Attending Bradley Method Classes With Her Husband Helped Elizabeth During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was scheduled to be induced on April 6th. That morning, I got my bloody show which was followed by contractions about 15 min apart. My contractions picked up throughout the day and by the time I was headed to the hospital for my scheduled induction, my contractions were 4 min apart so I was sure so was in labor. When the nurse checked me and told me I was only 2 cm, I couldn't believe it and thought for sure I would need to get an induction after all. However 10 min later, I had progressed to 5 cm and was in active labor without any induction methods!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

When you are going through the last part of stage 2 and your contractions are really intense it's hard not knowing how much longer before you will be able to push and you wonder if you are going to be able to hold out that long. However once I started thinking about this during both my labors, I started pushing shortly after.

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

My husband And I attended Bradley Method classes that helped prepare us for everything we experienced during both my first and second labors

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised how enjoyable having a natural hospital birth was. The hospital respected my birth plan from top to bottom and made every effort to make me as comfortable as possible.

Have your partner understand why it is so important to you so they can help coach you and remind you when it gets hard why you wanted to natural in the first place. I could not have done this without the support of my husband.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Continuing to change positions, movement, and being vocal!

What position did you end up delivering in?

Sitting upright, grabbing my knees to my chest

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

Best feeling ever! I knew all my hard work had paid off and my baby was safe and warm in my arms.

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

Have your partner understand why it is so important to you so they can help coach you and remind you when it gets hard why you wanted to natural in the first place. I could not have done this without the support of my husband.