Breathing Deeply And Visualizing Helped Ashli During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up at 1:30 am, Monday October 16th, with intense contractions and I just knew I was in labor.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I was not planning on going natural. To be honest I didn't think I could do it. I progressed so fast this time and in fact the anesthesiologist walked into the room to administer the epidural when I realized I needed to push. I was terrified of pushing without the epidural and it was the hardest part but it was in going through it all that i realized I could do it naturally.

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

With my 1st pregnancy I fought every contraction and I knew it made it more painful so this time I took a different mindset going in to prepare myself for the contractions. I prayed a lot and I worked on what I would visualize when I had contractions.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how well I was able to handle the contractions and how quickly everything went. I was in labor for a total of 5 hours.

It was just pure love. I had waited the past nine months in anticipation of this moment.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

For the contraction breathing deeply worked really well for me And I also visualized a peaceful place and I visualized Jesus being in the
room with me.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on my back.

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

It was just pure love. I had waited the past nine months in anticipation of this moment.

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

I would tell any mama that they can do it. You were made for this!