Paige's Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

When my water broke at 28 weeks.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I was having a micropreemie (my son was less than 2.5 lbs) and doctors usually want to do c-sections. My doula, a wonderful friend, helped keep me calm and helped me navigate nurses and doctors to ensure that if there was any possibility of a natural, vaginal birth- that they knew I would prefer that.

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

I didn't have time to prepare. I never made it to a single birthing class. My first one was s he filed for 32 weeks gestation.

What surprised you about your birth?

How early my son was born. He ended up being born a week after my water broke. I was on hospital bedrest in between. I was also surprised my how I instinctively knew what to do during labor. I meditated and used a lot of visuals to help with the pain.

I didn't hold my baby until he was 2 days old and when I finally got hold him- it was magical and scary. He felt so fragile in my arms and I felt so responsible.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Visualizing laying in burning hot sand and then running into the cool ocean during my contractions. I knew it was getting close to being time to push when there was only burning sand and no cool ocean.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Side/back.

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

I didn't hold my baby until he was 2 days old and when I finally got hold him- it was magical and scary. He felt so fragile in my arms and I felt so responsible.

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

You definitely have it in you. Trust your body. Trust your husband, midwife, doula- whoever you have in the room- trust them. Don't let anything or anyone distract you. Your labor may look completely different than your friends so don't compare. Do you, mama.