Having The Right Mindset Helped Lane During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I thought I was in false labor when the contractions first started coming. They were somewhat inconsistent and I didn't want to get my hopes up like I did the weekend before when I went into false labor. So I went to take a bath to try and relax my muscles but instead they were coming on even more consistent. I knew this was the real deal :)

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Honestly the most challenging part of this whole experience was tuning out everyone's negative stories and reactions! The labor and delivery wasn't as challenging as that. But if you want an answer regarding the actual birth process being a first time mom, when it came time to push (I originally didn't want any guidance) but I found myself not really knowing how to push or breath my baby out. I asked for assistance and my midwife was able to guide me. As soon as she started helping it felt so natural and he was here in just under an hour.

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

I had to have the right mindset, not "I'm hoping for a natural childbirth" but "I'm having a natural childbirth". That helped along with seeking out positive birth stories. I joined lots of birthing pages and read lots of books. I tried to read two positive birth stories for every negative comment or story that was shared with me about natural birth or birthing in general.

What surprised you about your birth?

How natural it really was! When you're in touch with your body and baby you truly feel what's best for you. I was sleeping in between contractions but I could tell when my body needed to get up and move, as soon as I did this I immediately progressed and flew through active labor.

Don't listen to what others have to say, trust your body and your baby!! Your body and baby know how to birth and your birth story is YOURS! It's going to look completely different than anyone else's. So don't strive to have a birth like anyone else's and don't have expectations. Just trust in yourself. Also have a good support team. My supports all believed in me and my power, any doubt they would have had would have made me doubt myself. You can do it!!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Hypnobirthing and sitting on the toilet helped tons during early and active labor! But once I was in transitional the counter pressure on my sacrum and getting in the tub was heavenly.

What position did you end up delivering in?

In the tub, sitting/floating with feet pressed into the sides (little foot holsters). It felt good rising up in the tub while pushing and sinking my hips back down in the water in between pushes.

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

I yelled "I have a baby!!" It was incredible. There aren't words for when that baby is on your chest. It's the most beautiful experience.

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

Don't listen to what others have to say, trust your body and your baby!! Your body and baby know how to birth and your birth story is YOURS! It's going to look completely different than anyone else's. So don't strive to have a birth like anyone else's and don't have expectations. Just trust in yourself. Also have a good support team. My supports all believed in me and my power, any doubt they would have had would have made me doubt myself. You can do it!!