Reading Natural Birth Stories Helped Mary During Her Car Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My contractions had been 5-6 minutes apart since the afternoon of April 17. My water broke around 8:30 p.m. on April 18 and the contractions jumped to bring only one minute apart.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My biggest challenge was not believing what was actually happening. This was my fourth baby (first girl). My first was a failed induction at 42 weeks that ended in a cesarean. The second was a planned cesarean at 41 weeks. The third was a vaginal delivery at 42 weeks and 3 days, I was in active labor for 21 hours but finally pushed out a posterior presenting, 9+# baby with the help of an epidural. So when I went into labor at 39 weeks and 6 days with our precious girl I was in disbelief. Labor lasted 45 minutes before she was laying on my chest, wrapped in my bathrobe, in the front of our minivan.

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

I read natural birth stories constantly and reminded myself over and over again to trust in my body that it knows what to do.

What surprised you about your birth?

How amazing it was! Everyone is shocked at my birth story and think it must have been scary, but it wasn't at all. After my three previous births, this one was incredible. It was just my husband and me in the car. It was dark and quiet. We didn't meet up with an ambulance until nearly 20 minutes after she was born, so I had the delayed cord cutting that I desperately desired. We had a beautiful period of bonding that I will hold so dearly forever.

You can do it! Believe in yourself and trust your body!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I had to really get into my own head. It told myself over and over again that I could do this. I also visualized my with each contraction, my baby was getting pushed down farther and was close to my arms.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Self delivered, sitting in the front seat of my van, while my husband was driving.

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

There are no words. She didn't cry, just looked up at me and sucked on her finger. I felt so empowered and strong but completely humbled and in awe at the same time.

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

You can do it! Believe in yourself and trust your body!