Taking The Bradley Birthing Class Helped Lane During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I work up at 4:40am with what I thought was a contraction. It felt differently from all my Braxton Hicks (which I had been having since 20 weeks all the time). I timed them for an hour and took a bath and they didn't go away. They were 3-4 mins apart but not that intense, but because they were that regular and drinking water and taking a bath didn't stop them. Plus I had my bloody show.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My labor was total 30 hours and I pushed for 5.5 hours. I would say it was the fact that my contractions were on top of one another from the get go, instead of washing into things.

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

Take the Bradley Class with my husband.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was not prepared for how intense pushing was.

You need to prepare mentally and physically!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I had to use the Nitrous Oxide at the hospital because it was just too unbearable for too long. I'm a light weight when it comes to drugs- so it was just enough to take the edge off and it doesn't have lasting side affects.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back in the hospital bed.

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

I just really thought I was never going to meet my baby. We didn't know the sex and so after 30 hours of labor and 5.5 hours of pushing- I was super relieved to have him out and to meet my son! Pure joy!!

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

You need to prepare mentally and physically! I am a Doula and have done a ton of research and felt prepared- but one thing I wish I was more prepared for was the pushing part and postpartum care. Also be prepared to go off "the plan". I was planning a home birth had a very difficult labor and my midwife recommended for a couple of reasons that I transfer to the hospital. That wasn't on my birth plan but I really was happy with the assistance and care our hospital (which has a "Baby Friendly" designation) provided. And I needed a little help managing the pain- and benefited from the Nitrous Oxide. It was just what my body needed to manage my very long, exhausting and intense labor.