Practicing Birthing Affirmations Helped Avonel During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was in labor about three hours after contractions began. At first I was not sure if they were Braxton Hicks. I woke my husband up around 3 in the morning and told him I was going to call the midwife. Even he didn't believe I was actually in labor yet.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The transition phase was the most challenging. I had moved into bed on my back by then, and I wonder if I would have had an easier time in another position.

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

In order to prepare for childbirth I practiced birthing affirmations. I kept telling myself that women have been doing this for years and I knew I could do it as well. I am stubborn when it comes to sticking with my goals and that helped tremendously.

What surprised you about your birth?

The most surprising thing about birth was how difficult the pushing stage was for me. The pain was not any worse than contractions, but the physical strength it required was more than I expected. Also, I had no idea that I tore during pushing-didn't even feel it!

You can do this. You are designed to labor naturally and I fully believe that going through labor as nature intended is the best thing for your body.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The pain relief strategies that worked best for me was staying calm and accepting each contraction as progress towards meeting my baby. I did not fight the contractions but welcomed them. I also stayed mobile up until the last hour of labor, making sure to walk around.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on my back.

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

It was very emotional. I was in a great deal of pain as they pushed on my uterus and stitched me up, so that mixed with meeting my baby girl (I swore it was a boy!!-we were team green) is a moment I will never forget. All of the pain was worth it and forgotten.

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

To other mamas that want to go natural, you can do this. You are designed to labor naturally and I fully believe that going through labor as nature intended is the best thing for your body. My labor was relatively quick for a first time mom -7 hours- and felt like even less time. My recover has been tremendous. I felt like I was back to normal in just a couple weeks which helps me to better enjoy my time with my baby.