Taking An All Natural Birthing Class Helped Tanya During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I starting having contractions at 9am Saturday morning but by 1pm Sunday nothing had changed so I called the doctor and asked if she could strip my membranes. I arrived at the hospital 2, met with the doctor and by 3 I was in labor and finally progressing.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I went from 5cm to 10cm with an antior lip in 30 minutes & contractions less than 90seconds apart. Pushing on all fours was a different experience too (the photo is right when the baby came out, my husband's face says it all, haha).

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

We took an all natural birthing class that went over everything we could need to know... from nutrition to essential oils to help with labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly I progressed once my water broke. The nurse checked me at 5 cm & the bag was still intact, 30 seconds later it broke and less than an hour later our baby girl was here.

Amazing. You love this little person for 9 months with out ever actually seeing it & when they are finally laid on your chest it is as if the whole world makes sense and the pain was all worth it without a doubt.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I used my essential oils, we defused some citrus oils with a peppermint oil, I rubbed clary sage on my abdomen and pressure points, and had my husband apply counter pressure on my lower back with peppermint oil & Aromatouch oils

What position did you end up delivering in?

Hands and knees.

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

Amazing. You love this little person for 9 months with out ever actually seeing it & when they are finally laid on your chest it is as if the whole world makes sense and the pain was all worth it without a doubt.

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

Trust yourself. If you think you can & it's what you really want you can do it. Listen to your body it will tell you what you need; to move, to sit in the shower, to walk, etc. Good luck mama, you can do this!