Anna Hennessey lives in San Francisco with her husband Toni, and their two children, Kieran and Montserrat.  Actively involved in San Francisco's birth community, Anna also recently completed her PhD dissertation, the research of which examines the interrelationship between art and religion in the context of China.  Anna's work focuses on how people during medieval China utilized images to visualize religion and ideology of their time.  This research turned out to be invaluable to Anna as she prepared for the birth of her first child, Kieran.  When pregnant with him, she utilized Chinese prints and other images to help in the visualization of his birth.  She also explored the visualization of birth in her prenatal yoga class, as well as through acupuncture, visualization exercises with her doula (Stacy Hattori), and through literature on hypnobirthing.  Once labor commenced, Kieran descended in the rather difficult posterior position, and was large (9 lb 12oz at birth!).  However, with the aid of the visualization techniques she had practiced prior to labor, and with the constant support of her husband and doula throughout the birth, Anna joined Kieran as he emerged calmly and naturally into the world.  

Anna began this blog and used its images especially while preparing for the birth of her daughter, Montserrat.  Born early in the morning at home, Montserrat arrived in a peaceful way, surrounded by her mother, father, doula Stacy, and her midwives, Nancy and Ami.  At almost 9.5 lbs, Montserrat was born large, but labor was speedy and without issue.  Her brother Kieran slept in the next room throughout the duration of labor!  Imagery and visualization were integral to Anna's experience during her labor and birth of Montserrat. 

Anna believes that images and visualization techniques can be used as powerful tools in the transformation of mind and body, and is especially interested in this connection as it pertains to the birth experience.  Her current research focuses on images and birth as a rite of passage. 

CONTACT: For all comments and questions, or to suggest an image or video for the site, please contact Anna at: visualizingbirth@gmail.com.

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