthing of CT. This was an excellent childbirth class – great skills and information for all expectant mothers with a bias toward natural birth. –  Post-Birth Update:  Hallelujah Hypnobirthing Really Works! Alexa May was born at 7 pounds at the Connecticut Childbirth and Women’s Center after a smooth, (easy??) labor and delivery. Mom labored at home in the tub and was admitted to the birthing center with less than an hour left to go. What am amazing experience!! Thank you Cynthia and all the other Hypnobirthing mamas and babies that inspired us!  - Erica Sawers, Fairfield CT (Birthed in Danbury Birthing Center)

Cynthia teaches with such integrity. She truly has a passion for Hypnobirthing and empowering women around birthing and it shows in her work. She also goes over and above merely teaching her classes. She has been an incredible holistic resource and teacher to me. I am always meeting other women who have taken Cynthia’s class who credit her for their births being beautiful. Cynthia, you should know the couples from your classes don’t just appreciate you…we all LOVE you. HypnoBirthing was EVERY bit of what allowed me to stay relaxed and in control during the birth so I must thank you a million for your teachings!! I’m so grateful for a natural birth!– Rebecca Velasquez, Norwalk CT (Birthed in Danbury birth center)

I feel like Cynthia came into my life and my pregnancy at the perfect time. I was five months pregnant and just had decided to make the switch from an ObGyn practice in Greenwich to the midwives at the Birthing Center in Danbury. I was excited and relieved to have found the midwives when I did, but I knew I needed to educate myself and take a birthing course. Additionally, so many people were constantly questioning my decisions about wanting a natural birth and having a midwife, so I felt I really needed to empower myself. The first time I spoke with Cynthia about her hypnobirthing course I knew she was the right fit for us. My husband and I took her class a month later and we were so thankful that we chose Hypnobirthing of CT. Cynthia immediately makes you feel relaxed and welcome. From day one you will know that she cares about each of her clients as individuals. I felt comfortable asking questions and Cynthia is a wealth of knowledge. She has all of the characteristics you would hope to find in a birthing teacher: passionate, supportive, friendly, smart, informative, and caring. Thanks to Cynthia, I had found the confidence I needed to believe in myself and my body. I left her course knowing I had all of the tools to make my dream of a natural birth a reality. In late February, the birth of my daughter was everything I had hoped it would be. When I woke up in the middle of the night, I immediately started listening to my hypnobirthing CDs, while breathing and visualizing. I arrived at the birth center 5 cm dilated and after only two hours of being in the water, I was fully dilated. I truly believe that this happened so quickly because of the techniques I learned from Cynthia’s course. As a result of the hypnobirthing, my increased self -confidence, and a supportive midwife and husband, I birthed a beautiful baby. Now two years later, I am pregnant again. This time from the very beginning I am excited about the birth and know that this is what my body is made to do. I know I can still turn to Cynthia and my midwives for advice and information, and for that I am forever grateful! – Jaime Hoffman, Stamford CT (Birthed at the Danbury Birth Center)

Cynthia is very warm, friendly, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable. Being a former teacher, I do recognize that just because a person knows the material of a subject matter doesn’t mean they can really teach the material. Cynthia is an outstanding instructor; a true educator. I felt powerless before taking this course. The way she taught this course changed my perspective on giving birth and truly empowered me. This class has been one of the best experiences in my life. I would recommend everyone I know to take this course with Cynthia. I could go on and on raving about this course. She made my husband and me feel at ease, and as first time parents, that was very important. Cynthia is a true asset to the Hypnobirthing profession and she should be commended for being so. It is a great process and gives you an empowering perspective. I could not have asked for more in this course. - Tanya Hazelhurst (Stamford CT, Birthed in Danbury CT birth center)

Cynthia’s hynobirthing class was a joy to attend. The classes were full of valuable information that my husband and I found to be eye-opening and transformational in the realm of child birth. With our second baby we experienced a night and day difference from our first birth.  We felt prepared, calm and much more in tune with my body and experiencing how labor can be such a glorious event. I came from a place of tremendous fear from my first birth, and with my second an amazing transformation took place, resulting in my birthing peacefully and joyfully. Cynthia’s class is presented in a passionate, enjoyable manner.  She has been a wealth of knowledge to prepare us for the birth all women intended to have.  I wished I had taken her class for my first baby! - Alexandra McLaughlin, Norwalk CT (Birthed in Danbury birthing center)

