Staying Hydrated And Using Essential Oils Helped Rebecca During Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

About 2 AM when I couldn't breathe thru the contractions very well. I had had Braxton Hicks since about 25 weeks, but this was definitely not BH haha. It quickly moved into not being able to stand upright when one came along.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I didn't really plan to go naturally honestly. By the time active labor hit, I totally wanted medication. My essential oils weren't cutting it and my entire spine hurt. But baby was quick, and didn't give me a choice on the matter.

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

Be open to options. I wasn't so focused on one way of doing anything, but was open to the possibility of alternatives.

What surprised you about your birth?

I didn't think I could do natural birth. When it came down to it, I was crying and swearing and terrified as the pain is very real. But I proved myself wrong, and learned just how powerful the female body is.

Both relieved and exhausted haha. This was a baby after a miscarriage, so the entire pregnancy was a little more anxiety riddled. So to know he was here, and safe was amazing.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For a while, essential oils helped. Staying hydrated was a big deal for me too. I remained active my entire pregnancy, and I believe that helped a lot too.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Squat with bar on foot of bed. After being on hands and knees trying to maintain heart rate of baby. It was kinda scary. They told me after baby was born I was minutes from a c-section due to significant drops on baby's heart rate.

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

Both relieved and exhausted haha. This was a baby after a miscarriage, so the entire pregnancy was a little more anxiety riddled. So to know he was here, and safe was amazing.

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

Have a plan B and plan C, D, E etc. It's okay to have a goal, and it's okay to change your mind.