Getting a Doula and Reading As Many Birth Stories As She Could Helped Amy During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

When I could start timing the "crampy" feeling I had been having off and on for about a week.
What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Staying focused and remembering to breath through each contraction.
IMG_0809
What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Got a doula and read as many birth stories as I could!
What surprised you about your birth?

How amazing our bodies are! I knew that my body would not create a child bigger than I could birth but I was shocked when they weighed our son to find out he was 11.7 lbs!!
Hire a doula!!! Make sure you have an amazing support system. Read as much as you can to prepare yourselves.
What pain relief strategies worked best?

Deep breathing with a hot pack on my sacrum as well as constant support from my husband and doula.
What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back. : ( I labored on my hands and knees most of the time since I was confined to the bed (after they broke my water to progress labor and because they had to use I nternal monitoring) but ended up delivering on my back.
How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

Surreal...the best feeling in the world.
What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Hire a doula!!! Make sure you have an amazing support system. Read as much as you can to prepare yourselves.

Related Stories