Prenatal Yoga Helped Sarah During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was induced on my due date at 40 weeks. I had been having prodromal labor on and off since 35-36 weeks. As I was being monitored and put on pitocin I was having regular contractions. The nurse had to turn down the pitocin twice as I was going through the first stage of dilating too quickly with contractions every 1-2 minutes.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I didn't go "natural." I had a walking epidural that took the edge off of the intense pitocin driving contractions.

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

Prenatal yoga! I am now recommending it to everyone! ;-)

What surprised you about your birth?

My little girl didn't wait for the doctor to arrive for her birth. The nurses had me do a practice push, and out she came!

I actually highly recommend the walking epidural. You recover from it so quickly but still have full functionality of your legs and body. I was able to move around the whole time but also got much relief from most of the contractions.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Meditation and walking epidural

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back...but I wasn't even in a pushing position as she slipped right out!

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

Magical and a little foreign as my boys are 5 1/2 and 3 years old.

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

I didn't go "natural". I actually highly recommend the walking epidural. You recover from it so quickly but still have full functionality of your legs and body. I was able to move around the whole time but also got much relief from most of the contractions. The pain went from an 8/10 to a 3/10.