Creating Birth Affirmation Board, Eating Dates And Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Helped Lauren Achieve Birth Center Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been having intermittent contractions earlier that day, but they stopped. That night, I laid down for two hours, when 10:00 PM came, I had my first unmistakeable real contraction. I timed it and had four that hour. I knew it was time to call the midwife!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Transition. This was my second birth, so I knew how challenging transition could be; even though I tried to prepare for it mentally, it was still the biggest hurdle. I never thought about giving up, I just had to keep working through it.

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

I created a birth affirmation board with positive and encouraging quotes. I also included a picture of my first son and an ultrasound picture! Also, eating dates and drinking red raspberry leaf tea seemed to speed up my labor, since I was at 6cm when we checked into the birth center.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was concerned that I'd be pushing for a long time; but I listened to my body and knew when it was time to bear down. I could feel everything and it made the experience all the more powerful.

You can forever use your natural birth experience as a source of encouragement and hope in your own strength. God created your body to bear children, you just have to believe it!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing. Vocalizing. Affirmation board. Taking a warm bath. I also couldn't have done it without the loving support of my husband!

What position did you end up delivering in?

Side lying, holding one leg back.

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

Amazing. It meant so much to have immediate skin to skin and to see baby's resemblance from my first son! Our life felt complete for the second time; it's like a part of our heart, we didn't know was there, filled up with unconditional love and joy. This is how life was supposed to be all along!

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

You can do it! Don't think about it too much, just commit to it and believe in yourself. You can forever use your natural birth experience as a source of encouragement and hope in your own strength. God created your body to bear children, you just have to believe it!