Birth Stories

Hiring A Doula And Attending Birthing Classes With Her Husband Helped Melonie Achieve Her Natural Hospital Birth

  • When did you realize you were really in labor?

    I woke up around 11 pm with back pain that wrapped around my stomach that came in waves. I still wasn’t sure so I began timing my contractions and jumped into the shower for relief, then texted my doula.

  • What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

    Ignoring the naysayers who acted like I was crazy for wanting a natural hospital birth or told me “not to be a hero.” Also, pushing, pushing was really hard!

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

    Hired an awesome doula me and my husband both felt extremely comfortable with and attending birthing from within classes.

  • What surprised you about your birth?

    How quick it was! Total labor from start to finish was 9.5 hours and I stayed in the tub at the hospital for the majority of labor. The hospital staff was very supportive of my desire to go natural.

  • There are no words to describe that moment! I was empowered and thrilled to finally meet my little man.
  • What pain relief strategies worked best?

    Staying in the tub with jets directly aimed at my back and breathing through the contractions.

  • What position did you end up delivering in?

    Hands and knees.

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

    There are no words to describe that moment! I was empowered and thrilled to finally meet my little man.

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

    You can definitely do it. Don’t let other’s opinions define your birth story. Have a plan but be willing to deviate if needed. You got this!

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