Hannah's Cesarean Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was induced at 42 weeks because it was not my midwives policy to let me go past. I thought about trying to fight them on it, but my parents were only in time for a short time and I decided it would be ok.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Not going natural. All of my hopes and dreams for having a natural birth were doomed when I went in for the induction. One intervention turned into another one and ended in a c-section.

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

I was still able to labor on the pitocin for 30 hours without paid medicine. I would attribute that to the determination I developed and sustained through Mama Natural.

What surprised you about your birth?

How much each artificial choice effects the next choice until you’re out of choices. As sad as I am about not getting the birthing experience I wanted I am still so thankful for this new life I was able to assist into this world.

I think the Mama Natural support was the best thing. Reading about other women’s struggles through childbirth helps me to put it into perspective; I did not get the childbirth I wanted from the beginning, but the end res

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Before I got an epidural, I was able to breath through some pretty long and hard contractions for a pretty long time. I felt a wave coming and I would take a deep breath with a positive saying such as “the joy of the lord shall be my strength” or reminding myself what the contractions are doing, and reminding myself to relax through the contractions trying to visualize the opening of my cervix.

What position did you end up delivering in?

C-Section

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

I don’t think I can remember everything from the first time I was able to hold her. I just remember thinking “I finally get to hold my baby!” Once I was less groggy, I loved the feeling of her in my arms it was like a release of stress, a feeling of bliss.

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

I think the Mama Natural support was the best thing. Reading about other women’s struggles through childbirth helps me to put it into perspective; I did not get the childbirth I wanted from the beginning, but the end result is the same, and I have my happy baby with me completing our family.