Reading Birth Books, Natural Birth Videos And Natural Birth Class Helped Amber Achieve Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

At 3 AM on March 10th after my water started to trickle at 2 AM. I did a test to check if my water really had broken. I laid in bed for 30 minutes and then got up to a big gush which confirmed that my water had in fact broken!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I think the most challenging thing for me was feeling like it wasn’t going to end. During the beginning of active labor, I had already been in labor for 16 or 17 hours and I found out I was only at 5 cm. That was hard because it was so intense and I was only halfway dilated! At that point I was ready to give up but I pressed on. Honestly after that point time went by pretty quickly.

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

I read a lot of books, watched a lot of natural birth videos and took a natural childbirth class! However, honestly, my birth did not go as I thought it would so I think that going in open handed was the most helpful thing. You can have all these ideas and desires of how you want it to go but it could go way different! Being prepared and okay with any outcome I think is important.

What surprised you about your birth?

That my water broke before contractions started! I had heard that it wasn’t common for that to happen so I was surprised that it did. Also I just really didn’t think I’d have an almost 25 hour labor with 2 hours and 40 minutes of pushing! The pushing flew by for me though, it didn’t feel that long.

Press on when you feel like giving up! You can totally do it. If you need to, vocalize how you’re feeling so people can tell you how awesome you are and that you’re doing great!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

BREATHING! Focusing on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. My husband was an excellent coach, he reminded me to breath and told me I could be in control. I also had other excellent coaches like my mom and sister-in-law who relieved my husband here and there.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up actually delivering on my back! I thought I’d deliver on my hands and knees but I only liked being on my left side. For most of the pushing I was on my side and then at the end to get some extra oomph they had me turn to my back.

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

It was crazy! I just pushed out a baby that I carried in my body for 9 months... and now she was there on my chest! I remember hearing about the smell of a baby when they first come out, and it really is a lovely smell. I just wanted to keep sniffing her head.

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

Press on when you feel like giving up! You can totally do it. If you need to, vocalize how you’re feeling so people can tell you how awesome you are and that you’re doing great!