Having Two Water Births Before Helped Svetlana During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was in denial for awhile, which I think is common when you already had a baby before. I just kept thinking that it had to get much more intense than what I was feeling. I thought my water broke so when when my midwife checked me about 8 hours later and confirmed that my water was indeed leaking and that my contractions were real because I was already 4 cm dilated, I accepted that yes I was in true labor.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My son was in posterior position until he entered the birth canal. That made for strong back labor, and during transition made me doubt how I would be able to give birth to a baby that was "sunny side up", but my midwives reassured me that I was doing it and that I could do it.

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

I have had two other water births before this one, but I still reread Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth as well as rewatched the Business of Being Born to confirm why I was choosing natural childbirth once again.

What surprised you about your birth?

That as someone who considers myself low pain tolerance I was able to have my third natural waterbirth. I know that women are strong and capable of delivering babies naturally, but I think each time I was successful at my goal of drug free birth, I was amazed and greatful for the confirmation that "Yes I can and I did do it!"

Educate yourself! Knowledge is power! One of my favorite quotes for expecting mothers is "We have a secret in our culture, it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong"

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I moved a lot during my labor because we were trying to turn my posterior baby. I also got in and out of the tub, tried TENS machine and even Nitrous Oxide, but my favorite pain relief was sitting on a birthing ball while hot water was running on my back in the shower.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Sitting up in the bathtub

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

Absolutely exhilarating! It's my favorite part of whole labor and delivery process! The relief that labor is over and the joy that sweet little human is in your arms is the best gift from God in that moment.

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

Educate yourself! Knowledge is power! One of my favorite quotes for expecting mothers is "We have a secret in our culture, it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong"