Reading, Watching Videos, And Listening To Podcasts Helped Lauren During Her Unmediated Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After having mild inconsistent (10-30 minutes apart) contractions for most of the day, I felt confident I was in labor when contractions became more consistent (5-8 minutes apart).

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My husband and I were more comfortable with a hospital birth over a home or center birth but because I wanted a natural birth, I wanted to avoid going to the hospital for as long as possible. The hardest part for me was not knowing the path this birth would take, how long it might be, especially. It was stressful to decide when to leave, and when I thought it was time, it ended up being too late.

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

I did a lot of reading, watching videos, and listening to podcasts about birth and especially about hypnobirthing and the fear-tension-pain cycle. I didn’t do any formal training in hypnobirthing or hypnobanies but it still helped immensely to understand the concepts. I was really aware of any physical tension I had during contractions and I was able to shift my mind and body to work with the contractions instead of against them.

What surprised you about your birth?

I decided it was time to go to the hospital and my husband was rushing to get our bags in the car when my water broke. On the next contraction, I felt my baby’s head coming out and called to my husband that we weren’t going anywhere because our baby was coming now! It surprised us both how fast it all happened. I hadn’t had any signs of being in transition prior to that. We were able to get my midwife on the phone to guide us through the delivery. My husband caught the baby 15 minutes after my water broke and the EMTs arrived 2 minutes after that. We were all happy and healthy but certainly surprised!

You are stronger than you know! People keep telling me how amazing I am for having an unmediated birth but I can’t help but feel like the praise isn’t warranted.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For a while it worked really well to pretend I wasn’t in labor. I played with my toddler as usual, watched comedy television, and talked with my husband and mom. As labor intensified, I enjoyed a bath and a shower. I did some hypnobirthing breathing techniques and focused on my ability to release my tension, to work with my contractions, to feel less pain.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on hands and knees. It was just the most comfortable position at the time and I didn’t really think about it.

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

I was overjoyed! It’s such an amazing feeling to meet face-to-face the person you’ve been loving and caring for over so many months.

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

You are stronger than you know! People keep telling me how amazing I am for having an unmediated birth but I can’t help but feel like the praise isn’t warranted. I’m just a normal person. I’m not Wonder Woman. But then I think, maybe we are all a little bit Wonder Woman. Your body nurtured and grew another person all on its own. It can birth your baby too! Just don’t get in the way!