Taking it 5 Contractions at a Time Helped Samantha Avoid an Epidural

When did you realize you were really in labor?

It was around 11:00pm on Saturday, April 17, 2010, and I was reading in bed. I felt a cramping that was distinctly different from the Braxton Hicks contractions that I'd been having for several weeks. I knew instinctively that I was entering early labor.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me, it was not knowing how long the labor would be and how long I could "last." This first labor was a long one for me, and I was very tired by the end. At one point I wanted to give up and order an epidural, but my midwife asked me if we could work through five more contractions and then reassess how I was feeling. That small, manageable goal of five contractions was perfect for me. Five contractions later, I was deep into pushing and in a totally different place, mentally and emotionally.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

My husband and I self-taught the Bradley Method of Childbirth. We learned about the method too late in my pregnancy to take the full 12-week course, so we did the best we could with reading the Bradley books on our own. I exercised daily, ate well, and practiced relaxation with my husband as close to nightly as possible. After this first pregnancy and birth, I went on to become a Bradley Method instructor!

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how difficult the pushing stage was for me. I had heard many women describe pushing as a relief and their favorite part of labor. Pushing terrified me! I had felt very much in control with contractions during first stage labor. I had been moving around, using the shower and tub, and relying on relaxation, breathing, and my amazing husband to support me. During pushing, I felt like I no longer had control and had no idea what to do. It was scary. It took me several pushing contractions to gain confidence and feel like I was making progress.

I was surprised by how difficult the pushing stage was for me. I had heard many women describe pushing as a relief and their favorite part of labor. Pushing terrified me!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Hot water in the shower and bath tub (specifically running the shower head over my lower back), movement (walking, standing and leaning over something, sitting on or leaning over birth ball), music, dim lights, encouragement from my husband and midwife, massage and gentle touch between (but not during) contractions, full relaxation with eyes closed during contractions, vocalizing with low moans.

What position did you end up delivering in?

The "classic" semi-seated position. (I must add that this position felt comfortable for me for my first birth, but I had my second baby on hands-and-knees and it was amazing! I had zero tearing and the pushing was so much easier than it had been with my first.)

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

Indescribable. It was so amazing and precious and sacred. It felt like I had always known him, he was so perfectly part of our family.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Trust your body, trust your baby, and trust the birth process. Prepare your body, mind, and spirit through exercise, healthy eating, relaxation, and childbirth education. Ignore the clock during labor! Above all, listen to your body. If you feel like standing, stand. If you feel like lying down, lie down. Breathe deeply, relax, and know that you were made for this!