Affirmations Helped Anna Achieve Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had just gone on a long walk with my friend, Elle. We were walking back from the end of the road which had a pretty steep hill. I had been having contractions on and off all day but after that walk I definitely knew I was going into labor!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I had done this before just a year ago, so I knew (kind of) what to expect. I think the memories of the contractions and pushing made it difficult leading up to the birth. I knew I could do it, I had just done it! But because I knew how it felt, it was on my mind too much and made me anxious about going through it again.

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

Affirmations!! I didn't really use them with my first birth, I was super confident. But this time, telling myself how strong I was and whatnot really helped me. Also, just having midwives who truly cares about me and my preferences for birth was very encouraging and helpful.

What surprised you about your birth?

How intense it was! And how fast the pushing phase was! 6 minutes. Also how motivated I was in a different way than my first birth. With my first, I was very peaceful and focused. This birth I needed affirmations more and needed my husband by my side even more. Since contractions progressed much more quickly, it seemed more painful and harder to bear. But I did it! So amazing! I was very intuitive this time around about timing. I knew I was going to go into labor the day I did before I was having contractions, and I knew I had to push my baby out when my daughter woke up before 8 am. It was 7:45 and I told myself I had to do this! Joshua was born at 7:51 am right after my daughter woke up! Determination had such a powerful influence!

I was praying for that when God spoke to me and told me to name him something that meant courage and hope. It was so clear that He wanted me to have the courage to have hope that this journey would be better.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Counter pressure on my hips at some points during labor and on my perineum during pushing.

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

So different. This time I was so tired, I was honestly just glad labor was over. I didn't have a rush of emotions and adoration like with my first. I just wanted to lay down!

What did you name your baby, and why?

We named our son Joshua Spero. One evening I was rocking my daughter to sleep and praying for my experience with my son. I was praying specifically for our breastfeeding journey. With my daughter, I had a lot of difficulties, hard work and perseverance, and pain, physically and emotionally, but never could solely breastfeed her. I wanted so much to have a better experience with my son. I was praying for that when God spoke to me and told me to name him something that meant courage and hope. It was so clear that He wanted me to have the courage to have hope that this journey would be better. Joshua is a man in the Bible that God told several times to be strong and courageous, to not fear. Spero is Latin for hope.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

Since I had just watched it not too long ago I didn't rewatch them all, but it was a great refresher for me! I remember it really helping Blake and I bond as a couple and prepare together for the birth.