Bradley Classes, Ina May Gaskin's Book And Kegels Helped Angie Achieve Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had a few weeks of prodromal labor where I would wake up in the middle of the night with contractions, feeling sure this was it! True labor contractions finally started at 41 weeks and 3 days, around 6:30 PM while my husband and I were eating at Olive Garden. I had just finished an appointment with a midwife who did some body adjustments, acupuncture and massage with essential oils to get labor going. I ignored the contractions for a while... I’d been having on and off contractions for so long that I didnt want to get my husband (or myself) too excited! I had been told this midwife was a miracle worker, and the woman she had worked on the day before had gone into labor that same night and had a 2 hour labor! She worked her miracle on me! Labor started just one hour after my appointment ended! It wasn’t until 10 PM that evening that I was confident it was the real deal.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

7-10 cm!! This was my third labor, and although active labor was only 1.5 hours in total this time, transition is still equally tough! Thankfully, it goes by so quickly and once I get to the pushing stage the excitement of almost meeting baby takes over.

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

Before my first labor my husband and I did Bradley classes. I also read a few books including Ina May Gaskin's book with positive birth stories. Reading positive affirmations daily is also so important for mindset. And Kegels!! I didn’t tear in any of my labors, and my third baby was 9 lbs.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was so surprised I had a boy! We love to wait until baby is born to find outback the sex, but this time I felt very strongly I was having a girl. I was also shocked that the baby was 9lbs. I felt so comfortable at the end of my pregnancy that I figured the baby must be small.

It is the best feeling in the world. So much relief, so many thoughts of thankfulness... disbelief that I just birthed this baby!!! I am super woman!!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The warm water in the bath and the hip press from my husband were live savers in all of my labors! My poor husband is probably more tired that I am squeezing his hips so frequently!

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on all fours on our bed. Last birth I delivered on all fours, but in the water tub. My first delivery was in the hospital, and I delivered inclined on my back.

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

It is the best feeling in the world. So much relief, so many thoughts of thankfulness... disbelief that I just birthed this baby!!! I am super woman!!

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

Preparations is key. Arm yourself with knowledge so that you do not let fear get in the way of a successful natural birth. Pray for the birth you want, but know that it’s ok if it doesn’t go exactly as planned. Read positive birth stories. Believe in yourself. Look forward to the elation of feeling so powerful and proud of yourself... knowing you did it!