Counter Pressure and Massage Helped Heidi During Her Labor

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been going in and out of preterm labor for weeks and they kept having to stop it. When I was 37 weeks I was again having contractions but with diarrhea and some light bleeding I tried to take a bath and lay down but they continued so I called the birth center. I didn't believe I was in labor until they checked me and said I was at 6cm and that they wouldn't send me home this time.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Transition. I knew that pushing would feel better but from 8-10cm every contraction I had to just repeat my mantra "I can do this" over and over. I was quite vocal which helped and I needed everyone to be quiet while I concentrated.

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

I did a lot of things, watched the Business of Being Born, read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, had a doula, and went to multiple birth classes but the thing I found the most helpful was reading every birth story and listening to every birth story I could get my hands on whether it was "positive" or not, natural or not. Hearing as many birth stories as possible made me feel like I had a good grasp of any possibility and know exactly what I wanted at any turn.

What surprised you about your birth?

How much I enjoyed it. Birth was by far my favorite part of pregnancy. The oxytocin high after birth was incredible and made me wish I could do it a million times. As soon as she was born all pain ended and I just wanted to do it again. I'm pregnant now and really looking forward to labor!

Birth was by far my favorite part of pregnancy. The oxytocin high after birth was incredible and made me wish I could do it a million times.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I tried different things at different points. Counter pressure and massage in early labor, the birth ball in transition, and water for pushing. I'd say the tub was the most effective as well as getting into a rhythm. I'd bounce on the ball, stare at a focal point and just repeat "I can do this" over and over for an entire contraction.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Sitting up as much as you can in a tub with my husband holding me up so I didn't float off.

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

So incredibly relieving. This was my rainbow baby and hearing her cry for the first time was the best sound I can describe. She screamed so loud and for so long and I just sang to her and couldn't believe she was here. I felt like I had climbed Everest in flip flops and at the end was everything I could ever want in the world.

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

Read and listen to as many birth stories as you can. I'd also really recommend Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.

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

Birth was by far my favorite part of pregnancy. The oxytocin high after birth was incredible and made me wish I could do it a million times.