Getting Spiritually Ready Helped Geneviève During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

A contraction woke me up around 3 am. It felt different from the Braxton-Hicks contractions I had been having since around week 20 and I knew I needed to start timing them. I was worried I would not know when my labour would start, but I just did.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The unknown. I was scared it would hurt too much and I would not be able to bear the pain. I have a pretty low tolerance to pain, so planning to go natural was scary.

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

I got spiritually ready. As a Catholic, I believe in redemptive suffering and I prayed a lot ahead of time to be able to bear the challenge by uniting my suffering with Christ on the cross and offering it up for my salvation. Having a crucifix as a focal point was very helpful.

What surprised you about your birth?

I expected to have regular contractions that would follow a pattern, but mine never got regular. Up until my water broke, they were still all over the place. Though they were getting increasingly stronger. After my water broke, they started to come every 2 minutes or so and were so much more painful. Although I have to say, it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, it was pretty bad towards the end, especially the "ring of fire", but I was surprised my body could handle it!

I really did not think I could handle the pain, but I did! My body just knew what it was doing and I was letting it do its thing. If I can do it, you certainly can. And it really is worth it, recovery is a breeze afterwards!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I had prepared playlists, massage balls and told my husband to encourage me, but in the end I didn't want any of that. I just wanted to be left alone. I took one contraction at a time and offered up my suffering. It made it better to know that my pain was useful.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Lying back in my bathtub. I did not plan on delivering there or in that position, but towards the end, I really did not want to move, so my midwives went with it.

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

Honestly I did not feel an incredible bond like other mamas, it just felt very weird and surreal. I could not believe that my little girl in my arms was the same baby who was kicking in my belly a few hours earlier.

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

I really did not think I could handle the pain, but I did! My body just knew what it was doing and I was letting it do its thing. If I can do it, you certainly can. And it really is worth it, recovery is a breeze afterwards!