Prayer and Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Helped Christa During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had to be induced 8 days after my due date, due to my baby's heartbeat dropping really low. The doctor broke my water at 1:30 pm. I had my baby at at 2:53 pm.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

It happened so fast and was extremely intense that i questioned whether I could do it without an epidural because I was expecting it to last 10 hours like my first birth.

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

Prayer and red raspberry leaf tea. Once he broke my water I used Clary Sage essential oil to help bring on contractions.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly labor went. I progressed from 4cm-10 in one hour.

Don't be discouraged if things don't go exactly as you had planned. I was extremely upset when the doctor told me I was going to have to be induced. I really wanted the baby to come naturally on his own time and I thought that the chances of me needing an epidural if I got induced would be much greater. But I was able to stay focused and mentally strong to push through with a natural (no epidural) labor and delivery.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Panaway essential oil

What position did you end up delivering in?

Laying on my back

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

Wonderful! I felt so much joy and thankfulness to God for blessing us with such a perfect baby boy.

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

Don't be discouraged if things don't go exactly as you had planned. I was extremely upset when the doctor told me I was going to have to be induced. I really wanted the baby to come naturally on his own time and I thought that the chances of me needing an epidural if I got induced would be much greater. But I was able to stay focused and mentally strong to push through with a natural (no epidural) labor and delivery.