Completing Mama Natural Classes Helped Kelly Achieve Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I am a very deep sleeper so when I woke up to contractions at 5 AM I knew they had to be the real deal.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Mentally, the most challenging part for me was staying focused. I was in labor for 11 hours and it was hard to not look at the clock. Physically, the most challenging part was forcing myself to change positions. I was only comfortable sitting in the shower or edge of the bed for most of my labor so when I wasn't dilating past 7cm I knew I had to try something different. I ended up kneeling on the hospital bed for the last 3cm.

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

To prepare for my birth I saw a chiropractor at least once a week (since 27 weeks), stayed active, read birth stories, watched birth videos, completed the Mama Natural classes, and hired a doula.

What surprised you about your birth?

I thought I would be bouncing on a birth ball listening to my birth playlist while my husband and doula rubbed my back. As soon as we got to the hospital I didn't want to talk, listen to music, or have anyone touch me. I could only focus on my breathing and contractions with my eyes closed.

The Mama Natural Birth Class made me feel prepared for all of the choices I had to make for the birth I wanted. The classes were a great way for my husband and I to learn together on our own schedule.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I was hoping to use a tub in the hospital but when we got there they informed us that all of the tubs were broken. I was disappointed but my doula quickly suggested the shower as an alternative. I sat in the shower with my eyes closed for most of my labor. Moaning through contractions and focusing on my breathing helped me stay in tune with my body. I was in labor for 11 hours and by the time I reached transition I was so in the zone I hardly noticed.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was kneeling on the hospital bed when I started pushing but my doctor made me filp to my back when the baby's heart rate dropped. I only pushed for 10 minutes!

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

It was the best feeling in the world. When I saw him for the first time it was like we had always known each other and were finally reunited. The feeling of his warm body on mine for the first time is a feeling I will never forget.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

The Mama Natural Birth Class made me feel prepared for all of the choices I had to make for the birth I wanted. The classes were a great way for my husband and I to learn together on our own schedule.