Exercise And Staying Active Helped Meagan Achieve Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I started feeling fluid leaking around 1:30 in the afternoon 3 days after my due date but thought maybe it was my mucus plug because it wasn't a large amount of fluid. I then went to a nail salon to get a pedicure with my sister in law at 3 and as I was walking in I felt more fluid leaking. When I went to the bathroom more fluid was lost. I wasn't sure if it was my water breaking so I called my friend who is a labor an so delivery nurse and she said yes it was definitely my water. I wasn't having any contractions, just light cramping so I got my pedicure anyways trying to grasp the fact that my baby would be here soon!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural was allowing my body to relax and ride each contraction like a wave rather than fighting the pain. I kept wanting to close my eyes and internalize and fight the pain.

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

The most helpful thing I did to prepare for childbirth was stay active and exercise throughout my entire pregnancy. I truly believe that staying in shape helped my body through the whole process. It was also helpful that my husband watched the videos and really listened as he was my rock throughout the process.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how fast everything went once labor became harder and I stopped internalizing the pain. I was also surprised by how labor started. I was expecting to actually know when I was in labor!

I can't even describe the feeling and the amount of love I felt for her! I was so lucky to have immediate skin to skin for a long period of time after birth and it was so amazing! The bonding time is critical and I am so happy baby was healthy and I was able to have that time.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Laboring on the exercises ball really helped. I didn't want to change position but the nurse pretty much forced me to and it really helped to keep changing. I think the most important thing to me was my husband literally talking me through every contraction. My sister advised me to stare at my husband and give him all the pain rather than internalize it and that was honestly the best way to get through labor.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering in the bed on my back as everything was happening so fast. I only pushed for 9 minutes and my baby was here!

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

I can't even describe the feeling and the amount of love I felt for her! I was so lucky to have immediate skin to skin for a long period of time after birth and it was so amazing! The bonding time is critical and I am so happy baby was healthy and I was able to have that time.

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

I think hearing everyone's stories and strategies really helped me get through labor. I did have to have a few interventions but my major goals were to avoid a c-section and to avoid an epidural and I succeeded with that. The classes also helped me to realize why having a natural birth was so important to me.