Chiropractic Work in Pregnancy Helped Naomi During Her Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I realized I was in labor when my husband started keeping track of contractions. He noticed that they were starting to follow a rhythm. We were on our way to IKEA with our older two; I had a few contractions in the car. I had just talked with the birth center about picking up some homeopathic aids for natural induction. When my midwife called me back, she asked how things were and I realized that my body was finally getting started. But contractions were only 10 min apart and not strong. She urged us to come home. We live close by our birth center. I'm glad we took her advice because labor progressed quickly!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Trusting your gut and natural instincts can be challenging; remembering that we were designed to labor without a lot of "extra" assistance is also challenging. It's not the pain. Labor is painful/uncomfortable, but part of me really likes that. I love the surges--I'm weird! It helps me feel like my body is doing productive/good work! We just need to listen to our body and it will give us terrific cues about what's going on. Having a supportive birthing team I think is essential.

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

With our first, we took the Bradley Method class. It was so helpful but definitely not enough. My first labor was long--over 2 days. And I was still able to do it naturally and without intervention, but it was long, painful and exhausting.

I did things differently the 2nd and 3rd time: I still loved and utilized all the skills we learned during our Bradley class. I regularly participated in prenatal yoga and I also saw a chiropractor weekly during both pregnancies. Chiropractic work in pregnancy makes a world of difference! It really helps the baby find a good position.

What surprised you about your birth?

How short it was and how easy it was. We got to the birth center at 8:00 pm and our babe was born at 11:30pm. I was in the water and could feel my babe at my cervix and had been breathing through a couple of strong contractions. My body was getting ready to push. I asked my midwife to apply some counter pressure for when I started to push. She said she would when she could see the head and she put on some gloves. During my next contraction, my body felt the urge to push and my babe came out all at once! The midwife caught him just in time as he entered the water! It was incredible! We were all surprised!

You can do it! You were made to do it! It's work. Hard work, but it's incredibly rewarding. The pain is but a moment.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I am all about laboring on all fours! I love leaning and rolling on a birth ball, or standing and leaning onto a bed and swaying my hips and squatting during contractions. I love the relief hip squeezes provide and rubbing my lower back. I save water for towards the end, but seriously: WATER BIRTH!!! It is amazing and feels so good. It helps my body relax and alleviates so much of the discomfort. Good music, dancing, dark rooms, laughter and jokes.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up laying and leaning back in the tub. It felt good to me and I knew I would be able to control the pushing a little bit better. Who knew I would hardly have to push at all. I was able to rest my legs against the side of the tub and my husband rubbed my neck and shoulders.

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

There's really nothing like holding that soft sweet goodness for the first time. The disbelief that it's over and you're holding that incredible life in your arms while he's still connected to you.

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

You can do it! You were made to do it! It's work. Hard work, but it's incredibly rewarding. The pain is but a moment. Do a class that is geared towards the goal of natural childbirth. Do make the time for prenatal yoga. Do find a chiropractor and get adjusted regularly!! Also, read or listen to empowering birth stories of women who have gone before you! Ina May Gaskin's Stories from the Farm or listen to the podcasts from The Birth Hour! Both so good and encouraging!