A Lot of Prayers, Mama Natural Birth Course, Exercise And Chiropractic Care Helped Brianna Achieve Her Natural Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I went to the birth center because I couldn’t ignore the contractions anymore and they were picking up, but it wasn’t consistent, I got sent home after walking around all day and getting checked, I was 4 centimeters and 100% effaced when I headed back home, once I was home, I took a hot shower and was trying to relax and I could feel the contractions coming longer and stronger! I tried leaning forward on my ball to cope and had my husband call the midwife, we timed the contractions together over the phone and she told me to not rush but to head over to the birth center, by the time I got there I was 7 centimeters!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing was having back labor, getting contractions in the front and feeling it in my back at the same time was pretty intense

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

The most helpful thing was a lot of prayers, taking the Mama Natural Birth Course, reading and watching videos about natural childbirth (specifically water birth for first-time moms), exercise and chiropractic care helped me a ton! Educating myself was key to being confident going into labor. Reading and listening to positive birth stories about the type of birth I wanted and planned for myself and praying and trusting God that it would happen that way.

What surprised you about your birth?

During the transition stage before pushing, my midwife told me what point I was at and I thought to myself “this isn’t that bad.” I had heard so many times that this stage was unbearable and women ask for something for the pain to take it away at that point. I felt God carrying me through, I almost felt like I was dreaming. I’m so grateful I was able to do it.

Our bodies were made for this! Educate yourself, relax, be confident and trust that your body and your baby are working together perfectly! Be comfortable wherever you choose to give birth.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For pain relief the tub with warm water helped for pushing and during transition because of the back labor my midwife put a tens unit on my back, the electric waves coming from it were a good distraction

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

I was honestly very shocked but excited, I couldn’t believe that he was finally out!

What did you name your baby, and why?

We named him Zion Giancarlos, the first name I picked the day before I confirmed the pregnancy and was randomly looking at names in my bible during church. Zion stood out to me. Giancarlos was a play on my husband's name, Juan Carlos

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

Our bodies were made for this! Educate yourself, relax, be confident and trust that your body and your baby are working together perfectly! Be comfortable wherever you choose to give birth.