Getting prepared to give birth for the first time can bring a lot of stress on a future Mom, no matter how many books we read, and how prepared you try to get. I can now tell you, Cynthia, that your classes were to my husband and me, crucial in the way we handled ourselves during the process. I do remember, how much support we found on you (and still) every single time I had a question, whether during the course or after. You have given me so much insight, that I felt that I was all the time picking your brain. A long lasting bond and friendship was created! Thank you so much Cynthia!!! — Romy Alvarez, Norwalk CT (Birthed in Danbury Birthing Center)

 Cynthia is a very knowledgeable and informative person. Her positive attitude and determination to pass on her knowledge of HypnoBirthing were very apparent. Her personal birth experience and useful information contributed to my better understanding and acceptance of HypnoBirthing. I can say with confidence that I learned a lot and that Im looking forward to my own birthing with a lot of joy. Keep up the good work! [Post-Birth Addendum:] Cynthia, I can truly say I had a HypnoBirthing experience. I arrived at the birth center at 7am, and two hours later I dilated to 10 cm. Just 2 hours later William was born. During the whole birthing process I felt relaxed and confident. I was extremely alert and aware of my surroundings and was able to converse with everyone between my surges. I would like to thank you for helping me release any existing fears I had about birthing. The classes I took with you gave me exactly what they were supposed to: a secure, safe and confident birthing experience. – Bojana Staley, Rye NY (Birthed at Danbury CT birth center)

Cynthia, I wanted to let you know that Chris and I had a baby girl, Anoka, on July 18th. Thank you so much for all that you taught us not only about hypnobirthing but about everything else. Your class really helped us prepare for labor and post labor. Without your class I am not sure we would have ever made the transition to the Danbury Birthing Center, which was definitely the right decision for us. We didn’t quite have the birthing scenario we planned, as we just barely made it to the center, but the birth was perfect. You have no idea how much your class made a difference in Anoka’s birth and we really want to express our gratitude. We will definitely recommend hypnobirthing and your class to anyone we know who is expecting. – Mallika Nair (Stamford CT, Birthed in Danbury Birthing Center)

Hi Cynthia! We wanted to let you know that we welcomed little Ben into the world on Monday night at the birth center! He is happy and a healthy 8 pounds. He was 3 weeks “early” but fortunately waited until the first hour we were eligible to birth at the center! HypnoBirthing was invaluable to our experience. Your classes helped to prepare us for anything and absolutely kept me relaxed and calm through the whole experience. And more importantly, your class opened our eyes to a better, more fulfilling way to birth! And we did it!! Thank you! – Amy Walker (Greenwich CT, Birthed in Danbury Birth Center)

Cynthia, I am happy to announce our daughter Georgia Rose was born on Wednesday. She came into the world pink and very alert, and she breast fed soon after. I’m very proud of myself for staying so calm and not letting fear get the best of me. I was really able to let my body do what it needed to do. Thank you teaching us so much. Hypnobirthing and your classes have been such a blessing for all of us for both of our daughters’ births. – Sachi Porizkova, New Milford CT (Birthed at Danbury CT birth center)

Cynthia, Taking your class at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut (“HBCT”) was the best decision I could have possibly made. You have a great degree of tact and sensitivity when it comes to accommodating people of diverse mindsets, backgrounds and approaches to birthing. My husband loved the class as much as I did. Your class truly allowed me to birth my baby calmly and comfortably. I am so happy I found out about you and your classes. Thank you for everything! - Zuzana D., Stamford CT (Birthed in Danbury Birthing Center)

Malía was 9 days overdue, but that 9th day was the happiest day of my life. I had been told again and again that the baby was big so we really thought she might be early. We arrived at the birth center at about 8:20 A.M. and got as settled in and focused on HypnoBirthing. After about 2.5 hours of pushing, at one point I hollered, “Can’t you just reach in and pull this baby out!?!?!” They laughed, but I was serious! Malía finally popped out, all 9 lbs 8 oz of her. That instant when I felt her slide out was the happiest moment of my life. If I have 12 babies I’ll HypnoBirth 12 times!” – Carina Bandhauer, Southbury CT (Birthed in Danbury birthing center)

