Chiropractic Care Helped Roxanna During Her Natural Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke around 10pm two nights before my baby was born. After my water broke I was having contractions through the night but they weren't strong and my midwife told me to sleep if I could, so I went back to sleep. I didn't have any more contractions the rest of the day and they didn't start again till 10pm the next night. This time they were much stronger and I knew it was the real deal.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I was very scared going into this birth because I had a previous home birth with my first that was over 30 hours. Even though the experience was positive, the thought of having another long labor worried me. The most challenging thing is clearing your mind of any negative experiences whether yours or stories you have heard along the way. People always want to share their horror stories for some reason!

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

I started chiropractic care at around 20 weeks and I feel that was really helpful. I also would walk at least 30 minutes a day 3-4 times a week and listen to worship music and imagine a smooth and fast labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was very surprised that I didn't have my baby till two days after my water broke. I thought that when my water broke since it was my second baby it would happen much faster.

However once the contractions picked up and they were strong it was only an 8 hour labor from start to finish compared to my first 30+ hr labor. I was also suprised by how fast the baby came out. It was less than 10 minutes and only 4 pushes! My first I pushed for 2 hours!

The most challenging thing is clearing your mind of any negative experiences whether yours or stories you have heard along the way. People always want to share their horror stories for some reason!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Definitely the birth pool. The warm water just relaxes your muscles in between contractions. Although I tried to labor in different places , like the toilet or the bed I always wanted to go back to the warm water.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered in the birth pool reclined against the tub with my legs up.

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

Sweet relief! I was so proud of myself and in awe that I had done it again! It was instant love all over again and it's just the most euphoric, emotional feeling ever!

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

That even if you are scared you can do it! No matter what scary stories you have heard it won't happen to you. Your body and baby will work together and just know what to do. There is no feeling in the world compared to meeting your baby for the first time and knowing that you accomplished something amazing together. I believe it bonds you and baby like nothing else can!