Staying Active And Listening To Her Body Helped Skylar Achieve Birth Center Water Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was 41 weeks and 1 day pregnant. My midwife performed a membrane sweep that Monday but something seemed off so I went back in. I checked in at 4-5 cms but baby wasn't dropping because there was too much fluid in front of her head. We all agreed it was time so my midwife ruptured my water and sent me home on a 24-hour clock. My water broke at 5 PM and by 6 PM I was back at the birth center with consistent contractions 2 minutes apart. I checked in at 7 cms. Turns out baby girl just needed a little more room.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Pushing was very painful for me this time around. I never like pushing but I couldn't find the right head space to embrace it. I also never got a break, my contractions were 2 minutes apart which didn't give me much time to prepare.

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

I stayed very active and used methods to help baby obtain an ideal position. The most important thing I did was listen to my body. I felt very in tune with this labor because I was in tune with my pregnancy.

What surprised you about your birth?

The speed, after waiting for so long it came and went quickly. My midwife broke my water at 5 pm and my baby girl arrived at 8:30 pm. Also her size, she was 9 lbs 4 ozs! Which explained by her pushing phase required so much of me.

You know your body and your baby better than anyone; trust yourself.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I labored in the shower and then the tub. I also embraced the event by talking and laughing as if nothing were different. I felt completely in control and knew what was happening every step.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on my back in the hot tub.

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

There is no relief greater than seeing a healthy baby and knowing this part of the journey is over. Labor is hard but after it's done you never doubt if it was worth it.

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

Trust yourself. My pregnancy was riddled with confidence followed by crippling doubt. Potential medical issues and then going overdue. I ended up having to choose interventions only to later find out if it was needed. You know your body and your baby better than anyone; trust yourself.