Reading Books About Natural Childbirth And Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Religiously Helepd Melanie During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke spontaneously at home, fortunately while sitting on the toilet

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Getting through transition was the hardest part of labor by far but by then I knew the end was in sight so mentally that helped to get through it.

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

Reading! I read many books about natural childbirth and stayed up with the encouragement via mama naturals blog. I read something daily in nautical childbirth the last 4-5 months. I also drank red raspberry leaf tea religiously.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was shocked by how fast it went! I didn't even realize I was in early labor for hours until my water broke. When I went in I was already 80% effaced and 5cm floated. The rest went by very quickly, except for trainsition which felt like the longest 50 minutes of my life! It was all very powerful and by the far the most proud thing I've ever done

Prepare! Read stories from other moms. Get daily encouragement from blogs or books or other women. It really helps you get into the right head space going in. Just knowing that you were made to do this and you CAN do this.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The best pain relief was actually the verbal encouragement and loving touches of my birth team, my husband, sister and doula. They're constant presence and encouragement gave the energy and courage to just keep going.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered laying down. I was exhausted after transition so I moved into a side lying position with the peanut ball between my legs and that position felt so relaxing after being on my Krenz for over an hour in transition.

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

Unreal. I kept saying to my sister and husband over and over "we did it. We really did it." She was so alert and made eye contact right away and nursed within 20 minutes. It was all so beautiful.

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

Prepare! Read stories from other moms. Get daily encouragement from blogs or books or other women. It really helps you get into the right head space going in. Just knowing that you were made to do this and you CAN do this.