Home Birth Videos Helped Tierza Achieve Her First Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

In the beginning, I was in denial that labor had actually started even though I was feeling some intense contractions. I finally realized that the discomfort I had been feeling really was labor when I started vomiting and had my bloody show. I remembered from my childbirth classes that this meant baby really was on the way! This prompted me to call my midwives.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging part of going natural was the pushing stage. How intense!

I never thought of medications or an epidural though. Probably because I didn't have time to! I was very focused on getting the baby out.

I loved giving birth at home and would certainly want to have a natural home birth again.

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

The most important thing I did to prepare for childbirth was to read positive birth stories and watch some inspirational home birth videos on YouTube. I stayed away from negative influences and focused on my body's ability to give birth naturally!
I also exercised often and ate healthy to prepare my body for labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

After hearing that first time labours are often quite long, I was so surprised at how fast my birth was! 4 hours from the first contraction, Sadie was born, at home in the water.

We waited to call the birth team because we believed we had much more time. I was already pushing before anyone arrived, and my water had broken with a gush! My supportive husband, Jordan, was by my side the entire time and luckily the birth team (doula followed by midwives) arrived about an hour before she came.

You can do it! So many people want to tell you the negative side of birth, but there is also so many positive stories. Focus on those instead! Books, birth videos, documentaries - these all helped me to change my paradigm about birth. Remembering that our bodies were designed to give birth is such an empowering thought!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Being in the water was so nice! Although my husband did have to coax me from the bed and into the pool, it was so much better once I got in.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my knees, leaning on the edge of the birth pool. I needed to be upright. I caught the baby myself and lifted her into my arms. It was the best feeling in the world.

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

It was the most amazing feeling to hold Sadie for the first time. I couldn't believe what a beautiful baby she was!

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

You can do it! So many people want to tell you the negative side of birth, but there is also so many positive stories. Focus on those instead! Books, birth videos, documentaries - these all helped me to change my paradigm about birth. Remembering that our bodies were designed to give birth is such an empowering thought!