Reading Ina May's Guide To Childbirth Book And Watching Birth Stories Helped Ashly During Her Second Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

The night before I had good signs that labor was near. The next morning my husband and I were waiting to see if labor would start. He started a movie to pass the time and about 30 minutes in I got very intense contractions. I couldn't get off my hands and knees for about an hour and I knew it was go time.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

This was my second natural home birth and each time I look back and think about "that moment". I am so close to meeting my baby and I feel like I just can't do it anymore. I remember looking at my husband and saying "I can't, I want to be done!" And he told me you're doing great and you're so close. It gave me that last bit of power to bring our baby earth side.

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

I read Ina May's "Guide to childbirth" book and read/watched birth stories.

What surprised you about your birth?

First, how fast it all happened. My labor came on fast and intense. It was about five hours start to finish. Secondly that our surprise baby was a girl after two sweet boys.

You can do this! Your body is made to do this! It is so empowering and amazing to see what you can do to bring your sweet one earth side. In that moment when you feel that you just can't anymore remember you're so close to meeting and holding your baby!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Being on my hands and knees while what I believe was transition felt the best. I was also having a lot of lower back labor, my husband would push on my back with a warm cloth which helped.
Soon after I got into the birth tub my water broke and the warm water felt amazing!

What position did you end up delivering in?

I had my back resting on the side of the pool with most my weight on my left side.

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

I was overwhelmed with emotions! My heart was so full to welcome our third child. I was full of relief as well. At that moment everything was perfect!

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

You can do this! Your body is made to do this! It is so empowering and amazing to see what you can do to bring your sweet one earth side. In that moment when you feel that you just can't anymore remember you're so close to meeting and holding your baby!