Chiropractic Care, Dates, Red Raspberry Leaf Tea and Exercise Helped Emily During Her Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

At ten days overdue, I had taken castor oil (at my midwife’s suggestion) to try and jump-start my labor. About thirty minutes into my second dose, I told my husband I thought it was actually labor and fifteen minutes later, we were calling our doulas for back up.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

It felt like such a mental game for me. I knew my body could do it, but my mind wandered so easily. My birth team was amazing at affirming me and reminding me that I was created for this and that God was with me in this. My husband asked throughout labor what I was thinking and what was happening in my head, which allowed me space to verbally process if anything mental was holding me back. It was definitely a challenge to fight negative thoughts.

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

This was my second pregnancy, and I did a lot of things differently. I had regular chiropractic care, ate six dates a day for the last six weeks, drank so much raspberry leaf tea, exercised and ate whole foods throughout pregnancy, the list goes on. Physically I was in a much better place going into this birth. Emotionally and mentally, I did a lot of processing with my husband about how I wanted things to go and spent a ton of time praying about what God had in store for me and for our baby with this birth. I also had a fantastic birth team and midwife who regularly checked in and asked about how I was.

What surprised you about your birth?

It went so fast! From the time I admitted I was in labor until the time she was born, it was only five hours. I totally credit this to the dates and the red raspberry leaf tea. My body was so ready for my baby to come, it’s just needed a little jump start to get things going.

It was incredible! Such a relief to have her in my arms instead of in my belly. It was so magical to see her little face and her eyes lock with mine.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I really focused on relaxing my whole body during each contraction. Vocalizing through them, keeping my mouth loose and open, was also helpful. I told myself that I was feeling pressure, not pain, and that was huge for me mentally.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Squatting

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

It was incredible! Such a relief to have her in my arms instead of in my belly. It was so magical to see her little face and her eyes lock with mine.

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

You can absolutely do it! Finding an amazing care provider that you click with and a doula (or two!) to have extra support for you and your partner throughout the pregnancy and labor process are so beneficial.