Taking Bradley Birth Class And Listening To Birth Affirmations Helped Amber During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

It took me a while to accept I was in active labor because I had been in pre-labor for over a week and had been trying all kinds of natural inductions so I could still birth with my midwife team (by the time I started labor I was 10 days past my due date, and they couldn’t go past two weeks, so I was starting to worry about a hospital induction). I had a fabulous induction massage, and then less than 24 hours later, BOOM, increased contraction intensity and I lost my mucus plug. I STILL didn’t fully accept I was about to birth a child until hours later when my contractions were steadily 4 minutes apart. I had waited so long for it to begin, I didn’t want to get my hopes up!!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The mental stamina it took to breathe through and ride contraction after contraction, especially hours into labor, was a challenge. There was no “zoning out” during my unmedicated labor. It was a lot of mental and physical work to stay centered and calm and accept that all these intense sensations were perfectly natural and getting me closer and closer to meeting my baby.

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

For me, labor was as much a mental job as it was physical, so I benefited from all the research I did, taking a Bradley Birth Class, and listening to birth affirmations almost daily. When transition happened, or the baby began to crown, I was never surprised by what was happening and trusted the entire process.

What surprised you about your birth?

Just how magical pushing a small human out of my body felt- and seeing her face for the first time. Even though I had grown and carried this baby for ten months, until she was put on my chest I couldn’t quite conceptualize an actual little person in there.

I felt incredibly lucky and honored that such a perfect brand new spirit chose me to help them grow up.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I swayed through almost every contraction, and further along, low tone vocalizing helped move the energy out. I also got into the birth center's jacuzzi tub just in time to ride our transition in water and that was AMAZING.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Semi-reclining with me pulling in my knees during pushes.

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

I felt incredibly lucky and honored that such a perfect brand new spirit chose me to help them grow up.

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

Know your “why power,” all through pregnancy and especially during labor. You have to commit to WHY you want to avoid medication/certain interventions, not just “try and hope for the best.” There are so many moments I’m the whole process that going along with mainstream medicine seems “easier,” or at least expected. Being super clear on why you are choosing differently will help you stay on your natural birth course.