Drinking a Lot of Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Helped Lacey During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been cramping off and on for a couple of days with a mild back ache, but it was when i was eating dinner with my husband that I realized I couldn't sit still during the cramping any longer and had to stand every five minutes. The more intense contractions started pretty quickly after that.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My mind and thoughts was the most challenging part of labor. Yes, the contractions were very intense and didn't let up hardly at all, but I JD this voice in the back of my mind telling me there was no way I could get through this. Luckily I had an even louder voice telling me I could.

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

I drank a lot of red raspberry leaf tea for the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy, read Ina May's childbirth book twice and took Mama Naturals online childbirth prep course.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was most surprised by how quick it went. Of course during it, it felt like the longest time of my life, but thankfully my husband kept an eye on the clock the whole time and made mental notes about how fast I actually dilated. It was so nice being able to hear from him after the timeline.

I was also very surprised that I didn't like to be touched at all during labor. I thought for sure we would employ some of the techniques we learned to help ease the intense contractions, but as soon as someone would lay a hand on me, it made me want to jump out of my skin!

You CAN do it. Our bodies are built and made for it. If I can do it, anyone can. Yes its challenging to say the least and you will feel/say/do things you never thought possible, but it's so worth it. It's all a mental thing so if you go into it with the right mind frame and prepare yourself, it's 100% doable.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I worked really hard to keep my jaw loose and moan at a very low tone during contractions. It didn't help the pain but it was distracting enough.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering laying on my back/right side, which felt right at the time. I leaned towards my right side to hopefully open my canal that much more to make my pushing more effective. Luckily I only pushed for about 25 mins.

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

Indescribable. When she was placed on my chest and feeling her warmth and wetness is something I will never ever forget. It was even better since we didn't know the sex of our baby till she was born!

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

You CAN do it. Our bodies are built and made for it. If I can do it, anyone can. Yes its challenging to say the least and you will feel/say/do things you never thought possible, but it's so worth it. It's all a mental thing so if you go into it with the right mind frame and prepare yourself, it's 100% doable.