Educating Herself, Chiropractic Adjustments And Daily Breathing Practice Helped Celia Mei Achieve Her First Home Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

After nearly a month of prodromal labor I realized I was finally really in labor when the contractions kept me up all night, lying down made them hurt more, and they were gaining intensity.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

Giving birth at home made labor so wonderful because I could eat and move around as I wished. I wasn’t hooked up to any machines and didn’t even have my cervix checked. The challenge was, of course, coping with extremely intense labor pains.

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

The 3 most helpful things I did to prepare were: educating myself on the physiology of natural birth, getting regular chiropractic adjustments, and having a daily breathing practice.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised that I was in early labor for a night and a day and then suddenly I switched to active labor and gave birth 3 hours labor. I thought it would have taken much longer. I’m also just in awe that my body could actually push a baby out!

Give birth at home. And if you can’t, set up your hospital room to be as homey as possible. Make sure you have a supportive and intuitive Birth team. Educate and advocate for yourself. Know that you can do it and you will get through it.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

I didn’t even end up calling the Doula! In early labor my partner would massage my back during contractions or I’d waffle around the house while focusing on my breath. But in active labor I just needed to go within and didn’t want to be touched or talked to. Being in the shower was helpful but what really got me through was swaying, moaning, and focusing on deep breathing.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I pushed my little one out on hands and knees on the floor next to my bed!

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

I was in total shock to actually hold the little being I grew in my belly.

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

Give birth at home. And if you can’t, set up your hospital room to be as homey as possible. Make sure you have a supportive and intuitive Birth team. Educate and advocate for yourself. Know that you can do it and you will get through it.