Deep Breathing And Listening To Worship Music Helped Brittany During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I was in preterm labor for 2 weeks and was hospitalized at 31 weeks. There were no contractions showing on the monitor so they took me off to wait until closer to term to have my sweet babe. I was in my hospital room on the high risk floor with my hubby. I started having really bad back pain. I tried to get comfortable for over an hour when my husband finally convinced me to tell the nurses. Turns out, I was seven centimeters dilated.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I think the most challenging aspect was the intense pressure and being completely aware of every contraction and not having that awareness fogged by medication. But, that was also the best part of my labor, being intensely aware of every little detail.

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

The most helpful thing that prepared me for childbirth was learning how to breathe and focus. It was also extremely helpful for my husband to be on the same page as me so that he was ready to help me and knew what I might need.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised by how crazy intense transition was, I felt like I was losing my mind! But, my husband helped keep me focused and take deep breaths.

It was the most incredible feeling! As I gazed upon the teeny tiny human on my chest, I was in complete awe of God's handiwork.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Deep breathing and listening to worship music helped me to stay focused and not give in to the pain.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I really wanted to deliver on my hands and knees and I labored a lot in that position, but my son being a preemie, I ended up on my back delivering in the OR.

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

It was the most incredible feeling! As I gazed upon the teeny tiny human on my chest, I was in complete awe of God's handiwork.

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

My advice to them would be to just do it. So many people told me how hard it would be, and it was hard, but after the labor I felt like I could take on the world. It was the most empowering thing I have ever experienced. Take time to talk to your birth partner so they how to help you, practice breathing, have several music playlists that you like prepared. More than anything else, if things don't go as planned, focus on your baby and the beauty of a new life, not how things are different than you imagined.