Mama Natural Birth Course As A Refresher Helped Jackie Achieve Her Second Unmedicated Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I laid down to rest the night before I gave birth and the contractions continued to get stronger and longer instead of petering out like the prodromal labor I had experience in the weeks before. I then got up to use the bathroom and felt wet. I thought maybe my water broke but instead It was a lot of bloody show and mucus plug. I knew then that I was dialating and the contractions were real.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My labor stalled a few times which was frustrating. I had to continue to remind myself to believe in the process and that my body could do this without interventions. Women are meant to birth! I had to retreat to a quiet room at one point to gather my thoughts and strength.

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

Switch from a hospital birth at 36 weeks to a home birth. All of my babies were “overdue” and I had been induced twice with my first two because my pregnancy exceeded the hospitals policies as I neared 42 weeks. If I did not switch to a home birth I would have felt pressured to try natural induction techniques or be induced at the hospital. Instead I enjoyed those extra two weeks of pregnancy and waited until my baby was ready! She was born at 41 weeks 6 days and was perfectly healthy with no signs of being “overdue”

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how long my labor was for a third baby and how labor naturally progressed and then stalled. Looking back, I see that it he stalls allowed me to regroup and rest. There were times in my labor all the way up to transition that my birth team and I were laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was a great Experience!

The demonstrations and visuals actually helped me remember concepts that I had overlooked and forgot from previous classes. I think new mothers and veterans will benefit from the Mama Natural Birth class.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The birth pool and my bath tub in active labor and counter pressure and rubbing my legs during transition.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Standing up

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

At the end of transition I finally felt the urge to push. I was exhausted and knew I was so close to holding my baby. I gathered up my strength and pushed with all I had! She came quickly and I was so relieved! I was so happy to be done and to see my baby but I was exhausted! I didn’t feel the elation and euphoria until after a had a good nap! Two weeks later I’m still feeling good, loving my baby and so happy to have chosen to bring my little girl into this world gently and naturally.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

With this being my third pregnancy and second unmedicated birth, I used the birth plan and the class as a refresher course. I enjoyed the format of the class compared to other birth classes I have attended in the past. The demonstrations and visuals actually helped me remember concepts that I had overlooked and forgot from previous classes. I think new mothers and veterans will benefit from the Mama Natural Birth class.