Cynthia, I disappeared into my room last Saturday afternoon with mild irregular contractions around 3pm. I started to listen to the birthing affirmations while doing the breathing. My mother in law was with me (as you know, she’s a midwife). She checked me at 4:30 and I was completely effaced and 1 cm. Somewhere between 4:30 and 7pm I went from 1 to 8 cm. I was feeling the urge to push. I got in the car and Kym drove 85 and blew red lights. I really had to concentrate to not have the baby in the car. We got to the birthing center at 7:39 and Astrid was born at 7:42 after only 3 little pushes. It was the most amazing birth! I feel great and healing well. Astrid is very peaceful. Once again HypnoBirthing and your class has proved so incredibly effective for me. - Sachi Porizkova, New Milford CT (Birthed at Danbury CT birth center)

Cynthia’s childbirth class at HypnoBirthing of CT was excellent! All women should be given this knowledge. I am now genuinely excited about the prospect of birthing my baby. I feel the tools, techniques and knowledge have empowered me and given me a faith in my body I have never known. Thank you. Post-Birth Update: Dear Cynthia, Happy New Year! I wanted to let you know that Freya Elizabeth Hope Parsons arrived safe and sound on Sunday, January 2^nd, 2011. Her arrival into this world was everything we had hoped (and visualized daily): calm, gentle and beautiful. I am happy for you to share our story with you current prospective parents if you think it would be of help. When we arrived at the birth center at 7.00am it felt so calm there, just us and the midwife. I knew I would be meeting my little girl soon. The midwife quickly checked me on the bed and told me I was already 6 centimeters. During my pregnancy I had thought when the time came I would be really focused on this number, but I was so focused on my own body it didn’t seem to matter I just seemed to know that everything was moving along as it should. I felt total trust in my body and in my baby girl’s ability to make her journey safely. I got straight into the birthing pool and Mike set up the relaxation CD. At this stage I wasn’t talking to anyone I was in my own little world, focusing on my baby and the journey she was taking. I was able to manage each surge with my breath and my vocal cords. It felt so primal and natural. During all this time Mike was using the light touch massage and telling me what great job I was doing. His reassurance and calmness was exactly what I needed. I knew that everything was fine and my baby girl was doing exactly what she needed too. At around 8.20am it was clear that I was near completion as in between surges I was coming out of my relaxed state and able to hold brief conversations, even crack a few jokes about how noisy I was and how they needed a different pillow in the pool. Shortly after this time I could feel the baby’s head, upon first touch I was very surprised and a little concerned as I could feel an angled shape and I thought that maybe the cord was coming before the head. Then I remembered what we had been taught in class about the baby’s skull folding over itself. – Wow, this was what I could feel – I was truly elated! At this point I felt so connected to her that I was talking to her and encouraging her to finish her journey. Mike was kissing my forehead and telling me how amazing I was. After a further 20 minutes and six or seven more surges, during which I was able to keep contact with her head, Freya Elizabeth Hope arrived safely and calmly at 8.54am. She was placed straight on to my chest where she stayed until the cord stopped pulsing then Mike cut the cord (in between his tears) and took her from me while I moved onto the bed. I delivered the placenta naturally about 10 minutes later while Freya was skin on skin. She nursed about 10 minutes later – easily with little assistance. She was so calm, contented and alert and has this way (so far!). While we could have stayed at the center until late that evening we left around 2.00pm with our 5-hour old baby – who slept the whole way home. Our first week has been wonderful and I know the relaxed way in which she came into this world is responsible for a great deal of that. Thank you, Cynthia, and HypnoBirthing for giving me the confidence and skills to trust my body and my baby and allow me the birth I wanted. It has been interesting talking to friends who had all had thought I was living in ‘first-time-mum fantasy land’ when I had talked about the birth we were hoping to have… they have been truly shocked at what we achieved. At first I felt I couldn’t share our success as it felt like gloating – but I now know that people like me need to share our stories so that we can increase women’s confidence and disperse some of the fear in the hope that we can get birthing back to where it should be. Thank you again for everything. – Tina Parsons, Fairfield CT (Birthed in CT Birthing Center)

