Hiring A Doula And Taking Mama Natural Birth Class Helped Kathryn During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I have a scheduled induction on the morning of the 17th so the night before my husband and I went to have one last date night. We walked two blocks to our downtown area to get Mexican food and ice cream. We ate dinner, had a nice time excited about what tomorrow was going to bring, and then as I stood up to leave the restaurant I felt a “pop!” And the infamous gush of liquid streaming down my leg. Skipped the ice cream part of our date to make sure I got home!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

During my pregnancy, it was really difficult to tell people that I was going natural. I had a few family members who straight up laughed in my face about it and made me question if I actually could do it or not.
During labor, I would say pushing was the hardest. I ended up pushing for 3 1/2 hours and though I knew I was making progress, I was just SO ready for it to be over so I could meet my baby!

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

THIS. CLASS. By far the best thing we could have done to prepare for natural childbirth. Also hiring and meeting with my doula few times before the big day was great preparation. Just having that extra person in your corner was everything.

What surprised you about your birth?

How bearable the pain was. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not superwoman and I’m not saying it didn’t phase me. I’m also not ready to just hop back into another one! However, if you let your body ride the wave of a contraction, use those breathing techniques, and keep on the front of your mind what if happening and why it’s happening, then the pain can become almost bearable.

Overall preparation for me and my husband. It gave us both the confidence to take on the natural birth I always wanted.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Simple breathing worked best for me. I tried the shower but I got in there and it was cramped and I felt my first “pushy” feeling so it almost didn’t help that much for me.

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

So strange. Wonderful. Almost other worldly.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Ian Donald McAuley. My father-in-law’s name is John and Ian is the Scotts Gaelic version on John. And my father (and my grandfathers) name is Donald. We wanted to keep that family name going and honor both sides since Ian is the first grand baby for both families!

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

Overall preparation for me and my husband. It gave us both the confidence to take on the natural birth I always wanted.