Research on Birthing Techniques Helped Jaime Achieve Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

At about 7am I began having contractions. Over the course of the morning and early afternoon the contractions got more intense, so about 3pm I decided I better head to the hospital to see if I was making any progress.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I previously had a long, difficult labor with my first, so it was very hard for me to overcome the fear of labor, get the negative thoughts out of my mind and to stay optimistic.

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

I drank a lot of red raspberry leaf tea in the third trimester! I believe this strengthened my contractions. I also did a lot of research on birthing techniques.

What surprised you about your birth?

How fast it was! My first labor was 32 hours with 5 hours of pushing. This time I labored less than 10 hours and only pushed for 15 minutes! I was feeling contractions every 5-7 minutes but the machine picked up my contractions every 3 minutes and they were lasting 2 minutes each! So, I couldn't feel half of my contractions and what I could feel wasn't really that bad.

I was so happy that it was over and that it went quickly. I felt like wonder woman!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

In my first labor, closing my eyes made me really focus on the pain. This time I kept my eyes open and focused on one spot on the wall. I talked and prayed myself through the labor. With every contractions I said things out loud: "It's just a wave. Up and down." "Strength in. Pain out. I am strong." "This is temporary. This is easy! Just relax." I moved my hips and my husband massaged my lower back.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I labored on my knees leaning on the hospital bed, but delivered on my back.

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

Relief and gratefulness! I was so happy that it was over and that it went quickly. I felt like wonder woman!

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

Believe in yourself and what your body can do!