Hydrotherapy Management Helped Emily During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I started having contractions at 2pm on Tuesday, July 11th. They were very mild but were 3 minutes apart and lasting about 50 seconds. We called the midwife, who met us at the hospital around 10 pm. We were sent home to rest, but contractions were getting stronger and continued to be 2-3 minutes apart. We went back to the hospital at 3am and stayed for delivery!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The hardest part for me was remembering to be breath through every contraction. Easier said than done! When those contraction pains come, everything else goes out of your head! I never wanted an epidural, but I could see how someone might opt for one at that point. I'm SO glad I didn't break.

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

I had a tub delivery and I think that made a world of a difference in the childbirth experience for me. The choice to have a tub delivery was helpful for pain management, which was an excellent preparation method.

What surprised you about your birth?

Despite having a low risk pregnancy, I ended up hemorrhaging a few hours after delivery. It was very scary and unexpected - of course! I ended up losing 4 lbs of blood (was about 750 ml). It was a the last thing I expected to go through after welcoming my baby girl into the world.

I've never felt something so powerful when I held my daughter for the first time. All 27 hours of labor became a distant memory within seconds of holding her in my arms. The human body is truly incredible

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I used hydrotherapy for pain management. I used the shower and the tub. I also used an exercise ball to "bounce" through the contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I sat in the tub, legs spread and reclined slightly. I used the tub to push against.

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

I've never felt something so powerful when I held my daughter for the first time. All 27 hours of labor became a distant memory within seconds of holding her in my arms. The human body is truly incredible

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

I watched the Mama Natural birth class, but also downloaded the labor playbook. These both kept my husband and I informed on what to expect and what could also happen that isn't expected. It helped with pain management techniques, stages of labor, interventions and what to expect after our daughter made her grand entrance.