The Exercises Mama Natural Suggested Helped Kayla During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been having contractions on and off for the entire month of February, and I was starting to feel very frustrated. Then I woke up at 6am on my due date (February 28th) with a very strong contraction. I didn't think too much of it, but then I had another about 8 minutes later, and then another 8 minutes after that. And boy they were strong, so after about an hour I finally told my husband that we were definitely in business now.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

For me, the hardest thing was the actual pushing. The amount of pressure I was feeling actually kept me from being able to tell when I was having a contraction. So I was blindly pushing until the nurse realized what was happening and coached me through. After that, I only pushed a few more times and my baby girl was here.

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

The exercises that you suggested. Sitting on my exercise ball and making sure to stretch to keep my pelvis open. Also, reading The Bradley Method with my husband helped us feel confident about labor and delivery.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was truly amazed at how much my body could handle. And how much discomfort I was willing to deal with to ensure I had a safe and natural birth.

Don't listen to negative people. There's always gonna be someone that thinks natural birth is crazy. Also, do your research. Look at different methods and see what may work best for you.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My favorite thing was to drape myself over my exercise ball while I was kneeling and rock back and forth. Occasionally I needed my husband to rub my back. I also really enjoyed sitting in the hot shower, I think I did that 5 or 6 times while I was in labor.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I started out laying on my side and pushing, but ended up in a mostly sitting position that I found pretty comfortable. My original plan was to deliver while squatting, but once it was time to push, the thought of getting in that position made me uncomfortable.

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

It was so rewarding to hold my little girl after all that discomfort. It took all the pain away to see her precious face and feel her skin against mine. There truly is no better feeling in the world. Just peaceful and joyful and perfect.

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

My biggest piece of advice is don't listen to negative people. There's always gonna be someone that thinks natural birth is crazy. Also, do your research. Look at different methods and see what may work best for you.