Deep Moans Helped Amelinda Achieve Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

When my water broke as I was getting my older son ready for school in the morning.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I had my first son without an epidural, but I was also induced with Pitocin. I knew that I wanted go birth this baby without an epidural as well.

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

My husband and I took a hypno-birthing class, but we didn't finish the series. The class was aimed at first time parents and we felt the instructor spent too much time on the mechanics of childbirth, instead of the hypno-burning techniques. I drank pregnancy and red raspberry leaf tea and sat on an exercise ball when I was at home. I was also seen by a CNM who was very supportive of my desire to birth without interventions.

What surprised you about your birth?

How fast it went! I labored at home after my water broke and arrived at the hospital at 12:30 pm. At that time, I was dilated to a 4. The labor and delivery team moved me into my room at 1 pm and my son was born at 1:50 pm! The CNM almost didn't make it in time!

Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Take classes, read books, watch birthing videos, and have faith that your body was made to give birth and you can do it!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

In the beginning of labor, my husband applied counter-pressure to my lower back. But after a while, I was in the zone and didn't want anyone to touch me. I was in a place where deep, animalistic moans were the only thing that helped me.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Sitting up on the hospital bed.

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

It was amazing! I was exhausted from the fast birth, but holding him and seeing him was the ultimate prize.

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

Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Take classes, read books, watch birthing videos, and have faith that your body was made to give birth and you can do it!