Having Her Birth Team And Taking The Home Birth Class Helped Ashley Achieve Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After I got up to go to the bathroom for the 8th time in the middle of the night without actually going to the bathroom. I then tried to sleep but it was impossible!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

How long my labor was. It was 52 hours long with 7 of that being active labor and pushing! It was exhausting and due to the constant contractions I really didn’t get to rest much.

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

Pick an amazing birth team with my magical midwife and doula. My husband was totally present and actively supported me throughout the entire labor. I think our home birth class was super helpful for us to have tools and for him to be so present and supportive.

What surprised you about your birth?

How long it was and how hard it was to push her out because I was so tired from the duration of the labor. I thought it would be like the movies, once the head was born her body would come right out!

I instantly felt like we were a family and I could feel the room filled to the brim with all the possibilities that our life together would bring. It was magical.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My husband or doula pushing on my hips and/or back during contractions. The birth tub! It seriously cut the pain in half!

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back on the bed with my legs being held by my husband and doula.

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

Incredible! I instantly felt like we were a family and I could feel the room filled to the brim with all the possibilities that our life together would bring. It was magical.

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

Do it! No matter how intense or long/short your labor is, you can get through it! The only way is through. Trust your body and invest time in cultivating relationships with your birth team, especially get on the same page as your partner, it’s a total game changer!