Eating Healthy and Choosing Organic Options Helped Angela During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

20 mins before I delivered.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Not knowing when to go to the birth center. My contractions were manageable and not what I expected. I did not know I was in active labor until transition about 25 mins before I delivered.

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

Eating healthy and choosing organic options when available.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quick and easy it was this time around. So much so that we did not make it to the birthing center! My husband had to catch her at our house while on the phone with the midwife. It only took 1 push and she was here! It was a crazy and awesome experience.

Trust your body! When the midwife told us to come to the birthing center, I was about to hop in the car, but my body told me that I could not. My water broke right afterwards a less than 15 mins later my little one was here. This was COMPLETE opposite of my last birth, in which I pushed for an hour a a half!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing in for 4 and out for 8 help me focus and get through some of the more intense contractions I experienced at the end.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On all 4s.

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

Unreal and phenomenal! I couldn't believe we delivered at home just me and my husband. We high-fived each other afterwards because we kept our composure and totally rocked it! Teamwork! =)

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

Trust your body! When the midwife told us to come to the birthing center, I was about to hop in the car, but my body told me that I could not. My water broke right afterwards a less than 15 mins later my little one was here. This was COMPLETE opposite of my last birth, in which I pushed for an hour a a half!