Exercising And Eating Healthy Prepared Her Body And Her Baby Which Helped Hannah Achieve Home Water Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I woke up with painful menstrual cramps. They were consistent and after about an hour felt like a wave, coming on, peaking and then disappearing. They were about 5-7 minutes a part so I knew I was having contractions and labor had started.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The pain. My contractions were hard and fast from the beginning and I endured them for almost 21 hours. The pain was so difficult to push through and I made slow progress for my first 5 centimeters. It was difficult to labor for so long with such intense contractions.

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

I ate healthy and exercised. I think these prepared my body and baby for a healthy home birth. I also dealt with any fear I had around having a home birth so that when I went into labor I was confident about having a home birth and was not afraid that anything would go wrong. Without fear I was able to have peace and focus on my labor.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was surprised how quickly my contractions came on and how intense the pain was. I didn't have an "early labor" stage. My contractions were 5-7 minutes from the beginning.

It felt surreal and a bit overwhelming. I was so relieved the pain was over it took me some moments to really focus on my baby. It felt amazing to hold her outside of my body and see what she looked like.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Laboring in the birth tub was the best pain relief and on the birth ball leaning back against my partner.

What position did you end up delivering in?

I delivered on my bottom with my knees up in the birth tub.

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

It felt surreal and a bit overwhelming. I was so relieved the pain was over it took me some moments to really focus on my baby. It felt amazing to hold her outside of my body and see what she looked like.

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

I advise taking good care of yourself (eating healthy and exercising during pregnancy) and having a good team to support you while giving birth. My husband was there for every contraction and my aunt really coached me during the final stage and while I pushed. Her coaching made all the difference in helping me focus and do what needed to be done to birth my baby.