Cynthia, We tried everything under the sun to get this baby out… Annnnnnd NOTHING worked… We did end up at Danbury Hospital at 43 weeks with Cathy Parisi as our Midwife and Sylvie as our Doula. Both fabulous!!! I went in on Sunday evening to have the cervical balloon inserted in hopes it would start natural labor. Of course, it did not, but dilated the cervix to 4cm. Monday morning at 9am I wa…s induced with Pitocin (I know, ugh), along with penicillin for Group Strep B. Labor was all natural and surges were VERY strong – Wow! What an experience! Luna ended up being born at 8:58pm that night and as soon as she came out, Ross passed out! LOL – docs rushed in and used smelling salts to wake him. The baby stayed in our room for our entire stay at Danbury. The staff was amazing. Now, to back track a bit… A week before, my previous doctor at Greenwich said they would not release me to birth in Danbury, and tried to scare me because I was 42 weeks… My frame was too small, baby was too big, I am too old, I am waaaay overdue, my fluids are low, I would end up having a C-section (of course!). I called my Doula and Midwives, who all assured me all was fine. I signed my release out of there. Unbelievable! I am sooo glad I found you and took your class. The midwives and Sylvie were the way to go for me. Experience with them was fabulous. Thank you, Cynthia, for teaching and spreading the information you have! – Vanessa Cesareo, Greenwich CT (Birthed in Danbury Hospital with Midwives from the CT Birth Center)

I found Cynthia’s HypnoBirthing childbirth class at the right time. I was always unsure about the birthing process. Kevin and I attended the class when I was pregnant with my first child. Cynthia taught me things that made me confident and at peace with the entire process. I gained the courage to leave my OB/GYN at 40 weeks when they scheduled a c-section without consulting me first. I switched to midwives and birthed my daughter at 42 weeks with midwives at Danbury Hospital in a beautiful birth that was peaceful and my husband and I made all the decisions. I birthed my second daughter at Danbury hospital with the midwives at 41 weeks. I was in such a peaceful and calm state that the midwives thought my labor had stopped until I said “baby” and my beautiful daughter was born. What an amazing experience. Thank you for teaching me, thank you for making this process available and for helping to give me confidence to make decisions for myself, my children and my family.  - Susan Muthersbaugh, Fairfield CT (Birthed in Danbury Hospital)

I have always known that birthing a child in a relaxed setting without any unnecessary medical assistance was the only way I wanted to do it. My belief has been and still is that a healthy female body is designed to birth a baby without any medical intervention. Cynthia’s hypnobirthing classes were recommended to me by a friend of mine when I was 8 weeks pregnant. Signing up for the course was the best birth preparation my husband and I could have undertaken. Each of the 3 hour sessions were very informative and interesting. We always left with confidence that we will know everything we need to know by the time our baby arrives. Cynthia was always fully prepared and very passionate about the many topics discussed. She always encouraged us to ask questions and to take control of our own circumstances while in labor. We welcomed our daughter in a calm and very relaxed atmosphere of a bedroom at a birth center. It was by far the most fascinating, happy and yes, exhausting day in our lives. – Magdalena Gorzkowicz, Stamford CT (Birthed in Connecticut Childbirth and Women’s Center)

Cynthia, I just have to thank you for preparing Griffin and me for such a beautiful moment in our lives. Our hypnobirth was truly amazing. We arrived at the hospital at 2:30pm and Caroline was born at 6:14pm. I had back labor, which you prepared me for but I was able to stay completely focused. The entire staff at Danbury Hospital praised me and were fully supportive throughout,waiting with patience while I stayed in my zone. Griffin told me that it was amazing and I could have been one of the women in the videos we watched in class! Thank you for empowering me to believe I could do this. I believe birth is just a mental challenge that we are all capable of getting through if we convince ourselves we can. I was a swimmer all through college and treated my labor like an intense practice, with each surge like an interval training set. In the last ten minutes I was so tired and looked to Griffin. He said, “Practice is almost over.” With those words, she was born. She looked in our eyes and every sensation went away as she was placed into my arms. Thank you so much. – Lucy Sheridan, Woodbury CT (Birthed at Danbury Hospital)

I feel blessed to have found Cynthia’s class which has given me the tools I need to believe in the natural wisdom of my body, rather then ceding control to others who claim to know best. Cynthia is extremely well-read and up-to-date on the latest thinking around pregnancy, birthing, prenatal care, etc. – she is a wonderful educator and true advocate for women who wish to experience a birthing experience that is truly magical. I cannot thank Cynthia enough for the gift she has given me and my family. The birth of our first child 6 years ago was very difficult – hospital drugs, prolonged labor, baby in ICU, difficulty latching, postpartum depression, etc. This time, with Cynthia’s help and guidance, we enjoyed a natural birthing process which was very empowering and extremely healing for me and my family. For that, I am forever grateful to Cynthia. Our son, Pranay, was born November 22 at 6:06am, morning of a full moon/blue moon. – Seema Dasani, Wilton CT (Birthed at Danbury Birthing Center)

