Surrounding Herself With a Birth Team She Love And Trust Helped Rebekah During Her Unmedicated Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke in the night, but labor didn’t start until about 10 hours later. I noticed contractions getting more intense than the Braxton Hicks morning had been having, and getting stronger and closer together.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Just the mental challenge of being totally out of control. I had expected this labor to move more quickly than my first, and when we were going on hour 11 I was getting really discouraged about things not seeming to progress. You just have to truly believe your body knows exactly what it is doing and surrender to the process, even if it doesn’t align with how you think it should be going.

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

I surrounded myself with a birth team I love and trust, had peace of mind knowing my older child was taken care of because I had arranged a plan for her, and having a doula to help with “pain” management.
Just as important though, is preparing support for the postpartum period - having extra help at home, people bring meals, people to take the older child out to play, etc.

What surprised you about your birth?

I never really felt like I went through transition! I kept telling my husband “this doesn’t seem as hard as it should be” because I never felt truly overwhelmed by contractions as I had with my first. Things were slowing down, and after trying to get things to pick up with no success, I laid down to rest and my husband and I dozed off for a few minutes. I suddenly had one very intense contraction, got up quickly and said “I want to take advantage of this!” and after less than 5 minutes of pushing, she was here! So I went from being asleep to having a baby ?

You are more powerful than you know. I consider my two unmedicated home births the most empowering and fulfilling experiences of my life. I want more women to have that experience (which can be created in a hospital with medication too) - I hope all women know they are capable of an unmedicated birth, you were made to do this.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Mantras, breathing, and movement. I preferred being on my birth ball or standing for each contraction. With each contraction I would breathe deeply, focusing on a slow long exhale, and say a quiet mantra in a low tone.

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

Complete relief and a bit of shock

What did you name your baby, and why?

Grace - it is a family name

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

You are more powerful than you know. I consider my two unmedicated home births the most empowering and fulfilling experiences of my life. I want more women to have that experience (which can be created in a hospital with medication too) - I hope all women know they are capable of an unmedicated birth, you were made to do this.