Creating Mental Toughness Helped Melissa During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been having prodromal labor for about a week before labor really started. I woke up on Friday morning around 2:30 and was hoping this was the real deal as I was 5 days past due. I tried to do what they teach in class and go back to sleep, but I was too excited. I went into the living room to relax on the birth ball. By 4:00 AM contractions were about 10 minutes apart and lasting 45 seconds each. I waited until 6:00 AM to wake my husband in case contractions stalled and he had to go in to work that day!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The most challenging thing for me was not having the birth I originally had planned. My labor progressed beautifully and quickly until we reached the pushing phase. At the point I was fully dilated and ready to push, my baby was posterior. And we were unable to get her to rotate. She was wedged at station 0 with a caput formed to +3 station. Her head was visible! After 5+ hours of pushing, the midwives at the birth center decided it was time to transfer to the hospital. I was heart broken for a long while afterward, but in the end I am so happy I have a healthy, happy baby and mama.

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

I tried to prepare mentally by exercising to create mental toughness. I knew I would need the extra mental endurance to get through the rigors of labor. I also attended a child birth class with my husband. He really got in to practicing comfort measures with me and ended up being a great support throughout the whole process.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised at how manageable contractions were with use of relaxation techniques and envisioning the prize (my baby) at the end of everything. I really surprised myself with how mentally prepared I really was. Even though I didn't have the birth for which I planned and it wasn't what I envisioned, it was still a very positive birth experience because of the wonderful support team I had.

It is so surreal to go through the whole process of pregnancy and labor and finally have your tiny little human in your arms.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I was having bad back labor because of my posterior baby so counter pressure and hip squeeze really helped to lessen the discomfort.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering via cesarean because the physician at the hospital to which I was transferred did not think a vacuum assist would work.

Prior to transferring to the hospital, we tried every position we could think of for pushing: hands and knees, forward lunge on the bed, on my back, squatting on a stool, squatting supported, standing, leaning forward on the toilet, with my feet to my head... and more I can't recall, I'm sure.

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

It was such a relief to hold my baby. I was in shock and wonder because we waited to find out the sex until she was here. It is so surreal to go through the whole process of pregnancy and labor and finally have your tiny little human in your arms. We all were convinced I was having a boy the whole pregnancy, so to have a girl was a huge surprise. Plus, she had this full head of jet black hair... my husband and I were both expecting a bald/blonde baby.

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

I really appreciated being able to review the course on my own time, as my husband and I wanted to do it together and we had inflexible schedules. I felt very informed and empowered with knowledge throughout my pregnancy and during the labor process. My husband and I were well educated and able to support our decision for an un-medicated, out-of-hospital birth in the midst of many nay-sayers.