Reading Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth Helped Sienna Achieve Natural Hospital Water Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was in labor at around 1:30 am on my due date.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My labor was a breeze. I got to 10 cm with barely any pain. It was after my water broke that things got real. Thankfully, my water was broken at around 9 3/4 cm, so the very intense part of my labor was only about an hour—very different from my first labor! Pushing was a challenge for me, because those contractions were so strong and I began wishing I could go back in time and stay pregnant!

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

I read Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. I actually read it before my first pregnancy, but it took from then throughout my second pregnancy to really internalize what I read. Because of that book, I was able to focus on the pains of labor as something constructive rather than something scary. I breathed through every contraction calmly, focusing it down to my cervix.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was most surprised with how little pain I felt. I did a water birth with no drugs, and I got to 10 cm with very little pain. I was laughing, eating, and talking throughout my twelve hour labor, until the last hour where the contractions were strong and I quietly withdrew into myself to work through them until I was ready to push.

All of the anxiety and fear I had of pushing her out just melted away and I held my daughter to my skin. I couldn’t believe she was here, and how warm and beautiful she was.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing the contraction down to my cervix worked best. It was also really nice to labor in the warm tub, and at one point I had my husband massaging my lower back with a tube sock filled with tennis balls.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered in the birthing pool on my hands and knees. It felt right to be in that position.

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

All of the anxiety and fear I had of pushing her out just melted away and I held my daughter to my skin. I couldn’t believe she was here, and how warm and beautiful she was.

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

Do some research on natural pain relief methods, read other natural birth stories, and stay confident knowing that your body knows exactly what to do and how to birth your baby in an uncomplicated labor and delivery. Your instincts are strong!