-
When did you realize you were really in labor?
At 6:30 AM, I woke up to regular cramps radiating to my back. They were equally spaced out and just kept coming. Since this was my second child, I knew exactly what it was and that it was time. I let my husband sleep for a few extra hours before I told him though!
-
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
This was my second natural birth. Going into the first one, ignorance was bliss, so I was honestly more nervous and anxious the second time around. But I was also more excited because this time it was going to be at home and hopefully in the water. The negative chatter and concern from other people was my biggest challenge because that’s when you start to doubt yourself and think “should I be worried?”
-
73AF3B55-98F8-4BC5-BD48-A4BFA5A40DC4
-
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Reading positive and informative books on natural childbirth, watching gentle birthing videos online, staying active (with light weights, walking and yoga, and meditation/visualization every day. Taking this online Mama Natural course at my own pace was a huge help since I’m a nurse who works different shifts and it was a great refresher for a second-time mom.
-
What surprised you about your birth?
How easy it was to push my baby out! Or rather, breathe her down and let her come in her own time. I watched a lot of gentle water births to help me prepare for the big day, almost like how an athlete watches tapes to prepare for a game. I remembered what other women did and did it! I was able to calmly speak while she was crowning and even laughed and announced to my family that I could “feel her cheeks”!
-
I’ve never known anyone personally who’s had a home birth so those stories gave me strength. I’m so grateful to have had Mama Natural!
-
What pain relief strategies worked best?
Back pressure from my husband and pelvic rocking from a rebozo used by my doula. Moving into different positions helped a lot through labor.
-
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Amazing! I could not believe the joy I felt guiding her out of the water and into my own arms.
-
What did you name your baby, and why?
Eila Wren. Eila is a non-traditional spelling of a traditional British name in honor of my husband's English roots. Eila means Earth and Oak Tree, Wren is an English songbird that is tiny but known for its big voice.
-
How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?
It was a perfect way for a second time mom to educate herself and even learn new things instead of having to pay for another expensive in-person class. Plus, being an ICU nurse with an ever-changing schedule, I was able to do the class on my own time and make my own night time routine with it. I absolutely loved the birth affirmation cards. Every night before bed, my husband would pull from the top of the deck and read it to me. He was my rock during this entire experience. Also, the birth videos included each week were brilliant! I’ve never known anyone personally who’s had a home birth so those stories gave me strength. I’m so grateful to have had Mama Natural!
