Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea And Eating Dates Helped Katie During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After we got home from dinner. I was trying to put off the contractions as just being uncomfortable since I was expecting to go into labor in the middle of the night like with my first child

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging part was driving to the hospital since nobody was available to do counter pressure on my back during each contraction, my husband was driving like a speed demon to get there in time! My contractions went from 4+ minutes apart to 2 minutes apart with a half hour

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

Drank red raspberry leaf tea, ate 3-4 dates a day, stayed active and read mama natural! Also read Inna's books on labor

What surprised you about your birth?

How fast it was for my second time. Just under 3 hours from start to finish!

Read as many natural labor and breastfeeding books as possible. Stay active even if it's just walking everyday. Stay away from sugar and processed foods.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Counter pressure from my husband. Moving and swaying my hips

What position did you end up delivering in?

First hands and knees then to my back mid way through pushing

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

Incredible! Such relief and happiness to meet him finally

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

Read as many natural labor and breastfeeding books as possible. Stay active even if it's just walking everyday. Stay away from sugar and processed foods.