Cynthia Overgard’s Hypnobirthing class was the single most important thing I did to prepare for the birth of my second son. If only I had had the wealth of information she provided before the birth of my first son! Cynthia’s non-judgmental and supportive approach to offering her vast knowledge allows her students to make mindful choices in preparation for the wondrous event of birth. She covers all areas of concern for parents preparing to bring their children gently and lovingly into the world. Under this most precious circumstance, Cynthia Overgard is the woman whose advice and guidance parents will be grateful to have. - Amy Piantaggini (Birthed in Danbury Birth Center)

Thanks so much for opening our eyes; we were really lost and clueless before we took your course. We not only learned about Hypnobirthing but we learned a great deal about many medical interventions that we never even knew existed!  Your class was spot on about how some medical  caregivers try to undermine your efforts, and how important it is to have  strategies to deal with that.  During Zoe’s birth, the doctor was talking to us about Pitocin and C-sections.  Finally we got an angel of a nurse who understood our wishes for a natural, drug-free birth and she supported me the whole way.  Everyone is amazed that I did it without drugs,  and I’m proud of myself too. You’re class was spot on  We’re very grateful. – Linda and Julien, Westport CT (Birthed in Danbury Hospital)

The Pitocin really added an unexpected element to my birth plan and as a result I am told that my surges were much more intense then they would have been without it. I was happy to be practicing my hypnobirthing techniques throughout the day. Through each surge I focused on expansion and opening. I listening to the CD and was able to meditate and at some points drift off to sleep (I was snoring) between surges. In the end, I declined the epidural and had a vaginal birth. My midwife and MANY other people were astounded that my determination and hypnobirthing techniques were able to help me achieve a vaginal birth with back labor and Pitocin while declining the epidural. Thanks again for your class and support! - Abbey Polito, Stamford CT (Birthed in CT Childbirth and Women’s Center)

Cynthia, I enjoyed the Hypnobirthing course so much….I am sad that it is over. You are a wonderful instructor and I will absolutely recommend your class to my pregnant friends in the future. You are truly an inspiration to me. - Mary Rice (Birthed in Danbury Birth Center)

After taking Cynthia’s hypnobirthing course with my husband, I gave birth to my 9 lb. 1 oz. son in 7 hours with no complications. By the time my husband and I got to the birthing center I was fully dilated, and after about half an hour of pushing, my beautiful son was born. While I didn’t employ all the breathing and visualization techniques from the course exactly as taught, I think the invaluable thing hypnobirthing did for me was allow me to approach birthing my son with confidence, optimism, and even eagerness. We birthed our son in exactly the way we had hoped. Thanks, Cynthia! - Evelyn Fetridge, Brewster NY (Birthed in Danbury Birth Center)

I was so very impressed with Cynthia’s sincerity, big heart, excellent time management, reliable follow-up, easy-going communication, and perfect class presentation. She covered the topics in an organized manner ensuring the concerns and questions from the group were addressed (without rushing). It was a very satisfying experience overall. We also loved the materials she prepared for us (well-organized, color-coded, and nicely-bound). This is definitely the best thing we spent our time, effort,and money on while preparing for our baby. Cynthia’s class inspired and empowered us to have a birth we wanted to have. Taking her class was the best thing we did while waiting to meet our baby in person. It made us grow as parents before we even became them. Cynthia, you are an inspiration! We became much more empowered because of you.  - Giedre Minkauskaite, Stamford CT (Birthed in Danbury birth center)

Cynthia Overgard is knowledgeable & helpful with HypnoBirthing as well as prenatal and parenting information. She is very caring and empathetic. Our hypnobirth was better then I could have imagined. It was empowering and solidified my belief that bringing a child into the world can be a magical and peaceful experience. Thank you, Cynthia, for helping us gain a clearer vision of how we wanted to bring our baby into our lives and the world. I wish every woman could have the same experience. – Marie-Alana LaChance, Waterbury CT (Birthed in Danbury CT birth center)

Cynthia really made me believe this can work for us. Cynthia’s very organized and a great presenter. The handouts and videos are particularly valuable. I’m so grateful to have found out about your class. It has really changed my perception of how wonderful the birthing experience can be. Here is a photo taken of Lucy, just a few minutes after she was born at the birth center. Thank you, Cynthia! – Brenna Burns (New Haven CT, Birthed at Danbury CT birth center)

