Taking a 12-Week Class on Bradley Method Helped Alyssa During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 5am with contractions already 2 minutes apart. Things went really fast at that point and baby was born only 2.5 hours later.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Going natural was great, the hardest part was knowing that I had no choice but to do it without medication. This wasn't my first birth so I knew what I was getting into pain wise.

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

With my first, we took a 12 week class on the Bradley method. It was fantastic, so we brushed up on it for this one. The biggest thing though was exercising. I felt like being healthy allowed me to have the strength for pregnancy, childbirth and recovery.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was so shocked at how fast it went. Since I woke up already in active labor, I didn't have time to really prepare my daughter, or get anything that I had prepped for labor. At first I didn't think it was even real labor because I was expecting it to come on gradually instead of hitting me full force.

Make the decision and stick to it. It takes a lot of dedication to not ask for an epidural. I feel like I would have asked for one had I been in the hospital. Also, I would definitely suggest looking into a homebirth. I'm so thankful I did!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I gave birth in a tub and that was the best pain relief once I could get in that tub.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on my knees. I moved around a lot once I got in the tub.

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

It felt like a dream. I had had so much prodromal labor beforehand that I was honestly in denial that I was in labor at all. Once she came out, I literally asked my husband if it was real or a dream.

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

Make the decision and stick to it. It takes a lot of dedication to not ask for an epidural. I feel like I would have asked for one had I been in the hospital. Also, I would definitely suggest looking into a home birth. I'm so thankful I did!