Birth Stories

Educating Herself About Different Possibilities In Labor and Knowing Their Choices Helped Dana During Her Hospital Birth

  • When did you realize you were really in labor?

    My water broke at 2am but contractions didn't start until 13 hours later after drinking a castor oil cocktail recommended by my midwife (cheers!)
    After drinking the castor oil and using a breast pump for a couple hours, contractions became consistent and I had to lean on my husband and doula to cope. That's when I thought "this is really happening; he'll be here soon!"

  • What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

    I dilated quickly to 8cm and then part of my cervix wouldn't dilate because my son was acynclitic. The position he was in gave me a very strong urge to push, but of course I wasn't allowed to because I wasn't fully dilated. It took 100% of mental focus during every contraction, which were a minute apart for several hours. Thank goodness for my wonderful husband and amazing doula!

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

    I made sure I educated myself about different possibilities in labor and I knew our choices. Even though labor didn't go according to plan, we felt at peace because we knew how to brainstorm with our midwife.

  • What surprised you about your birth?

    I had been nervous about being able to keep a positive mindset if labor was long. From when my water broke to when my son was born was 40 hours. It was a beautiful, positive, spiritual experience and, thanks to my husband and doula, we were all able to stay positive even during the hiccups along the way.

  • Getting to experience the strength and intuition of the female body during labor and birth is incredible. The intense sensations are bringing your baby into the world, don't be afraid to embrace them and see what your body can do!
  • What pain relief strategies worked best?

    I loved standing in the shower with the warm water on my belly and my husband standing behind me for support. I also liked bouncing on a birth ball. Because of my baby's position it wasn't comfortable to labor laying down, on my side, or on all fours, so upright positions were the eaiest to cope in.

  • What position did you end up delivering in?

    Because I ended up needing a small episiotomy (my son was acynclitic, had mild shoulder distocia, and a nuchal cord) I was in a reclined position, but not flat on my back.

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

    It was the most beautiful moment of my life. To finally meet this tiny person who I had talked to, sang to, prayed for, celebrated over, cried happy tears over, and dreamed with my husband over was absolutely surreal. My husband and I both wept tears of joy and I'll never forget how my heart felt in that moment!

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

    Getting to experience the strength and intuition of the female body during labor and birth is incredible. The intense sensations are bringing your baby into the world, don't be afraid to embrace them and see what your body can do!

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