Dina's Glad She Changed Providers at 36 Weeks

Video Interview With Dina

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up the night before to my water leaking. At first, I thought it was urine, so I used the restroom and went back to sleep. I woke up a couple hours later to another gush and that’s when I knew labor was starting.

I labored most of the day at home. I went on a short walk, did curb walking, used the Mama Natural affirmation cards, listened to Christian music and sat on the birthing ball.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I always wanted to experience a natural unmedicated birth, but sometimes negative thoughts used to cloud my head. I kept thinking “what if” scenarios of bad events happening.

Also, other people’s negativity and comments towards natural/unmedicated birth and how difficult it’s going to be and to just “get the epidural” because that’s what they did.

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

Staying educated by reading the Mama Natural book and taking the online course. This allowed me to have the knowledge to make the right decisions which eventually led me to transfer providers at 36 weeks. Also having the Mama Natural Facebook community for support and questions.

I felt like I had to fight to have the natural birth I wanted, so I switched providers at 36 weeks (from an OB to a midwife but from the same hospital) and I’m so glad I did! My OB wanted to induce me at 36 weeks due to low fluids (it was at 8.7) I’m so glad I changed providers when I could. The midwife and nurses were amazing! Everyone was so patient and encouraging. They didn’t rush me and let my body do what it was designed to do. And I didn’t tear, so no stitches were needed!

What surprised you about your birth?

How baby boy came 2 weeks early!
Also, how quickly I dilated. I thought since it’s my first birth, the labor would be longer.
I dilated from 5cm to 10cm within 2 hours.

I was filled with so much joy to finally have baby boy in my arms. It’s a moment I’ll never forget!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The shower!! It instantly took all of my pain away. I was able to talk through my contractions while in the shower.

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

I was filled with so much joy to finally have baby boy in my arms. It’s a moment I’ll never forget!

What did you name your baby, and why?

His name is Jon. It is a tradition in our culture for the first born son to be named after his grandpa from the father’s side. We also love the name as it is a biblical name.

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

Prioritizing proper nutrition and supplementation specific to pregnancy. For example, I ate a lot of protein (100+ g daily).
Pay attention to your thoughts and stay grounded in the truth when negativity hits.

I also drank 1-2 cups of red raspberry leaf tea during the third trimester, ate 6 dates a day starting at 36 weeks, went on 20-minute walks almost daily. I had many fears and doubts throughout my pregnancy like many others. But I stayed focused and kept telling myself that we were designed to do this!!!