Having Mantras like "This is totally natural" and "Your body knows what it's doing" Helped Abbie During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Two hours after I had my Membranes swept. I came home and was bouncing on my exercise ball when I had my first "real" contraction. I called my husband and told him I thought it was starting, 1 hour later my contractions were 5 minutes apart.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The hardest thing about going natural was explaining and defending myself to other people. I found that anyone I know (even family) who had a hard labor or was medicated kept telling me I would fail or it wouldn't go as planned. Otherwise my body knew what it was doing and I just had to remind myself of that.

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

I had a few mantras and about four weeks before labor and delivery I started telling myself:

"This is totally natural"
"Your body knows what it's doing"
"Your baby will come when he is ready, don't rush him"
"Your are strong and will have no problem."

I also watched all of "The Buisness of Being Born" movies one week before my son came

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised that my level of pain never hit what I would call a 10. It's incredible how your body knows how to cope with the pain and you never feel the real amount of pain that you are actually in. Between your adrenaline and oxytocin and the connection between your mind and body- the level of pain stays way down and I was so surprised how all of the pain went away immediately.
I was also so surprised that my body knew when to push and I couldn't believe the overwhelming urge I had to push right when it was the exact time to start pushing.

Do it. And stick with it. There is nothing better and more exhilarating. It can be scary but as women we were designed to have babies. Also, read and watch documentaries. The more information you have the stronger you will feel. Birth for myself was all mind over matter. If you get to a point during labor that you are unsure just realize you've already started the process and are so close to the finish line.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My husband massaged hard and soft as needed. I woke up two days later with bruises from the counter pressure that felt so amazing in the moment. I also had my husband whispering in my ear "remember to give into the pain, it's natural and your son is moving down with each contraction... He can't wait to meet his mommy"

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on the birthing stool for my final two contractons.

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

Incredible. Overwhelming. And surprising. My labor and delivery went so fast it was a little serial when he was all of the sudden in my arms.

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

Do it. And stick with it. There is nothing better and more exhilarating. It can be scary but as women we were designed to have babies. Also, read and watch documentaries. The more information you have the stronger you will feel. Birth for myself was all mind over matter. If you get to a point during labor that you are unsure just realize you've already started the process and are so close to the finish line.