Walking 20-30 Min Daily Helped Sue Achieve a Quick Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was going into labor after my second contraction and suspected that my water broke. I always thought if my water broke it would be a huge gush, but it was just a constant trickle.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural, was thinking that I couldn't. My first child I had an epidural -and with my second I was able to go naturally. This being my third birth, I wanted to go natural again, but was so tired I thought I would end up needing an epidural. In fact, after only two hours of sleep, I *thought* there was no way I would have the strength or stamina to go through labor and delivery.

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

I really believe walking daily for 20-30 minutes helped in so many ways. It helped my body to stay strong as well as help the baby to shift into position.

What surprised you about your birth?

Fortunately, it was a very quick labor and delivery! Contractions started around midnight, arrived at the hospital shortly after 3am and was only in the labor room for 18 minutes! I was surprised that even though I thought I couldn't do it, the Lord gave me the strength to deliver the baby naturally. I am grateful it was a fast labor! Also, very grateful for my husband, whom the labor nurse commented afterwards that "we made a great team."

I also have been hugely blessed by tapping into all the resources on the Mama Natural blog. With each pregnancy, I feel there is new things to learn and try to make the experience better.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

This being my third delivery, I felt much more comfortable to do what I needed to do. I screamed! It was only 18 minutes of delivery, but that is what got me through! My husband just kept telling me, "Do what you need to do!" I didn't do that with my first two labors, and I felt a bit silly doing that, but it did really help.

I also ate 4-5 dates for the last month of my pregnancy and drank red raspberry leaf tea daily for the last trimester. I really think those two tips I learned on Mama Natural were a help. My early and active labors were much, much quicker and less painful. I would definitely do the same thing again if I have the privilege of another baby.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on my back.

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

I pray a feeling I will never forget, I just remember the warmth and being in awe of holding a brand new life.

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

You can do it! Grace if it doesn't work out, as the goal is always "healthy mama, healthy baby." As someone who had an epidural with my first, but went natural with my second and third, I can say that the recovery is much quicker for a natural birth. I also have been hugely blessed by tapping into all the resources on the Mama Natural blog. With each pregnancy, I feel there is new things to learn and try to make the experience better.