Laughter Helped Ariel With Her Pain During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had prodromal labor for about a week that would come on at night, stay fairly consistent, and then stop. I was 3cm dilated and 70% effaced for that whole time. Unfortunately, the midwifes suspected Chicky was IUGR and, after an ultrasound that showed she had dropped below 10% growth, we decided together to induce via a foley bulb. I was at the hopsital for 8ish hours, having contractions that were easily manageable but not super consistent. We used the breast pump and hot water to get things going. I realized I was really in labor when I started groaning like a cow and rocking back and stopped enjoying my carefully chosen birthing playlist.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me, it was pushing. My body wanted to fight the contractions and I was kind of overwhelmed by the strength of them and the sensations I was having. I thought (for the last few minutes) that I was not going to make it through the ordeal and really questioned my decision to go without medication.

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

I hired a doula, did TONS of research, and chose my wonderful loving husband and sweet, amazing mother to be there with me. They did a killer job of massaging me, applying heat, cheering me on, and making me laugh for the whole 15 hours. Thinking about meeting my baby and what she would look like helped a ton as well.

What surprised you about your birth?

How strong I was! Until 8cm dilated, I was joking and laughing and having a grand ole time! Things changed very shortly after but it was such an invigorating and empowering experience. I was also surprised at how good your mind is at zoning out when it needs to do work and how faithful God is in giving you what and who you need.

Prepare, get a doula, and surround yourself with love.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Massage, application of heat packs, rocking, bouncing, listening to music, and hot showers. Laughter was my number one pain relief strategy. We were all in tears at multiple times over the course of the birth. It felt like a party for most of the time.

What position did you end up delivering in?

All fours on the bed with the back dropped down so i was sort of elevated.

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

Amazing. She rushed into the world and the midwife passed her through my legs to me. I held her and then they kind of helped me flop down. I didn't even notice delivering the placenta because she was so amazing. It took her awhile to cry and I think they were sort of worried because I remember a nurse saying "Come on baby, cry" and rubbing all over but I was too amazed to be worried.

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

Prepare, get a doula, and surround yourself with love. I had my bible verses picked out to help me through, my husband and I watched tons of videos, read Ina May books, and article after article giving scientific evidence for natural birth. I knew I wanted to breastfeed and didn't want our relationship to be affected by unnecessary interventions. I also relied heavily on Christ , my wonderful nurse, and the team of people who loved and supported me and pushed me on when I thought there was no way I was going to get that baby out.