Discussing How Important It Is To Stay Positive and Not Let Fear In Helped Lindsay During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke while I was sleeping. I woke up and thought I had peed my pants! Once I realized what happened I became so excited because I knew my baby was coming soon.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Honestly, the pain. It was both the most challenging thing and most rewarding. It was intense and at times seemed overwhelming but I loved being able to feel something women throughout history have felt and come out the other side with a beautiful new life and feeling like I can do anything!

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

Discuss how important it is to stay positive and not let fear in. I remembered to repeat positive affirmations (even though at times I was screaming or moaning them). I repeated "I can do this" over and over whenever I began to doubt myself.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how long it took! From when my water broke to my daughters birth was 30 hours. Had I been in a hospital I would have had to get an emergency cesarean but at the birth center they monitored my baby's heart rate and let me keep laboring. I'm so glad because I was able to have a successful vaginal birth with a healthy baby.

Stay positive! Surround yourself with people that are excited about your decision to go natural and try to stay away from any negativity, be it stories from friends and family, articles, or blogs. If you let fear or doubt creep in it will overwhelm you. Your body was made to bring your baby into the world- trust in that!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Early on the best pain relief was my husband giving me counter pressure on my lower back. Then I labored in the tub. The warm water felt amazing!

What position did you end up delivering in?

I had planned a water birth however my daughter was having problems getting over my pelvic bone. After trying many positions and tools to get her down the birth canal, I ended up delivering on the floor of the birthing suite laying on my side.

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

It was absolutely surreal. I was immediately in love! I was so exhausted from the difficult labor and being awake for over 30 hours but once they plopped her on my stomach I forgot about all of it. We didn't find out the sex beforehand so it was exciting to lift her up and find out she's our little girl.

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

Stay positive! Surround yourself with people that are excited about your decision to go natural and try to stay away from any negativity, be it stories from friends and family, articles, or blogs. If you let fear or doubt creep in it will overwhelm you. Your body was made to bring your baby into the world- trust in that!