Mentally Preparing Herself Helped Katelyn Achieve Another Successful Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been awake on and off all night due to an ear infection and cough, I started having Braxton Hicks that I needed to breathe through and started to worry this was the real deal. I took a shower and things progressed into what I knew were for sure contractions.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I had been very sick with a double ear infection and cold for going on a week. I had very little sleep the 5 nights leading up to birth. When labor started I was having serious doubts my body would have the energy to deliver the baby. I had to battle fear and doubt that I wouldn’t have felt with had I felt healthy.

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

I mentally prepared like this was my first birth. It was tempting to be lazy having already had one very successful home birth. But I decided to try and keep expectations at bay and prepare as if I hadn’t already experienced birth. This included reading birth stories and helpful articles on naturally managing labor pain.

What surprised you about your birth?

It was very short and went so incredibly well. In total, I was in labor for about 4 hours and pushed for only 10 minutes of that. My midwife arrived an hour before the baby. Also that both my kids have been born at exactly 38 weeks!

You can absolutely do it! Do not allow your circumstances to defeat you.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Focus - breathe - focus - breathe. At one point I focused on a pineapple sitting on our kitchen counter and mentally blew my breath at it during contractions. Sounds little ridicules but keeping yourself mentally grounded is so important. Find an object and make it your sole focus during intense contractions. Also, my husband rubbing my lower back and being near me.

What position did you end up delivering in?

In the birth pool leaning over the side. I found this to be really effective! 10 minutes of pushing was all it took.

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

Almost unreal, I had been really battling fear and to so suddenly be holding my son after such a wonderful fast birth experience was just surreal. We hadn’t found out the gender so it was also very exciting to know we had a little boy. Our first is a girl, she turns 3 January 1st. Just 4 days after her brothers birth.

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

You can absolutely do it! Do not allow your circumstances to defeat you. Before this experience, I couldn’t fathom going through labor as sick and tired as I was. But I did it! My faith and trust in God is ultimately what gave me the courage to push through and not allow fear to steal my heart's desire for an amazing home birth.