Walking and Keeping Active Throughout Pregnancy Helped Liz During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up on the Monday morning at 2.30am with period type pains which increased in intensity and became more regular. They 'peaked and troughed' and I knew in my heart that this was early labour. This went on for 10 hours and then stopped and the same happened again on the Tuesday at 2.30am. I was 4cms but with no progression overnight so they sent me home. We were in and out of the birthing unit about 4 times in total but labour really kicked in on the Wednesday night.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I enjoyed a water birth but it really slowed down my contractions. I didn't realise it at the time so I was in and out of the water but it contributed to a long birth (4 days in total from early labour to the end). During the crowning of baby's head it was hard to keep motivated but the midwife was very positive and helped me through it by showing me with her hands how much head she could see. It didn't feel like any experience I had heard or read about though..I had no urge to push nor did it feel like I had to have a bowel movement. I had to really trust my body as I didn't know what to expect.

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

Rest as much as you can - take naps, take it easy. Walk & keep active throughout your pregnancy where possible. Eat well. Read lots of positive books - Ina May really helped me to feel empowered about the birth. Hypnobirthing was great for me, but trust your instincts for the type of birth you want - you need to feel safe.

What surprised you about your birth?

I felt very calm during the process and focussed on the job I had to do. It was managable and not panicky or horrendous. The environment around me really had an impact on this - I felt safe & had a great midwife who understood the importance of hypnobirthing. What really surprised me was the 'bubble' of euphoria after the birth: I was speaking to my friend on the phone telling her it had been amazing -all the hardship had been forgotten and I now had my beautiful baby.

I didn't feel an overwhelming rush of love but I was in awe and couldn't stop staring at him. I just couldn't take it all in - the experience was much bigger than me and anything I'd ever known.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing and tens machine to begin with. The water really helped as well, I had baths at home, a hot water bottle for the drive to the birth center and got in to the pool straight away.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I tried in the pool & kneeling upright on a bed but they just didn't feel 'right' to me...I kept staring at a birthing chair in the room and I knew to trust my instincts and that was the best place for me.

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

Amazing. I didn't feel an overwhelming rush of love but I was in awe and couldn't stop staring at him. I just couldn't take it all in - the experience was much bigger than me and anything I'd ever known.

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

Trust your instincts and keep calm. You can do this!