Drinking Red Raspberry Everyday Helped Sadie During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was in labor around 3 am when I couldn't get comfortable to get some sleep.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Finding a babysitter for my older two kids in the middle of the night.

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

Off the recommendation of my midwives and mama natural I had been drinking red raspberry leaf tea every day to help ripen my cervix. I was drinking about half a gallon a day. I prepared it and put it in the fridge as an ice tea. It was delicious.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised how fast it was. I realized I was in labor around 3am. I got my babysitter to my home around 3:30 am. Called the midwives and made it to the birth center around 4am and my daughter was born at 5:51 am.

Find a midwife that you love, research and learn what would make the perfect birth for you and talk to your partner, help them to feel comfortable so that they can better support you in your decisions. The most important, listen to your body.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Birthing tub

What position did you end up delivering in?

Birthino tub.

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

This was my first completely natural birth and the best of all three. I felt completely empowered and in the moment and in love.

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

Find a midwife that you love, research and learn what would make the perfect birth for you and talk to your partner, help them to feel comfortable so that they can better support you in your decisions. The most important, listen to your body.