Visualization Helped Melissa During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at about 3 in the morning to realize that my water had broken (I thought I had peed myself at first). I got up to go to the bathroom and mentioned to my husband that I thought my water had broken, but wasn't sure. Headed back to bed and had another gush of fluid. Told him, "Yep, my water broke. I wonder if I should call the midwife?"

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

This was my second birth and I had a great deal of support and better planning this time so in all honesty, it couldn't have been easier.

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

I took a birthing class from MamaBaby Birthing and it was just the best thing I could have done this time around. Visualization and fear releasing made all the difference. My birth happened the way I envisioned right down to our daughter being born during a snow storm. (Oops!)

What surprised you about your birth?

I was super surprised with how easy this birth was compared to my first. I thought I had a long time to go because I never lost control and was able to stay at a manageable level of discomfort. From start of active labor til I held her was 3 hours.

I was on my knees when I delivered. I was able to reach down and touch my daughter's head between pushes which was the most indescribable feeling.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For me, breathing, hip presses, and the birth tub were the best things for pain relief. At one point, my doula was wedged between the tub and the wall to get into the best position to do hip presses and my husband was running cold water over my face while the apprentice midwife poured warm water on my back. Amazing!

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on my knees when I delivered. I was able to reach down and touch my daughter's head between pushes which was the most indescribable feeling.

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

Incredible. There aren't really words to describe holding your child for the first time, but incredible comes close. Indescribable, empowering, precious, amazing, the list goes on and on.

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

Find a great provider, build a good birth team, take a class and read, read read!

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