Exercising Everyday Helped Jackie During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was in labor when the contractions were coming regularly, every 5-7 minutes, for over an hour.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The short bursts of pain were the hardest thing about going natural but thank goodness they were short. It was somewhat easy to decide to go natural for the birth of my second child because the labor was progressing quickly and because of my first labor experience when I got an epidural. I had an allergic reaction to the silicone sterilization sheet they put on your back. The reaction was severe and I was put on steroids for a month!!! It was a horrible experience and i didn't want to go through it again. The anesthesiologist had an alternative method but I did want to take any chances. It was all natural this time and I don't regret it.

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

Exercise everyday!! My husband, two year old, and I went on long walks every evening after dinner.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how quickly my second birth progressed. I was in labor for about 3-4 hours and I pushed for about 5 minutes. A huge difference from my first birth.

My friend was texting me before I officially turned down the epidural and decided to go natural. Her words helped me decide: "I think you can do it!!! Your body was made for this. And, from what I've heard, the second labor/delivery is smoother and (mostly) not as bad (whatever that means) as the first. Whatever you do, don't fight the contractions. Just give in to them and know that every thing you are feeling is good and productive! You've got this mama!!!"

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I used the pelvic rock from the Bradley method. Getting on my hands and knees and rocking really helped my get through the contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered sitting up with my feet in the stirrups, closest thing to squatting.

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

I was surprised that I had my daughter in my arms after such a short time. I couldn't believe I did it all natural too. Love, shock, relief, and excitement.

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

My friend was texting me before I officially turned down the epidural and decided to go natural. Her words helped me decide: "I think you can do it!!! Your body was made for this. And, from what I've heard, the second labor/delivery is smoother and (mostly) not as bad (whatever that means) as the first. Whatever you do, don't fight the contractions. Just give in to them and know that every thing you are feeling is good and productive! You've got this mama!!!"