Purchasing An Exercise Ball And Rolling Her Hips Helped Brianna During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had had several prodromal labor instances starting at 36 weeks, so when I was 39+6, I was skeptical to believe that my contractions were real. But when my instinct to squat and sway through them kicked in, I knew they had to be the real deal.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging part was arriving at the hospital and having to advocate myself throughout the later phases of labor. My labor went so fast that I didn’t even have a chance to think twice about medication interventions, but I did have to decline epidural, fetal monitoring, IV, and laying in the bed all through intense transition contractions. Thankfully, I had a wonderful midwife who advocated for me toward the end and called in a more natural-minded nurse to the team.

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

I think purchasing an exercise ball and rolling my hips around a ton in the final weeks helped baby engage and helped stretch my joints for delivery. I also drank pregnancy tea with red raspberry leaf tea which might have contributed to my quick labor and delivery.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quick it went! People said my second would go quick, but I birthed my 10-pound baby just 5 hours after my first contraction, only 1 hour after arriving at the hospital, and in a fast and furious 3 minutes of pushing! Sure, contractions can get intense, especially toward the end, but slowing your breathing and finding a comfortable position makes all the difference!

Get someone who can be a strong advocate for your wishes while you’re in labor and who can encourage pain management strategies outside of medications - whether it be a doula or an amazing midwife, your body is made to do this!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Slow breathing through contractions close to the ground either squatting or on all fours was all I had an opportunity to use but it worked and got me through. Dimming the lights was also surprisingly helpful.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on my back on a mat on the floor. It was a mat I was using to protect my knees while I contracted on all fours, and then when it came time to push, I just turned over and my husband, midwife and nurse all joined me on the floor.

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

I was absolutely exhausted but it’s an indescribable feeling of “wow I just did that” and “she’s finally here”

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

Get someone who can be a strong advocate for your wishes while you’re in labor and who can encourage pain management strategies outside of medications - whether it be a doula or an amazing midwife, your body is made to do this!