Doing Relaxation Techniques Before Going To Bed Helped Veronica During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

Well, I went into prodromal labor on Sunday which lasted until I delivered on Friday afternoon. It's like early labor that doesn't want to move on to the next phase. So I was pretty much in labor for almost a week.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

It didn't work out for me. By Thursday night I was exhausted. I had hardly slept all week (could only sleep between contractions which were every 5-15 minutes), stopped eating by Wednesday, and lost the urge to pee. That's when I knew it was time to get help and stopped my attempt at a home birth and headed to the hospital. But I had a successful VBAC!! Some bodies just need extra help and mine is one of them. I'm sure it's a mental thing (I tend to be uptight about bodily functions) but all that matters is that my baby and I are well and happy. I don't regret a thing and would do it all over again if I had to.

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

I started relaxation techniques before going to bed which I think helped me last as long as I did.

What surprised you about your birth?

How quickly the baby came out toward the end. I went from 8 cm dialated, zero station to pushing my baby in the next 20 minutes! Three rounds of pushes and she was out even though this was my first vaginal delivery.

I became my own personal cheerleader and kept giving myself pep talks.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Standing during contractions and breathing through them. I became my own personal cheerleader and kept giving myself pep talks.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Laying down holding both legs up.

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

Unreal. No other feeling compares. My first was a c-section and I was so out of it I could hardly feel anything. Now that I've experienced both I can see the world of difference between the two.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

Provided a lot of info. It was motivating to see that other mamas could do it (have a natural childbirth).