Constantly Affirming Herself And Practicing Relaxation Techniques Helped Molly During Her Natural Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

It wasn’t until we were already on the way to the hospital that I realized I was REALLY in labor. That might sound strange, but with my first I had a precipitous birth (my entire labor/delivery lasted a little over 2 hours) and I didn’t have any of the tell tale signs that I was in labor. I was VERY nervous about having my second child, as my first birth was so quick and I didn’t realize what was happening. So when I woke up at 1 AM at 41 weeks with a cramp, I didn’t want to wait around and find out if it was truly labor. My husband and I called our midwife and let her know we were heading to the hospital, and on the way I timed my “cramps.” It turns out they were 6 minutes apart, and that’s when I realized I was really in labor.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Transition for sure! I was actually doing great until about 8cm when my midwife asked if I wanted her to break my water. Once she did that things started to get intense. Fortunately I wasn’t as anxious as I was with my first delivery, so I was able to stay in control and somewhat manage contractions.

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

It was hard to eliminate the fear that surrounded my first birth, but I was able to do that by constantly affirming myself and practicing some of the relaxation techniques I had planned on using during my first delivery. Going back and really remembering what I loved about natural child birth and constantly reminding myself of that helped as well.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how much I was able to handle, both physically and mentally. With my first birth I wasn’t in control at all because of how fast things happened. This time around things happened gradually and I was able to stay in control. I was surprised by how well I was able to manage contractions and transition.

I signed up for the class to help remove some of the fear that was surrounding me giving birth and to remind myself of why I wanted a natural child birth in the first place.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing, laboring in the tub, and nitrous oxide! Removing any doubt/fear from my mind also helped with pain. Once I wasn’t afraid I felt like I could do anything.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was on my knees, which wasn't what I wanted but in the end it worked out, because my son wasn’t positioned correctly and his shoulders got stuck on the way out. I could tell something was wrong as I started to push. Later my nurse told me that had I been on my back (the way that I started) the delivery would have been way more difficult for me.

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

It was such a relief to know he was out and safe and healthy!

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

I already knew nearly everything that the mama natural birth class teaches. I signed up for the class to help remove some of the fear that was surrounding me giving birth and to remind myself of why I wanted a natural child birth in the first place. Listening to people talk about natural child birth reaffirmed my decision and helped remove that fear.