Reading Birth Stories, Yoga ball, And Her Husband's Tea Blends Helped Jamie During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 4 and felt pretty normal. I used the bathroom and laid back down. Around then, I realized I was really hungry so I got up to get a snack. While I was eating, I felt something running down my legs. Shortly after, mild contractions began. The contractions became fairly consistent around 7 am, though were quite mild. I think around then I thought perhaps it was really labor, but still didn't call my midwife until 10 am when I felt confident saying "I'm in labor."

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I accidentally didn't leave for the birthing center until my water broke, as things quickly took off! I was in transition in the car and it was brutal. I then had to walk into the hospital (I couldn't make it to birthing center) and deal with staff while needing to push. That was really the most difficult part -- had I been settled in my room and been in my hot tub, I think it would have been so much easier to manage. Leading up to my water breaking, I wasn't really struggling too much through contractions.

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

I walked a lot and did baby positioning moves. My first child got a little "stuck" on the way out, so I wanted to make sure he was aligned a little better. Sure enough, he came out in no time at all! I also credit reading a lot of natural birthing stories, my yoga ball, and my husband's tea blends.

What surprised you about your birth?

How fast it went! With my daughter, I was in labor for nearly 40 hours. By the time I was struggling through contractions, I still had about nine hours to go! With him, I wanted to take it all in stride and not let myself get worn out. Instead, it progressed so quickly, I almost had him in the car!

Be fully committed. Don't look at it as "trying" to go natural. You CAN do it. You will not break in labor! Stay active, stay hydrated, stay healthy. Treat it like a race. The easy recovery makes it so worth it.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing! Try to relax as much as possible through contractions. Also, try to distract yourself. Sing, dance, move around. When they get super intense, just listen to your body and remember, it will be over soon.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back on a gurney! Totally unexpected, but I arrived complete. I was exhausted and I laid down as things had been so intense and fast leading up to that minute (back to back contractions). I felt like I couldn't move until I began to push. Once I did, I started getting energy again, but it only took two pushes to get him out.

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

So amazing! He was just so perfect and I had waited for so long to meet him. It was wonderful. :)

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

Be fully committed. Don't look at it as "trying" to go natural. You CAN do it. You will not break in labor! Stay active, stay hydrated, stay healthy. Treat it like a race. The easy recovery makes it so worth it.