Drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Helped Katey During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke at 12:15pm but the contractions didn't start until about an hour later.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Telling myself that it will soon be over and will be so worth it.

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

I drank red raspberry leaf tea during my third trimester. I also studied Hypnobabies.

What surprised you about your birth?

My water breaking surprised me because with my first, the midwife broke it during labor. It also surprised me that my body started pushing the baby out involuntarily, without me doing anything. During my first birth, they told me when to push and i pushed for almost an hour and a half.

If you have your mind set on it, it will happen. But the second you doubt yourself, you open up the door for unwanted interventions. There is no reason to doubt your abilities. Your body is far more amazing than I think any one truly realizes!

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I found that controlled breathing really helps, because the more tense you are and the more you fight against the contractions, the worse it become. I also had my mom and/or husband put cool wet wash cloths on my neck and forehead. Rocking my hips back and forth also helped relieve some of the discomfort.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Laying on my back. My body started pushing the baby out while i was sitting up so I laid back on to my back to deliver.

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

Indescribable!!!

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

If you have your mind set on it, it will happen. But the second you doubt yourself, you open up the door for unwanted interventions. There is no reason to doubt your abilities. Your body is far more amazing than I think any one truly realizes!