Deep Meditation Helped Crystal During Her Labor

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I rolled over in the mornings after a long night of Braxton Hicks contractions and realized my water had broke. It felt like a warm cup of tea had been poured over my leg. I went to the bathroom and laughed because the liquid just kept coming. I was glad I had some very stylish depends to wear. I didn't have any contractions at all. I tried to get some rest and waited a while before heading to the hospital. We had to take a ferry to Seattle and while waiting for the ferry, 5 hours after my water broke, was when I started contractions.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I felt I had to fight for my right to have a natural unmedicated birth. I had multiple large fibroids which made me high risk. I wasn't able to have a home birth or a midwife. It took me a while to find the right doctor who was supportive of my decision. I also had a fantastic nurse. The hardest part about giving birth was afterwards. I had mediated during the birth and my baby was in my arms. In my mind I had reached the finish line. My baby came so quickly that I tore and had some retained fragments of my placenta that had to be taken care of. I was not as meditative but I was able to look into my son's eyes and it was so worth it.

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

The most helpful thing for me was meditation. When I was laboring I went into deep meditation and it helped me make it through. I was able to relax and let my body do its work. I had a kind of out of body experience. I was so glad I had a meditation practice before laboring.

What surprised you about your birth?

How easy it really was. Now, it was the most difficult thing I think I've done but it was also really easy when I allowed myself to relax. I also thought I would have to be more defensive in a hospital that does more than the average amount of c-sections/medicated births, but everything went so smoothly and everyone on my team was supportive.

Looking into my son's eyes and feeling him outside of my body was the most amazing thing in the world. The happiest moment in my life.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Meditation and the warm bath. I also moved in many different positions to find what felt best.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I was laying on my back with my husband behind me. We used a woven wrap on the bar across the bed. When I had a contraction I would pull myself up into a squaring position. I delivered like this.

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

Looking into my son's eyes and feeling him outside of my body was the most amazing thing in the world. I really can't explain it but it was pure joy. The happiest moment in my life.

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

Find a good support team! I had my husband and a doula that were very helpful. I also had a great doctor who was very supportive of my decision to have a natural birth. That was key for me.