Knowing All The Facts Helped Heather in Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I didn't go it labor naturally. I had to be endured because of low amniotic fluid and baby Mac had IUGR. I went in for a blood presume check at 40.5 week, the realized he stopped growing at 36 weeks, and the induction started that evening. So after 24 hours into the induction process it took. I knew I was in labor and there was no going back.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My great challenge was not being able to go natural like i planned. The contractions alone where bad enough due to the pitocin. I watched so many mama natural videos, read books and more so evendors though thinges weren't going aso planded i knew God had me. And I had a great midwife who made my process as natural and as close to what I wanted as she could. I finally had him after 30 hours, an epidural that jump started my progression (crazy).

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

Knowing all the facts was my biggest help. Knowing how my body worked and what all was happening. I didn't feel lost. I saw a road ahead and my mile markers I had to reach.

What surprised you about your birth?

In the end I ended up having a vaginal birth even though hospital regulations would have made me have a c section. Mac came out fine and healthy.

Knowing all the facts was my biggest help. Knowing how my body worked and what all was happening. I didn't feel lost. I saw a road ahead and my mile markers I had to reach.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Keeping calm and relaxed kept my pain in check. My midwife would rub my forehead making sure no part of me was tense. But after about 13 hours on pitocin I got an epidural because I thought my back would break. In less than an hour I went from 3cm to 9cm, thank you Jesus.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up on my back, pulling a towel tug of war style with a nurse. Because if the epidural I was in struts and had the support of my husband and best friends to help.

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

All I could say was, "He's real, oh my gosh he's real" I was relieved and in shock. This tiny human grew in my body. And when my body gave out and my placenta stopping working God kept working and baby Mac was ok.

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

Be bold and strong in your choice but remember anything can happen. Don't be crushed if your birth makes a sharp left turn. Remember that baby is coming one way or another, in a tub or a hospital bed.