Staying Active, Doing Yoga And Barre Helped Mariana During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up around 11:45 pm in a wet puddle and instantly knew my water broke. I wasn’t feeling contractions so I went back to sleep. An hour later I woke up with some cramping and knee that my contraction’s we’re starting.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing about going natural is not knowing how long you will be in labor. It’s a very intense physical experience and the uncertainty of how long it will last clouded my judgement on if I could handle another natural birth.

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

I stayed very active during my pregnancy and did a lot of yoga and Barre.

What surprised you about your birth?

This time around I progressed very quickly. What surprised me was when I felt the head and had to hobble back to the bed from the bathroom. Baby was almost completely out without the doctor or nurse in the room!

Stay in shape during pregnancy and know is that you can do it because your body was designed to do this. Block out other people’s “horror” birth stories. You are stronger than you know.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Using the medicine ball for contractions and having my doula massage my back.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on the toilet squatting and then moved to the bed and was on my back, not the most natural position.

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

It felt incredible to hold him, I forgot how tiny they are when born. It’s the most magical moment.

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

Stay in shape during pregnancy and know is that you can do it because your body was designed to do this. Block out other people’s “horror” birth stories. You are stronger than you know.