Mental And Spiritual Preparation Helped Onesa Achieve Natural Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After my water fully broke and I started having strong contractions for an hour.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Pushing! I only pushed for about 30 minutes, but it felt like an hour. Pushing took the most strength and focus for me.

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

Mental and spiritual preparation was key! It wouldn’t have been possible had I not taken the time to read books and stories of other women who gave birth naturally. I spiritually prepared through prayer and having confidence in the body God gave me. I believed that I was created to give birth and my body was capable. It was so important for me to be confident and believe I could give birth naturally at home because so many people approached me with doubt, fear and skepticism regarding my decision.

Lastly, I recommend taking a child birth education course with your spouse. We took the Bradley Method.

What surprised you about your birth?

Even though I went into my birth without fear and was confident I could do it, I was honestly surprised at how strong I was. I really welcomed the contractions when it was time to push. I almost wanted them to come faster. I’ve always felt I had a low pain tolerance, so to endure the pain in the way I did was surprising.

There was a surge of all sorts of emotions, but I really felt a sense of relief. The whole journey of pregnancy and birth was over and I was finally able to hold my daughter.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My doula was amazing and helped me through each contraction with the Rebozo and massages. I believe it made a big difference in the level of pain I felt. The birthing pool provided the most pain relief. I was falling asleep during contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was sitting in the birthing pool with my knees up.

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

There was a surge of all sorts of emotions, but I really felt a sense of relief. The whole journey of pregnancy and birth was over and I was finally able to hold my daughter.

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

Make sure it’s really what you want to do. Start resolving within yourself that you will do it and can do it. It’s the best decision you could make to not be numb to the experience, but to be fully present and experience the rawness of giving birth. It’s not just about giving birth naturally, but it’s an opportunity to be empowered and see the strength we carry within as women.