Deep, Long, Slow, Focused Breathing Helped Brittany in Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

In the morning at my OB appt. My doc did a second membrane sweep. I was 39weeks and dilated at a 3+. About 3:00pm I started to feel mild contractions, went about my day, picked up my daughter from daycare, took a few walks. The contractions stayed consistent and around dinner time started to get a little stronger and closer together. We decided to go to the hospital to get checked. By the time they checked me around 8pm the contractions really picked up, stronger and closer together, and then I knew this was it.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The doubt that others thought I couldn't do it and was crazy, even my OB wasn't confident. I really ignored everyone and it gave my motivation to prove them wrong.
My labor got challenging at about 8cm when they broke my water. Up until that point I was doing really well managing the pain. After they broke my water my contractions intensified, I must told myself to let my body take over and that my baby would be here really soon!

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

Read as much as I could on natural childbirth. I read a lot of birth stories on this site, mamanatural. I fully committed to having a natural birth, and got my mom and husband to support me since they would be in the room with me. I often visualized and focused on how my labor would go, and that practice really seemed to help.

What surprised you about your birth?

How fast I dilated the last 2cm, and how quick baby came. I only pushed twice, and I felt like I wasn't doing any of the work, my body naturally took over, I didn't have control over it. It was simply amazing.

Know that YOU CAN DO IT! Do your research and get support from whoever will be in the room with you.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

BREATHING!!!!! deep, long, slow, focused breaths. I would often count in my head to 10 as I breathed in and out. It also REALLY helped to hum/moan as I exhaled. and relax as much as possible in between contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back with legs up in stirrups.

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

Amazing!

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

Know that YOU CAN DO IT! Do your research and get support from whoever will be in the room with you.