Christina's Favorite Birthing Position Was Not the Best For Labor

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke at around 3 AM. I wasn't sure at that point if it was "time" or if I had actually just wet myself, so I tried to go back to bed to wait until morning. Couldn't go back to sleep because contractions started coming every 5 minutes for the next half hour, so decided to wake up my partner and make the trip to the hospital.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The midwife told me to try and sleep in-between contractions, which was nearly impossible as they were 3 minutes apart by the time I got to the hospital.

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

I read a great book called "Die Hebammen-Sprechstunde" ("A Consultation with a Midwife") by Ingeborg Stadelmann, watched videos of natural births. The documentaries "the Business of Being Born" and "Pregnant in America" were also interesting although I live in Austria.

What surprised you about your birth?

I thought I would want my partner to be more present and involved in the birthing process, but during labour I actually told him to leave me alone and to stop trying to hold my hand or hug me. I also thought I would feel more in control of my body by going natural, but I felt more like I was simply being carried along for the ride.

I also thought I would feel more in control of my body by going natural, but I felt more like I was simply being carried along for the ride.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Different positions were the best pain relief for me. Unfortunately, the position that alleviated the pain the most for me (head down, bum in the air) was apparently very unhelpful to the process of labour, so the midwife didn't allow me to stay in it for very long.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Flat on my back, with the help of the vacuum because I was losing my strength to push.

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

Surreal.

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

Definitely do birthing courses and have a consultation (or several) with a midwife beforehand. Looking back, taking a pregnancy yoga class might have been helpful as well to help strengthen my core. Also, it's good to have a plan, but don't be disappointed if not everything goes according to it! The end result, the moment you have your baby safe in your arms, is the goal - not how it's done! Good luck mamas!