We are so grateful for everything you have taught us, Cynthia. Your class has been informative,educational and inspirational. We are so grateful for the knowledge and empowerment we gained for our son’s birth. – Laura Rosen, Hartford CT (Birthed at Danbury CT birth center)

Cynthia, I’ve been wanting to write since my daughter was born! I know you’d be pleased to hear that I got my natural VBAC birth!  I was so proud to have had a natural VBAC birth – especially on the morning I was scheduled to have a repeat C-section. Thank you so much for all of your support and good advice. I am so appreciative!  - Emily Dolan, New Milford CT (Natural VBAC in Danbury Hospital)

Hi Cynthia – I was in your class in White Plains in late November, and on the 26th of December we had a baby boy!  And, it was a natural VBAC!!!!  I started having contractions on Christmas night then had him on the 26th at 4:00 pm in Danbury Hospital!  It all worked out beautifully and we are so happy that he is healthy! He was big—8 pounds 15 ounces!  And I did it with no meds, too! Troy was so impressed with how I handled the surges.  Honestly, I never felt any “pain” nor did I even think about needing any medicine. I kept focused and breathing and calm the whole time.  Thank you for everything!  - Melanie Millard, White Plains NY (Birthed in Danbury Hospital)

Our birth was quite fast, Cynthia. At 6am we drove to Danbury with strong surges every 3 minutes. I was 5 cm upon arrival and went straight into the tub, which was very calming. After another three hours our boy was born. After the birth I felt great and we went right home after a big lunch! Cédric’s birth was completely different from Morris’. I went into strong labors from the beginning on and after only 3 hours he was born. Again I was able to relax thanks to hypnobirthing methods and the tub. The hypnobirthing really works for me and makes me very confindent about our third upcoming birth! Thank you again for your helpful classes! – Sarah Annen (Stamford CT, Birthed at Danbury CT birth center)

Cynthia is extremely accessible and addresses all questions in an honest and objective manner. The most valuable aspect of class were all the real-life, positive stories. Cynthia’s passion for natural birth is very inspiring. I truly appreciate her caring and friendship which made us feel supported and believe that it is actually possible to have a calm, joyful and natural birthing experience. It has helped me believe that natural birthing is attainable even by someone filled with fear like me. Thank you Cynthia for being a great teacher, sharing your knowledge and most of all becoming a good friend!! – Rekha Terway, Stamford CT (Birthed in CT Childbirth and Women’s Center)

Cynthia provided a positive and professional atmosphere and made us feel so comfortable. She taught us so much and we enjoyed being with the other expecting parents so much. It just seemed to end so quickly. She covered the hypnobirthing wonderfully. The class and what we learned gave us the strength to keep looking for the right place (and doctor/midwife) to help us achieve the birth WE want. We are so glad we took this class earlier rather than later because it opened so many doors for us. Thanks! - Marisa Rae (Stamford CT, Birthed at Danbury CT Birth Center)

Cynthia’s passion to inspire and empower us with all the knowledge and information regarding natural birth through her personal experiences, hypnobirthing method, facts, and materials prepared us very well. I was also impressed with how well she was prepared for each session. I felt, I gained so much from each class. I can’t think of anything that wasn’t helpful for me. I was also impressed with Cynthia’s friendly manner and willingness to help us out in any way she can. I felt that she genuinely wished/hoped to help us though the process. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from Hypnobirthing although I did a bit of research before signing up. I felt this turned out to be an excellent. I gained a better understanding of natural birth and confidence in myself. It really helped me to have a healthy and positive image of birth over what I had imagined for a long time. I don’t feel scared and nervous at all about birthing now. This is a big milestone for me. What else can I ask for? I enjoyed all the sessions and felt I was more and more prepared and inspired after each class so that I can have a wonderful and beautiful birthing experience for my son. Overall, my opinion is great and excellent for what I’ve gained and learned so far!!!! We talk a lot how much we are glad that we were able to find your class and learn about hypnobirthing. Post-Birth Update: This is Gina Hwang (my husband is Henrik). I hope you remember us. It’s been so long since we met you in your classes – over two years. I believe we took your sessions in Sept 2009. I also don’t know if you remember that you helped me with wonderful thoughts and great advice via emails even after the course ended, since I was so torn between a hospital birth (which I initially planned) and a possible water birth in the Danbury Birth Center (1 hour drive from where we lived in Stamford at that time). Changing caregivers turned out to be the best decision we could have made. It was a long birth, and I ended up needing Pitocin with intervals of antibiotic, but I had no epidural at all – not even a drop throughout the whole labor. I didn’t even consider it as an option. I kept telling myself, “I can do this.” I remember the HypnoBirthing CD playing aloud in the room. When I finally pushed the baby out, it was a true moment of ecstasy. I didn’t remember if I shouted or screamed, but Henrik said I didn’t make a sound. If we hadn’t met you and didn’t learn HypnoBirthing from you, I don’t know what my birth experience would have been like. I am sure it would have been completely different. I know it’s long overdue, but many, many thanks again for your inspiration and wonderful advice over our birth choices. With all that, Henrik & I was able to experience the most amazing moment of our lives in wonderful care of our practitioners. Cynthia, I now truly believe that we can endure labor without any medication. Perhaps mine was a bit more challenging with Pitocin, but I found it was bearable after all. - Gina Hwang. White Plains, NY (Birthed in Danbury Hospital)

