Eating Better and Exercising More Helped Miriam During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been in pre-labor for days and contractions would come and go from the start of week 39 until 40.4 weeks. So at 40.4 I finally started getting hard enough contractions to make me think baby was coming soon(ish). We dropped off our son with my sister, went to the grocery store to pass some time and grab some coconut water before heading home to labor a little longer. Around 11pm my contractions slowed down and we decided to get some rest. My husband slept, while I was in and out of sleep having contractions. At 3am I woke up to my biggest contraction yet, waited for two more contractions to come and told hubby that we had to head to the hospital right that second! We checked in at 4am, my water broke at 4:50am and after 20 minutes of pushing my sweet girl was born! And I got to have my successful VBAC delivery!

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

1. Going over my due date for the second time was very stressful. I was afraid of having a baby that was too big again. But I knew that my best chance of having a successful VBAC depended on my body going into labor as naturally as possible.

2. As soon as we got to the hospital, all I wanted was relief from the pain. Thankfully baby came too fast to actually explore that option but looking back I was so glad my husband told me to labor at home as long as possible.

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

I ate better and exercised more for this pregnancy. Near the end of the pregnancy I bounced on a stability ball like my life depended on it!

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised that my baby came so fast once I got to the hospital. In triage I was 6cm and 20 minutes later I was fully dilated and ready to push. My body knew just what to do!

It's not easy going natural but the feeling afterward knowing that you did the best you could for your health and the health of your newborn is priceless.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

1. I jumped in the shower a couple times
2. I had my husband squeeze my hips together during contractions.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I ended up delivering baby on my back in bed.

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

I was extremely excited and proud when the midwife told me to pull the baby out and place her on my chest! I didn't get to experience anything even close to this with my C-section the first time.

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

It's not easy going natural but the feeling afterward knowing that you did the best you could for your health and the health of your newborn is priceless.