Mama Natural Birth Course Helped Nicole During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I contacted my doctor multiple times and always was told I was having false labor. Contractions lasted 3 weeks, anywhere from an hour apart to 5 minuets apart. At 41 weeks + 2 days my doctor suggested we try cervacil to get things going. I was very apprehensive but trusted my doctor that this would kick start labor. It worked and within 4 hours I was in active labor and my water broke on its own.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I had multiple hospital employees offer me an epidural and I always had to say no. At one point I even said to my husband and mom that I wanted one! I then listed the negative effects to them and went back into myself and found the courage to go on and trust my body.

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

All the preparation in the world can’t prepare you for the strength that you will need in the moment. I loved the mama natural birth course and having my husband take the course with me helped him understand the importance of my conviction to trust my body and go natural!

What surprised you about your birth?

I had 20 hour long labor with 4.5 hours of pushing at the end. After the baby came what surprised me the most was the flood of endorphins and oxytocin that hit me like a wave. I was flying high for days after delivery and had the energy and ability to bond with my baby. I’m sure if my senses were dulled by pain killers I would have not felt that amazing high. It was the best moment in my life!

It gave me and my husband knowledge that got us through making the right decisions for my health and my son's. Trusting yourself and your body to get your baby into this world and proving to yourself that you hold that power is an amazing feeling.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I needed counter pressure applied to my lower back, my husband and mother switched off for 20 hours! I labored laying on my side pretty much the whole time. I also went into my own head and envisioned riding a “wave” as the contractions came and went. In between contractions I meditated and almost took mini naps. I was on a different planet in my head!

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on my back. After 4.5 hours of pushing it was the only option I had left having given everything I had!

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

It was a surreal moment meeting the 2nd love of my life, after my husband. The gender was a surprise so I had a hard time picturing my baby throughout my pregnancy. I fell in love with my son as I held him and have never loved my husband more as I saw tears streaming down his face. It was the greatest moment.

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

It gave me and my husband knowledge that got us through making the right decisions for my health and my son's. Trusting yourself and your body to get your baby into this world and proving to yourself that you hold that power is an amazing feeling.