Cynthia’s class offered such a refreshing view of the birthing process.  I truly missed class when it was over, but left there being very confident in my ability to have a relaxing and calm birth, no matter how it turns out!  Post-Birth Update:  Hi Cynthia! I just wanted to update you and let you know Kevin and I welcomed Dylan Joseph on 7/7/11 (his due date!) at the Birth Center in Danbury! Around 2:30 a.m. I thought I was having slight surges, but nothing much, so I just went back to sleep.  That morning I felt fine, so Kevin headed to work.  Then around 10:30 I started having on and off surges and around 11:00 I told Kevin to come home. Kevin got home around 12:30 or so and called the birth center and our doula. The doula arrived and was very helpful in rubbing my legs through the surges.  Finally, around 2:30 p.m. I said we had to get to the birth center. When I was checked, they said I only had a tiny bit further to go!  Once the room was ready, Cathy told me I could get checked again whenever I was ready – I got on the bed and she told me I was ready to push.  I did end up literally flat on my back but that was fine with me. Kevin and our doula asked if I wanted to switch positions, but I was just fine.  I pushed for about 15 or 20 minutes and then Dylan was here! That you so much! – Caroline Hoffman, Wilton CT (Birthed in Danbury birthing center)

Dear Cynthia, We are so grateful that you were a large part of our birth-prep experience.  As a result of you and your hypnobirthing class, we felt calm and confident as labor and delivery  approached and I delivered our daughter without meds at The Birth Center in Danbury.  What an amazing experience!  Thank you for being an excellent resource and example for us.  Love, Camilla and Chris, Norwalk CT (Birthed in Danbury Birthing Center)

Marin’s birth was perfect…there is not a single thing about the experience that I would change!  The techniques we learned in Cynthia’s Hypnobirthing class, as well as all of the knowledge that she shared during her classes, empowered and enabled us to have such a wonderful experience.  Since this was my first pregnancy, I didn’t fully understand this at the time, but it’s really unusual (and difficult!) to expose yourself to the facts of pregnancy and birth.  So much of this information just isn’t discussed or published in places that are easy to find.  After taking Cynthia’s class, we had a clear idea of what we wanted for our daughter’s birth.  We made the decision to plan for her birth in a place (the CT Birthing Center) that we felt complemented our personalities and would be understanding and supportive of our birth plan.  We hired a doula that was also a good match for us.   My labor lasted about twelve hours, 3 of which were spent at the CT Birthing Center.  I would not describe any moment of this time as painful…it was an intense, exciting, amazing time.  I used Hypnobirthing techniques for relaxation throughout my labor, especially the last 3 hours.  My husband, Brett, was able to receive Marin as she was born and he placed her on my chest.  We were together from the moment of her birth and we were not separated once.  Cynthia, thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge with so many women.  I’m sure the impact of your efforts spreads further than any of us can know as you continue to help so many families start off with positive and healthy births! - Amanda Alstead, Ridgefield CT (Birthed in Danbury Birthing Center)

I gained so much from Cynthia’s knowledge and awareness, all relating to the things I consider important when it comes to birthing my baby. It was so refreshing to be around her. I loved her kindness, gentleness, and free-thinking manner. HypnoBirthing is amazing, I’ve already told all my pregnant friends about it. I loved this class, and only wish I had taken it earlier in my pregnancy to have more time to practice and research what we learned. - Michelle D’Ambrosio, Milford CT (Birthed in Danbury birthing center)