Taking Hypnobirthing Class and Using Birth Affirmations Helped Emma During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was really in labor late in the evening after putting my toddler to bed. I was 41 weeks and 5 days pregnant and had been waiting anxiously for contractions to move forward. After cleaning up the house and having a snack, things were starting to become much more regular and feel like waves across my belly and back. After trying to sleep, I realized that I was really in labor and started to use the birth ball and listen to my music.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Transition for sure! Looking back now, I know that it was transition, but at the time I remember thinking "I can't do this anymore!". I remember feeling at that moment that I'd made a mistake and that I would need to get an epidural (knowing logically that I couldn't and wouldn't!). At that moment, I looked at my Doula and told her that I couldn't do it and she reminded me that I already was and told me to really focus on my body opening to let baby come. At that point I repeated the word open when I was having a contraction and had a new energy!

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

I took a hypnobirthing class before my first son was born and used those birth affirmations before and during he birth. Meeting with my Doula to talk about my birth and visualizing my baby coming into the world was also really helpful for preparation!

What surprised you about your birth?

That's i did it! It was my birth and me and my baby did it together, we didn't need anyone to tell us how to move or lay or labor, we just did what felt right! I was also surprised at how quick it felt after I was in active labor. Breathing the baby down was also the most intense, exhilarating and wild thing I've ever felt or experienced! I felt his head and then caught him myself!

Believe in yourself. When you think you can't to it - remember that you already are doing it! This moment is unique and you were meant to bring your baby into the world. You were giving the power to do it! Surround yourself with people who lift you up and believe in you - I am a big fan of having a Doula there to remind you of all these things when birth gets hard.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I loved sitting backwards on the toilet while my husband did counter pressure on my back. I also used the birth ball in the shower while my husband sprayed hot water on my back. My favorite was the huge tub, which I stayed in to give birth!

What position did you end up delivering in?

I gave birth squatting in the tub.

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

There aren't words great enough to describe it! I felt to proud of myself, so thrilled to be done and finally get to meet him, and felt like nothing could be more right in the world at that moment!!

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

Believe in yourself. When you think you can't to it - remember that you already are doing it! This moment is unique and you were meant to bring your baby into the world. You were giving the power to do it! Surround yourself with people who lift you up and believe in you - I am a big fan of having a Doula there to remind you of all these things when birth gets hard.